Swainson-peas

Baseline census of nationally threatened Swainson-peas on the northern plains

Past census for Red and Murray Swainson-pea (Swainsona plagiotropis and S. murrayana) has typically been “quick and dirty” providing only indicative information about populations that is of little use to reserve managers. This project – undertaken in the spring of 2010 – developed and trialled a new technique of intensive census that provides a repeatable ‘baseline’ against which changes in population size and extent can be tracked and interpreted. This work represents part implementation of the Northern Plains Grassland Strategic Directions – a strategic plan outlining the broad framework for the recovery of this recently nationally listed ecological community.