Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2025L00287:reg:3:p235
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2025L00287
Segment Type: reg
Provision Reference: reg 3 (pt 235/276)
Character Range: 860575–864927

(grows on the ground) in habit.

Habitat
Grows in moist, humid, shaded forest valleys, often beside waterfalls.

Threats
Threats to the species include drought/dry conditions due to climate change, changes to stream hydrology in the national park, and weed invasion and competition.

Impact on other species
Can grow on branches of other plants.
Map 57 Distribution of Polyphlebium endlicherianum
Green outlines indicate reserves within which the species occurs.

Risk assessment
Risk assessment undertaken for Endangered ferns as a grouping. The risk assessment is shown in Table 131.
Table 131 Risk assessment for Endangered ferns 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                                                                                            Rare (0–10%)              Negligible   Negligible
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%)         Minor        Low
12. Infection by pathogens already present                                                                         Rare (0–10%)              Negligible   Negligible
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  Likely (51–90%)           Major        High
15. Problems caused by small populations, including lack of genetic diversity                                      Likely (51–90%)           Moderate     Medium

Management actions
This species may require development of species-specific conservation actions, including ex situ conservation. Undertake targeted weed control and maintenance around existing plants, ensuring shaded areas are not opened too quickly. Undertake revegetation/habitat restoration.
Actions may need to be undertaken in collaboration with Queensland Government as appropriate.

Recovery target
The recovery target is shown in Table 132.
Table 132 Recovery target for Polyphlebium endlicherianum
EPBC Act status  Estimated population (2023)  Where known populations occur  2034 target
Endangered       200                          100% within the national park  250

Relevant literature
Bostock PD & Spokes TM (1998) Hymenophyllaceae, in PM McCarthy (ed), Flora of Australia 48, ABRS/CSIRO, Canberra. pp. 116–148.
Braggins JE (1996) Report on the conservation status of the ferns of Norfolk Island. Unpublished report to the Australian Nature Conservation Agency.
DCCEEW (2024) Conservation Advice for Polyphlebium endlicherianum (middle filmy fern). Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, Canberra.
Mills K (2007e) The Flora of Norfolk Island. 2. Epiphytes and Mistletoes. Kevin Mills & Associates, Jamberoo, NSW.
Mills