5. Translocation
5.1 Overview Translocation operations will involve salvaging approximately 46 C. megacarpa plants from the impact area and replanting them at the nominated recipient site, via re-establishment in an onsite nursery. Seed will also be collected, propagated and planted out at recipient sites to compensate for anticipated losses of salvaged plants. The timeframe for the translocation of 2 years as per Silcock et all (2021) was deemed incomplete. In the proceeding guidelines (Australian Pacific Lng 2014) developed for the species it is expressed that 5 years is a more acceptable timeframe to measure success. Based on the 18% loss after two years by Silcock et al (2021), and experience with translocating other Cycas, more losses would be likely in the proceeding three years. Seed will be collected, propagated and planted out at recipient sites to compensate for anticipated losses of up to 30% of the translocated adult plants. An overview of projected numbers/requirements to achieve ‘no net loss’ is provided in Table 1 . It is acknowledged that the anticipated number of seedlings required will be adjusted following each stage of the translocation program. Any extra seedlings will be planted in the recipient site or donated to botanic or scientific institutions for study and display.
1 Based on results published in Silcock et al. (2021) of 82% survival rate after 24 months of translocation .
Table 1 - Projected numbers of translocated plants and tubestock Description
Number
C. megacarpa recorded in impact area
46
C. megacarpa successfully salvaged and established in nursery planted Salvaged C. megacarpa remaining alive after 5 years
41 (assuming 10% loss)
37 (assuming 10% loss)
Nursery tubestock planted
100
Tubestock remaining alive 5 years after planting
70 ( assuming 30% loss)
Total of translocated plants and planted tubestock remaining alive after 5 years
107
Net change in C. megacarpa after 5 years
0 (no net loss)
11
Mundic Gully TSF Translocation Project - Cycas megacarpa
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