Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2025L00287:reg:3:p129
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2025L00287
Segment Type: reg
Provision Reference: reg 3 (pt 129/276)
Character Range: 511488–515357

specified collection location. However, given the widespread distribution of Lord Howe stag beetle (L. insularis) on Lord Howe Island (Reid et al. 2018), it seems likely that the Norfolk Island stag beetle would have been found across the entirety of Norfolk Island, and possibly on Phillip Island prior to its habitat degradation from the impact of introduced species.
Recent records have all been from within the Mt Pitt section of Norfolk Island National Park, though some unconfirmed records suggest it may also still occur in other areas of the island (J Tweed 2024. pers comm 17 January).

Ecology
Little is known of the specific ecology of the Norfolk Island stag beetle; however, it is assumed that the ecology is like that of its close relative the Lord Howe stag beetle on Lord Howe Island (Reid et al. 2018). The larvae develop in rotting wood infected by white-rot fungi and are unlikely to be reliant on a single host tree species.

Habitat
Native forest. Dependent on dead wood for reproduction.

Threats
Major threats include habitat loss, fragmentation and degradation by land clearing and stock grazing, as well as the introduction of feral animals (notably rats and chickens) and invasive weeds. Elytra (modified forewing) showing evidence of rodent predation have been collected, and remains of other large beetle species are frequently found within rat nests in rotting logs within the national park (J Tweed 2024. pers comm 17 January). Drying conditions and lower soil moisture balances due to climate change are also a threat, particularly in its early developmental stages which rely on moist decaying wood. Poaching is also a serious threat to the species as rare stag beetles are highly prized by collectors.

Impact on other species
None known.

Risk assessment
The risk assessment is shown in Table 42.
Table 42 Risk assessment for Lamprima aenea
Risk                                                                                                               Likelihood of exposure    Consequence  Threat rating
1. Loss and fragmentation of native vegetation through past land clearing                                          Almost certain (91–100%)  Major        Extreme
2. Loss and fragmentation of native vegetation through current or future land clearing                             Possible (26–50%)         Major        High
3. Degradation of native vegetation through past grazing or loss of nutrients                                      Almost certain (91–100%)  Moderate     Medium
4. Degradation of native vegetation through current or future grazing                                              Unlikely (11–25%)         Moderate     Low
6. Predation by rodents                                                                                            Almost certain (91–100%)  Extreme      Extreme
7. Predation by cats                                                                                               Rare (0–10%)              Negligible   Negligible
8. Predation by chickens                                                                                           Likely (51–90%)           Moderate     High
9. Predation by swamphens                                                                                          Rare (0–10%)              Negligible   Negligible
10. Predation by Argentine ant                                                                                     Possible (26–50%)         Moderate     Medium
11. Competition from/change of habitat because of weed invasion                                                    Possible (26–50%)         Minor        Low
12. Infection by pathogens already present                                                                         Unlikely (11–25%)         Minor        Low
13. Impacts of potential new invasive species or pathogens