Don Beer Memorial Talk: Tasha James ‘Endemics on the Edge: The Challenges of Conserving Mt Imlay Species’

Tasha, a PhD student at University of Canberra and a holder of a Friends ANBG scholarship, is asking will Hibbertia circinata, Boronia imlayensis, and Eucalyptus imlayensis provide different insights into threatened species conservation on Mt Imlay and more broadly for threatened-species conservation?

Abstract
Mt Imlay (NSW) is home to several endangered endemic species which are limited to a small area on the summit and are subject to a combination of threatening processes including climate change, fire, and Phytophthora dieback. 

This project has focused on three species: Hibbertia circinata, Boronia imlayensis, and Eucalyptus imlayensis. Tasha is researching each species to establish whether it would persist in situ, or require and/or rely upon ex situ efforts and populations to continue.

We used multiple data sources and methods to understand the species dynamics. Almost all the data for this project has been collected, and results are beginning to come together. However, as is often the case with ecological work, they are leading to more questions!

Biography
Tasha James is the holder of the Don Beer Memorial scholarship from the Friends of the ANBG and a PhD student at the University of Canberra. She researches endangered plant ecology and genetics with a focus on rare and endangered species. She collects data and samples from field surveys, drone surveying, Herbarium records and living collections to incorporate into a variety of analyses across population genetics, disease dynamics, and the influence of biophysical factors. Tasha collaborates with the Australian National Botanic Gardens and several Herbaria, with the aim to provide more insight into the unique dynamics of isolated endemic plants to increase the ability for conserving these often-fragile communities.

Booking Link: https://www.trybooking.com/DDEFP

Booking
Lunchtime talks are held at 12.30 pm every Thursday from February to November. Talks last for 1 hour. We welcome donations by gold coins, notes, or electronically. The Friends use donations received at each talk to support Gardens’ programs and development and we thank all those who have donated. 

Unless otherwise indicated, talks are held in the ANBG Theatrette.

It is a good idea to reserve a seat at the talks that you wish to attend; talks may be booked out very quickly.  Bookings can be made from about 30 days in advance until the night before the talk or until seating limits are reached. 

Booking Link: https://www.trybooking.com/DDEFP

The Friends of the ANBG thank the speakers who volunteer their time and talents to further the knowledge of all attending events in the Gardens. Many summaries or PowerPoint presentations of Thursday talks are available to Friends at the ANBG library. Please direct queries about the talks to the Thursday Talks Team: email talks@friendsanbg.org.au