Integration of basic and applied research to investigate the conservation biology of the State's threatened flora which now number well over 430 taxa provides a holistic framework for improving our understanding of the environmental and ecological factors affecting threatened species conservation. This knowledge is used to enhance conservation outcomes through a raft of ex situ and in situ measures that aim to provide a brighter future for threatened taxa in this state. Research scientists affiliated with threatened flora recovery and conservation, collaborate with a wide range of industry, community and government organisations including mining companies, environmental consultants, native plant nurseries, the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, local councils and shires.

The BGPA has over 20 years experience working on species recovery with early research focusing on the development of micropropagation techniques, establishing ex situ conservation collections, and improving our understanding of the population ecology and conservation genetics of species such as the underground orchid (Rhizanthella gardneri), the Corrigin grevillea (Grevillea scapigera) and the hidden beard heath (Leucopogon obtectus). Subsequent research programs on Caladenia huegelii, Symonanthus bancroftii, Darwinia masonii, Lepidosperma gibsonii, Eremophila resinosa, Androcalva perlaria, Tetratheca paynterae and Ricinocarpos brevis have targeted the development of translocation techniques for establishing new populations, weed control measures to aid the reinstatement of threatened flora and the construction of species distribution models to more accurately define search areas for in situ surveys and to better select sites for new translocated populations.

Through dedicated research using an integrated interdisciplinary approach, government, industry and the community can achieve much better conservation outcomes for the management and reinstatement of threatened species and the rehabilitation and restoration of native biodiversity generally.

Please contact Dr Shane Turner with enquiries relating to Species Recovery.

ARC Training Centre

The Industrial Transformation Training Centre for Mine Site Restoration (CMSR) project aims to foster restoration research opportunities.

Orchid conservation

Integrated conservation and translocation of Western Australia’s threatened orchids.

Tetratheca conservation

Integrated conservation and translocation of the threatened banded ironstone species Tetratheca erubescens (Elaeocarpaceae).

Ricinocarpos conservation

Integrated conservation of the threatened banded ironstone species Ricinocarpos brevis (Euphorbiaceae).

Androcalva conservation

Integrated conservation of the threatened species Androcalva perlaria (syn. Commersonia sp. Mt Groper).

Grevillea translocation

Translocation of the Critically Endangered Corrigin Grevillea, Grevillea scapigera.

Eremophila translocation

Propagation and translocation of Eremophila resinosa (Declared Rare Flora) for Evolution Mining.

Symonanthus translocation

Translocation of the Critically Endangered Bancrofts Symonanthus, Symonanthus bancroftii.

Verticordia translocation

Translocation of Verticordia lindleyi subsp. lindleyi.

Beenup translocation

Translocation of four species of Declared Rare Flora to the BHP Billiton Beenup Rehabilitation Project.