5.7 Seed collection Propagation activities have been included within this plan to account for potential mortality, and to improve understanding of propagation of the species. This seed collection will also assist in enhancing the genetic variation within the population at the recipient site. A minimum of 200 seedlings/tubestocks will be produced to supplement the existing plant stocks so that ‘no net loss’ is met. Impact Area All ripe seeds (shed or ready to be shed) found within the impact area during the pre- clearance survey and during the translocation operations will be collected and placed in seed collection bags. Search efforts will focus on areas surrounding the base of known female plants, where older seeds may be shallowly buried in soil and leaf litter. The seed bags will be numbered to correspond with the parent plant and thus maintain a genetic trace on each seed. The seed will be counted at the time of collection and recorded in the translocation database. The viability of all collected seeds shall be tested by immersing them in a bucket of water; all seeds that float shall be discarded and all seeds that sink shall be sent to an experienced nursery (section 5.2.5) for propagation. Each numbered bag of seed will be processed individually through this process to ensure the genetic tracking. The counts after the viability test will be entered into the translocation database. Early Collection It may also be prudent to take a proactive approach and undertake early seed collection activities within the impact area prior to vegetation clearing, once project approval is granted. Confirmation should be sought from The Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation (DETSI) that such early works could be undertaken under once granted. These seed will be identified and recorded into the database and then forwarded to the recipient nursery. Recipient Site During the maintenance and monitoring period at the recipient site any found seed will be dispersed around the recipient site to facilitate the ongoing establishment of C. megacarpa at the recipient site. This manual dispersal will involve, pressing each seed into the surface of the soil (but not covering it) in a suitable micro-site with a slight depression and sparse surrounding vegetation to promote germination and seedling survival. Seeds dispersed by this technique shall be allowed to germinate and grow naturally and shall not be subject to supplementary watering.
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Mundic Gully TSF Translocation Project - Cycas megacarpa
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