Australian Orchid Foundation

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Project: 272/2009

Title: Population dynamics and conservation of the endangered pink – lipped spider orchid Caladenia behrii.
Applicant: Dr. Sophie ‘Topa’ Petit
Institute: School of Natural and Built Environments, University of South Australia, Mawson Lakes South Australia.

The study of Caladenia behrii started in 2000 in South Australia; it has been following several hundred individual orchids for 10 years and the resulting data set is one of the most extensive for any Caladenia species.

It represents a unique opportunity to understand the longevity of this orchid, what affects life form, the impacts of climatic variables, recruitment, and the impacts of pollination and herbivory. Such knowledge will identify bottlenecks in the conservation of this and potentially other Caladenia species, and allow an evaluation of management options.