Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2025L00287:reg:3:p183
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2025L00287
Segment Type: reg
Provision Reference: reg 3 (pt 183/276)
Character Range: 678113–681253

Associates, Jamberoo, NSW.
Wilson M (2024) Personal communication by email, 12 January 2024, Parks Australia (Norfolk Island National Park).

Anthosachne kingiana kingiana—Phillip Island wheat-grass
Family POACEAE

Conservation significance
Endemic to Norfolk Island and Lord Howe Island.
EPBC Act Listing Status: Critically Endangered.
For further information on the species outside of the Norfolk Island Group, see the species profile on SPRAT.

Description
A tufted perennial grass growing 30–100 cm tall with glaucous leaves.
This species is cryptic unless containing flowering heads and difficult to find. It is easily confused with Elymus spp.

Distribution and abundance
A very rare grass found only on Phillip Island, Anthosachne kingiana kingiana was rediscovered in 1987 following the removal of rabbits. Several small patches were found growing on north facing slopes towards the upper part of the island (Sykes & Atkinson 1988).
A. kingiana kingiana has not been recorded on Norfolk Island since 1963 (DEH 2003). It was previously reported from Second Sands and Point Ross (Connor 1990; Mills 2009b). Occurrences of the species on Norfolk Island are likely to be through artificial propagation and translocation (DEH 2003).
There were fewer than 50 mature individuals in 2003 (TSSC 2003a). Two small populations were found by Mills (2009b) above the dykes area and on the cliff edge on the southern side of Stony Valley on Phillip Island. The estimated population in 2021 was five individuals.
The distribution within the Norfolk Island Group is shown in Map 26.

Ecology
Little known.

Habitat
Grows on the north-facing slopes of Phillip Island in high areas, among tall herbs and subshrubs, often in association with a herb community dominated by pigface (Carpobrotus glaucescens).

Threats
Prior to feral animal eradication on Phillip Island, the major threat to the species was grazing from pigs, goats and rabbits. The loss of vegetation and high levels of erosion from that grazing now reduces the ability of the species to recolonise the island.
Current threats are the small population size and restricted distribution (Phillip Island) and as a result, an increased risk of extinction through natural events such as cyclones, slips and drought. Weed invasion and competition is also a threat. Grazing by herbivores may be a threat if propagated on Norfolk Island.
Map 26 Distribution of Anthosachne kingiana kingiana
Green outlines indicate reserves within which the species occurs. Points show recorded locations (Mills 2009b).

Impact on other species
Little known.

Risk assessment
Risk assessment undertaken for Critically Endangered herbs/grasses as a grouping. The risk assessment is shown in Table 69.
Table 69 Risk assessment for Critically Endangered herbs/grasses 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.