Scale-dependent spatial patterning and Indigenous-informed site selection of Tephrosia varians in a northern Australian savanna
Tracks
Kuranda Ballroom
| Monday, July 27, 2026 |
| 3:30 PM - 3:45 PM |
Speaker
Ms Juliet Saltmarsh
Masters Of Tropical Biology Student
James Cook University
Scale-dependent spatial patterning and Indigenous-informed site selection of Tephrosia varians in a northern Australian savanna
ISE Congress 2026 Abstract
Integrating Indigenous ecological knowledge with quantitative spatial analysis can improve understanding of rare and cryptic species distributions. This study investigates the spatial ecology and habitat associations of Tephrosia varians, a poorly documented tuberous
savanna herb, on Mbabaram Country in north Queensland, Australia. Survey sites were identified in partnership with the Watsonville Aboriginal Corporation (Mbabaram), drawing on ecological knowledge to locate a restricted population within remnant Callitris intratropica woodland.
During the first field survey, approximately 300 individuals were mapped within a single site, and plant traits, vegetation structure, and environmental variables (including topography and fire history) were recorded. Spatially explicit fire history (Northern Australian Fire Information system) and soil data (Queensland Globe) were also extracted and incorporated into subsequent analyses. Spatial point pattern analyses were used to assess clustering, and statistical models examined relationships between plant reproductive output and environmental and spatial factors. Observations of plant translocation, vegetative division,
and dispersal were also undertaken.
Results from the first survey indicate that T. varians exhibits a pronounced clustered spatial pattern within a discrete patch, consistent with limited dispersal and localised recruitment.
The species is associated with remnant woodland characterised by relatively low disturbance. Its apparent restriction to a single known population, alongside sparse historical records, suggests either strong habitat specificity or under-detection across the landscape.
Pending further surveys, this research will be extended through qualitative interviews with Mbabaram Traditional Owners and comparative analysis with related Tephrosia species to contextualise ecological and ethnobotanical patterns.
This study highlights the value of Indigenous partnerships in identifying spatially restricted species and contributes to understanding the conservation requirements of a poorly known savanna herb.
savanna herb, on Mbabaram Country in north Queensland, Australia. Survey sites were identified in partnership with the Watsonville Aboriginal Corporation (Mbabaram), drawing on ecological knowledge to locate a restricted population within remnant Callitris intratropica woodland.
During the first field survey, approximately 300 individuals were mapped within a single site, and plant traits, vegetation structure, and environmental variables (including topography and fire history) were recorded. Spatially explicit fire history (Northern Australian Fire Information system) and soil data (Queensland Globe) were also extracted and incorporated into subsequent analyses. Spatial point pattern analyses were used to assess clustering, and statistical models examined relationships between plant reproductive output and environmental and spatial factors. Observations of plant translocation, vegetative division,
and dispersal were also undertaken.
Results from the first survey indicate that T. varians exhibits a pronounced clustered spatial pattern within a discrete patch, consistent with limited dispersal and localised recruitment.
The species is associated with remnant woodland characterised by relatively low disturbance. Its apparent restriction to a single known population, alongside sparse historical records, suggests either strong habitat specificity or under-detection across the landscape.
Pending further surveys, this research will be extended through qualitative interviews with Mbabaram Traditional Owners and comparative analysis with related Tephrosia species to contextualise ecological and ethnobotanical patterns.
This study highlights the value of Indigenous partnerships in identifying spatially restricted species and contributes to understanding the conservation requirements of a poorly known savanna herb.
Biography
