Indicative distribution
The areas shown in pink and/purple are the sub-regions where the species or community is known or predicted to occur. They may not occur thoughout the sub-region but may be restricted to certain areas.
(
click here to see geographic restrictions).
The information presented in this map is only indicative and may contain errors and omissions.
Scientific name: Polystichum moorei
Gazetted date:
01 Nov 2002
Profile last updated:
19 Mar 2018
Description
A small, hardy fern that grows on rocks. It has tough, leathery fronds that are crowded together and form a flattish, spreading crown. It has a short, creeping stem which is densely covered in brown, hair-like scales, as are the stems of the fronds. The divided frond is 10 - 25 cm long by 7 - 14 cm wide. The 1.5 - 2 mm wide spore cases are roughly dome-shaped.
Distribution
Rock Shield Fern is only found in the southern part of Lord Howe Island, mostly in the mountains, with one population close to the beach.
Habitat and ecology
- Rock Shield Fern grows on rocks in overhanging caves on basalt cliffs and on coral-derived sedimentary rock.
- Fewer than 30 mature plants are currently known from five locations.
Regional distribution and habitat
Click on a region below to view detailed distribution, habitat and vegetation information.
Threats
- Risk of extinction due to small population size.
- Weed invasion.
- Climate change and the resulting decreased rainfall in recent years, particularly in autumn and winter, in the areas where this species has been recorded is likely to have had an adverse impact on this species which is dependent on seepage areas remaining moist.
- Potential collection.
- Extended dry periods rendering habitat unsuitable
- Collect genetic material for ex-situ propagation.
Recovery strategies
A targeted strategy for managing this species has been developed under the Saving Our Species program; click
here for details. For more information on the Saving Our Species program click
here
Activities to assist this species
- Establish ex-situ collections in the event of local extinctions.
- Assist with weed control programs on Lord Howe Island.
- Establish monitoring sites to enable early detection of impacts of climate change on Lord Howe Island.
- Support climate change initiatives.
- Study and monitor populations to determine this plant's biology.
Information sources
- Green, P.S. (1994) Flora of Australia. Volume 49 Oceanic Islands 1. (Australian Government Press Service, Canberra)
- Hutton, I. (2001) Rare plant surveys Lord Howe Island. Report prepared for the NSW Scientific Committee, Sydney.
- NSW Department of Environment and Climate Change (NSW) (2007) Lord Howe Island Biodiversity Management Plan
- NSW Scientific Committee (2002) Polystichum moorei (a fern) - Endangered species determination - final. DEC (NSW), Sydney.
- Oliver, W. (1917) Transactions and Proceedings of the New Zealand Institute 49: 120
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