Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2025L00287:reg:3:p230
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2025L00287
Segment Type: reg
Provision Reference: reg 3 (pt 230/276)
Character Range: 842962–847161

Vanuatu (Orchard 1994).
EPBC Act Listing Status: Endangered

Description
A tufted epiphytic orchid growing to 30 cm high with 50 or more small white flowers on a drooping stem to 35 cm long.

Distribution and abundance
The population in 2003 consisted of fewer than 200 mature plants (TSSC 2003c).
The study of epiphytes on Norfolk Island by Mills (2007e) recorded 27 plants growing on trees and rocks, all in the national park, particularly at the higher altitudes.
The distribution is shown in Map 54.

Ecology
An epiphyte that grows on several tree species, apparently favouring Dysoxylum bijugum (Mills 2007e).

Habitat
Grows on tree branches in native forest.

Threats
Threats to the species include small population size and subsequent increased risk of extinction through natural events such as cyclones, slips and droughts, and climate change.

Impact on other species
Grows on the branches of other trees.
Map 54 Distribution of Phreatia paleata
Green outlines indicate reserves within which the species occurs.

Risk assessment
Risk assessment undertaken for all threatened orchids as a grouping. The risk assessment is shown in Table 125.
Table 125 Risk assessment for all threatened orchids as a grouping
Risk                                                                                                               Likelihood of exposure    Consequence  Threat rating
1. Loss and fragmentation of native vegetation through past land clearing                                          Almost certain (91–100%)  Minor        Medium
2. Loss and fragmentation of native vegetation through current or future land clearing                             Rare (0–10%)              Moderate     Negligible
3. Degradation of native vegetation through past grazing or loss of nutrients                                      Almost certain (91–100%)  Minor        Medium
4. Degradation of native vegetation through current or future grazing                                              Unlikely (11–25%)         Moderate     Low
6. Predation by rodents                                                                                            Possible (26–50%)         Extreme      High
7. Predation by cats                                                                                               Rare (0–10%)              Negligible   Negligible
8. Predation or damage by chickens                                                                                 Rare (0–10%)              Negligible   Negligible
9. Predation by swamphens                                                                                          Rare (0–10%)              Negligible   Negligible
10. Predation by Argentine ant                                                                                     Rare (0–10%)              Negligible   Negligible
11. Competition from/change of habitat because of weed invasion                                                    Possible (26–50%)         Moderate     Medium
12. Infection by pathogens already present                                                                         Unlikely (11–25%)         Moderate     Low
13. Impacts of potential new invasive species or pathogens                                                         Unlikely (11–25%)         Moderate     Low
14. Changes to vegetation, increased fire risk and/or direct physiological stress as a result of climatic changes  Likely (51–90%)           Major        High
15. Problems caused by small populations, including lack of genetic diversity                                      Likely (51–90%)           Moderate     Medium

Management actions
Phreatia paleata may require development of species-specific conservation actions, including ex situ conservation. Undertake surveys in suitable habitat areas to search for additional individuals/populations. Undertake ongoing targeted weed control and maintenance, habitat protection and rehabilitation. Undertake research into the ecology of the species. Monitor likely areas of the national park after storms, rescue any fallen specimens and attempt to cultivate them in the Norfolk Island National Park Nursery (Sykes & Atkinson