Caladenia caudata (tailed spider-orchid) is a terrestrial orchid, found mainly in dry heathland and heathy woodland habitats, in lowland areas of northern, eastern and southeastern Tasmania. While over 40 subpopulations have been recorded, the majority have either not been observed for decades or support a low number of individuals. The data suggest that the total population in Tasmania has fewer than 10,000 individuals and is likely to occupy less than 6 square kilometres. Much of the habitat of the species would have been lost through historical clearing and is at continued risk of inadvertent losses as the precise site of many subpopulations is unknown. The species is also cryptic, avoiding detection as it tends to flower and be identifiable infrequently, often only flowering in response to disturbance such as fire. The most important needs of the species are to prevent the destruction and degradation of known and potential habitat, and to promote recruitment through burning and/or slashing habitat.
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