THE ENDANGERED TUNBRIDGE BUTTERCUP (RANUNCULUS-PRASINUS) - ECOLOGY, CONSERVATION STATUS AND INTRODUCTION TO THE TOWNSHIP LAGOON NATURE-RESERVE, TASMANIA

Ranunculus prasinus is a mat-forming species of the marginal herbfield s and tussock grasslands of brackish wetlands. It is only known from f our wetlands, all on private land, in the driest part of Tasmania. The species has been successfully introduced from divisions from three of the populations into a secure reserve with similar vegetation to that of the natural populations. This is considered to be desirable and mo rally sound in that it increases the chances of survival of native bio logical diversity as a whole. However, ex situ measures and a gaining of security for natural populations would also be prudent.