Thriving Population of Critically Rare Sundew Discovered in Paruna Wildlife Sanctuary, Western Australia

A significant concentration of the critically rare pygmy sundew, *Drosera silvicola*, has been located deep within the Jarrah forest of Western Australia towards the close of 2025. This species holds a Priority 1 classification from the Western Australian Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA). This designation signifies that the plant is 'extremely rare and potentially threatened, urgently requiring a full conservation assessment.' Notably, this particular species had not been documented in this specific area for more than three decades.

This crucial discovery was the direct outcome of a focused expedition conducted by the Australian Wildlife Conservancy (AWC) team on their own land—the Paruna Wildlife Sanctuary, situated to the east of Perth. Previously, *D. silvicola* was known only from two vulnerable populations located near active mining operations. A specialist in carnivorous plants from Curtin University pointed out that the site where the plants were found, characterized by ridges and slopes, offered an open environment with minimal leaf litter. This setting was described as the 'ideal habitat for this species.'

Finding such a robust population within a protected area like the Paruna Sanctuary dramatically improves the species' prospects for long-term survival. Prior to this 2025 finding, the two known clusters of *D. silvicola* were situated approximately 70 kilometers away from the Paruna location. One of those existing groups was on land associated with a mining enterprise, and the other was at an operational mine site, rendering them highly susceptible to disruption. The AWC Regional Ecologist hailed the emergence of this healthy population on protected ground as a 'massive win for conservation.'

The Jarrah forest ecosystem, where this important botanical find occurred, is globally recognized as a biodiversity hotspot. However, it faces substantial environmental pressures, particularly habitat fragmentation driven by bauxite mining. According to the 'Thousand Cuts' report, this activity accounted for 62.5% of forest clearing between 2010 and 2020. *Drosera silvicola* itself is a perennial herbaceous plant, typically reaching only 0.08 meters in height, forming an open rosette up to 0.03 meters wide. It flowers in November, thriving in soils rich with lateritic gravel. Researchers also documented five additional sundew species during their survey, including *Drosera walyunga*, which is endemic to both Paruna and Avon Valley National Park.

The success of this mission, which involved a dedicated team of 10 scientists and volunteers, serves as a powerful testament to the fact that vital populations can persist even within landscapes subjected to significant human impact. This recent discovery underscores the indispensable role that designated conservation zones play in safeguarding Australia's unique flora. Furthermore, this finding should pave the way for more strategic and targeted conservation efforts aimed at protecting other species facing peril in the wider region.