Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2025L00287:reg:3:p220
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2025L00287
Segment Type: reg
Provision Reference: reg 3 (pt 220/276)
Character Range: 807734–812100

shows plant communities within which the species may occur (Christian & Mills 2021). Points show recorded locations (Mills 2017d).

Threats
Threats to the species include weed invasion, predation of seeds by rats, senescence of over-mature plants, sex ratio bias and cattle grazing. The species is adapted to moist forest conditions and is therefore susceptible to climate change (TSSC 2003f). Phytophthora cinnamomi is potentially a major risk.

Impact on other species
None known.

Risk assessment
Risk assessment undertaken for Critically Endangered trees/shrubs as a grouping. The risk assessment is shown in Table 113.
Table 113 Risk assessment for Critically Endangered trees/shrubs 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%)  Extreme      Extreme
2. Loss and fragmentation of native vegetation through current or future land clearing                             Rare (0–10%)              Negligible   Negligible
3. Degradation of native vegetation through past grazing or loss of nutrients                                      Almost certain (91–100%)  Extreme      Extreme
4. Degradation of native vegetation through current or future grazing                                              Possible (26–50%)         Moderate     Medium
6. Predation by rodents                                                                                            Almost certain (91–100%)  Major        Extreme
7. Predation by cats                                                                                               Rare (0–10%)              Negligible   Negligible
8. Predation or damage by chickens                                                                                 Likely (51–90%)           Moderate     Medium
9. Predation by swamphens                                                                                          Rare (0–10%)              Negligible   Negligible
10. Predation by Argentine ant                                                                                     Possible (26–50%)         Minor        Low
11. Competition from/change of habitat because of weed invasion                                                    Likely (51–90%)           Moderate     Medium
12. Infection by pathogens already present                                                                         Possible (26–50%)         Moderate     Medium
13. Impacts of potential new invasive species or pathogens                                                         Unlikely (11–25%)         Minor        Low
14. Changes to vegetation, increased fire risk and/or direct physiological stress as a result of climatic changes  Possible (26–50%)         Moderate     Medium
15. Problems caused by small populations, including lack of genetic diversity                                      Almost certain (91–100%)  Major        Extreme

Management action
Continue seed collection, propagation and replanting, including into lowland and coastal areas that are protected from cattle grazing (Sykes & Atkinson 1988). Implement habitat protection and rehabilitation. Undertake ongoing targeted weed control and maintenance. Maintain fencing and current grazing exclusion in Mission Road rainforest remnants and in public reserves. Facilitate additional plantings in private gardens.

Recovery target
The recovery target is shown in Table 114.
Table 114 Recovery target for Meryta latifolia
EPBC Act status        Estimated population (2023)  Where known populations occur  2034 target
Critically Endangered  395                          >25% within the national park  1000
                                                    >70% within public reserves

Relevant literature
Christian NE & Mills K (2021) Vegetation Mapping of Norfolk Island 2021. Unpublished data.
Invasive Species Council & TierraMar (2021) The Native Plant Communities of Norfolk Island. Invasive Species Council, Katoomba, NSW.
Mills K (2009b) The Vegetation of Phillip Island, Norfolk Island Group. Envirofund 2007/2008. Kevin Mills & Associates, Jamberoo, NSW.
Mills K (2012b) The Flora of Norfolk