The pale golden moths orchid is endemic to south-eastern Australia and displays a disjunct distribution between Victoria and New South Wales. In Victoria this species is found in two populations; the larger containing an estimated 8000 plants, is reserved within the Alpine National Park and the smaller population of around 50 plants, grows on a roadside near Abbeyard. In New South Wales the pale golden moths orchid occurs in the Kybeyan area, Monaro Tableland, and is restricted to a single population containing an estimated 130 plants. The pale golden moths orchid can be found growing in grasslands, sub-alpine grassland and sub-alpine open and sparse woodland. Weed invasion, grazing by feral herbivores and stock grazing as well as physical disturbances by off-road vehicles are known threats to this species.
pale goat orchid |
Diuris ochroma
Status: Vulnerable on the EPBC Act list
pale golden moths
Government evidence of impact of climate change:
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Australian Government, Conservation Advice, Diuris ochroma
Fire Timing and potential The role of fire for the pale golden moths orchid is not well frequency understood.
Too frequent fire may pose a threat by altering the habitat; removing organic surface materials and negatively impacting pollinators and mycorrhizal agents.
However; the species may require regular burning to maintain the open herbaceous vegetation that it prefers (DSE 2003) and too infrequent fire may also be a threat.
Pile burning was identified as a potential threat at the NSW site in (NGH Environmental 2004).