Capparis canescens (a small tree) - endangered species listing

The Scientific Committee, established by the Threatened Species Conservation Act, has made a Final Determination to list the small tree, Capparis canescens Banks ex DC., as an ENDANGERED species in Part 1 of Schedule 1 of the Act. Listing of endangered species is provided for by Part 2 of the Act.

NSW Scientific Committee - final determination

The Scientific Committee has found that:

1. Capparis canescens is a small tree in the family Capparaceae. The following description is taken from Stanley & Ross (1983): "Small tree, indumentum of very dense short appressed hairs, more or less thorny. Mature leaves with petioles 1.75-4cm long; blades more or less elliptic, ovate or broadly ovate, apex acute to obtuse, sometimes mucronate, base cuneate to obtuse, 4.5-10cm x 2.5-6cm. Flowers up to 4 together, usually axillary, on peduncles 3-9.5cm long, buds prominently 4-ridged; petals white, sometimes pink-tinged,  ca3cm long. Fruits more or less globose, 2.5-7.5 cm diameter, on stipes 6-9 cm long."

2. Capparis canescens occurs in Queensland and has been recently confirmed as occurring on the north western slopes of NSW.

3. In NSW, Capparis canescens was known from a single population about 10 km east of the Bruxner Highway turnoff to Texas (Queensland), about 20 km NNW of Bonshaw and 50 km north of Ashford. This population has recently been cleared by roadworks. The Committee is unaware of any surveys of known or likely habitat which would assist in determining whether this species meets the criteria for listing as a species presumed extinct.

4. The single known population of Capparis canescens consisted of two individuals of mature age producing fruit and flowers regularly. Both individuals were less than 4 m tall. The population was near the roadway of the Bruxner Highway (within 10 m of the edge of the pavement).

5. Threats to the survival of Capparis canescens include its very small and localised extent, road widening or realignment, inappropriate grazing pressure, unsuitable fire regimes, and cleaning-up and removal of roadside vegetation.

6. In view of the above the Scientific Committee is of the opinion that Capparis canescens Banks ex DC. is likely to become extinct in nature in NSW unless the circumstances and factors threatening its survival or evolutionary development cease to operate.

Proposed Gazettal date: 23/08/02
Exhibition period: 23/08/02 - 27/09/02
Provisionally listed as an endangered species on 21 December 2001.

Reference

Stanley, T.D. & Ross E.M. (1983). Flora of South-eastern Queensland. Queensland Herbarium/DPI Queensland, Brisbane.