Natural Temperate Grassland
Natural Temperate Grassland (NTG) of the South Eastern Highlands are listed as a Critically Endangered Ecological Community (CEEC).
Wandiyali Restoration Trust is managing Poplars Grassland Reserves, comprised of NTG and Box Gum Grassy Woodland (another CEEC). Following three years of intensive management and good seasonal rainfall, the Reserves are looking spectacular.
“The Natural Temperate Grassland of the South Eastern Highlands ecological community is dominated by native tussock grasses with a rich diversity of wildflowers and other grassland plants and animals, with few trees or shrubs.
It provides vital habitat for at least nineteen threatened species, such as the Grassland Earless Dragon (Tympanocryptis pinguicolla), Pink-tailed Worm Lizard (Aprasia parapulchella), Golden Sun Moth (Synemon plana), and Button Wrinklewort Daisy (Rutidosis leptorrhynchoides) [all recorded on Poplars Grasslands], and is a refuge for many other locally-rare species.”
Grassland Earless Dragon (Tympanocryptis pinguicolla) is a specialist inhabitant of native temperate grasslands, of which less than 1% remain. The species is currently now known to be extant only in the ACT and adjacent parts of the southern highlands of NSW .
Commonwealth, NSW, ACT: Endangered
Wallaby Grass (Austrodanthonia sp), Spear Grass (Austrostipa sp), Blue Devil (Eryngium ovinum)
Blue Devil (Eryngium ovinum), Button Wrinklewort (Rutidosis leptorrhynchoides), Lemon Beautyheads (Calocephalus citreus), Wallaby Grass (Austrodanthonia sp)
Chocolate Lily (Arthropodium sp), Button Wrinklewort (Rutidosis leptorrhynchoides), Lemon Beautyheads (Calocephalus citreus)
Wallaby Grass (Austrodanthonia sp), Spear Grass (Austrostipa sp)
Golden Everlasting (Chrysocephalum apiculatum), Wallaby Grass (Austrodanthonia sp), Spear Grass (Austrostipa sp),
Hoary Sunray (Leucochrysum albicans var. tricolor)
Commonwealth: Endangered
Button Wrinklewort (Rutidosis leptorrhynchoides)
Commonwealth, NSW, ACT: Endangered