Perisher Wallaby-grass - profile

Indicative distribution

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Key:

known

predicted

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: Rytidosperma vickeryae

Conservation status in NSW: Endangered

Commonwealth status: Not listed

Gazetted date: 31 Jul 2009

Profile last updated: 17 Aug 2018

Description

Perisher Wallaby-grass is a small perennial grass to 0.3 m high, with tufts of leaves at intervals along an underground stem (rhizome). Its leaf blades are about 2 mm wide and become folded with time. The delicate inflorescence (to 4 cm long) is distinctive amongst alpine wallaby-grasses in having widely-spreading flowering branches.

Distribution

Perisher Wallaby-grass is restricted to Kosciuszko National Park. It has been recorded in the Perisher valley and nearby creeks that drain into the Snowy River. An outlying population has been recorded at Happy Jacks Plain.

Habitat and ecology

Commonly grows in Sphagnum moss in montane peatland communities or along stream edges.

Regional distribution and habitat

Click on a region below to view detailed distribution, habitat and vegetation information.

Australian Alps

Threats

Damage to wetland habitat associated with development or tourist use.
Drying of wetland habitat resulting from climate change - snowfall is predicted to decline in coming decades
Known populations at risk due to possible impacts of climate change.
Habitat destruction from feral deer accessing the swamp. Deer wallow and trample the substrate (peat), create pools and destroy individuals. Likely to have increasing impact.
Emerging competition for space and resources from various weeds, particularly exotic perennial grasses

Recovery strategies

Priority actions are the specific, practical things that must be done to recover a threatened species, population or ecological community. The Office of Environment and Heritage has identified 3 priority actions to help recover the Perisher Wallaby-grass in New South Wales.

Activities to assist this species

Ensure that species is adequately considered in environmental impact assessments
Prevent trampling and vehicular movement into know populations with barriers

Information sources

Linder HP (1999) Rytidosperma vickeryae - a new danthonioid grass from Kosciuszko (New South Wales, Australia): morphology, phylogeny and biogeography. Australian Systematic Botany 12: 743-755.

IBRA Bioregion	IBRA Subregion	Known or predicted	Geographic restrictions region

Australian Alps

Snowy Mountains

Known

None

Images

Betts Creek, Perisher Wallaby Grass Image 1 of 2.
View slideshow.

Related information

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