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.
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click here to see geographic restrictions).
The information presented in this map is only indicative and may contain errors and omissions.
Scientific name: Nitella parooensis
Gazetted date:
30 Nov 2018
Profile last updated:
22 May 2024
Description
Nitella parooensis is a rooted, short lived annual charaphye (algae) to 10 cm high. Like the closely related N. partita it is green and superficially similar to a submerged flowing plant, with flexible stems and whorls of branch-like structures that carry the reproductive organs. It has internodes to 3 cm long and 0.4 mm wide. Branchlets to 3 cm in whorls of 5-7 at the axis of the node. Fertile parts are without mucus and N. parooensis has unique oospores that appear twisted.
Distribution
First described in 2013, N.parooensis is Endemic to NSW, existing in a very small range (~8 km2) in the claypan wetlands of North Western NSW. It is currently known to occur in three small temporary freshwater wetlands within the Paroo River Catchment in the Nocoleche Nature Reserve. Searches have been conducted within the Nocoleche Nature Reserve and in similar freshwater wetland habitats in north western NSW and southern QLD but no further occurrences have been located. N. parooensis is very uncommon at the three sites where it is currently known, with only scattered individuals seen.
Habitat and ecology
- The largest site where N. paroonesis is known to occur is a temporary lignum swamp on the edge of a floodplain that fills either after minor flooding of the river or from local runoff. It occurs on heavy grey cracking clay and is fringed by Eucalyptus ochrophloia (Yapunyah) and E. largiflorens (Black box) with an understorey of Duma florulenta (Lignum) and Acacia stenophylla (River Coobah). Herbaceous species include Eleocharis plana, Marsilea spp., Alternanthera denticulata, Cyperus gilesii, Aponogeton queenslandicus and Eragrostis australasicus. Submerged species include the charophytes Chara braunii, Nitella sonderi and Nitella cristata.
- The other sites are shallow temporary wetlands adjacent to the floodplain on red clay substrate. The wetlands fill from local runoff after heavy rain.
- Often found in water so turbid the plant cannot be visually located.
- Apparently capable of rapid growth and may be short lived.
- Sexual propagules (oospores) can survive prolonged desiccation, remaining dormant in the soil until water is available.
- Waterbirds are likely to play an important role in the dispersal of propagules.
Regional distribution and habitat
Click on a region below to view detailed distribution, habitat and vegetation information.
Threats
- Reduced flooding due to alteration of river flows may reduce habitat availability.
- Climate change has the potential to alter rainfall patterns and river flows and reduce habitat availability and persistence.
- Weed species are not currently recorded from the wetlands containing N. parooensis however Rumex crispus (curled dock), Heliotropium curassavicum (smooth heliotrope), Polypogon monspeliensis (annual beardgrass), Carthamus lanatus (saffton thistle) and Xanthium occidentale (noogoora burr) are present in similar habitats in the Nocoleche Nature Reserve.
- Nutrient enrichment and digging from pest species, primarily pigs but also goats, cattle & sheep may degrade habitat.
- Reduced abundance of primary dispersal vector (waterbirds)
- Insufficient understanding of distribution for targeted and effective management. Nitella parooensis is possibly widespread but sparse within a large area.
- Insufficient understanding of species ecology including its reproductive biology, dispersal, life history and habitat to understand how populations function and respond to environmental conditions.
- Insufficient understanding of threatening processes particularly the impact of hydrological changes, pests, weeds, invertebrate grazing and climate change on the species.
Recovery strategies
A Saving Our Species conservation project is currently being developed for this species and will be available soon. For information on how you can contribute to this species' recovery, see the Activities to assist this species section below.
Activities to assist this species
- Undertake appropriate weed control activities when necessary.
- Conduct further survey at appropriate times.
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