Isoetopsis graminifolia

​Habitat

• ‘Habitat’ refers to both known habitat for the species (i.e. in or near habitat where the species has been recorded) and potential habitat (i.e. areas of habitat with appropriate characteristics for the species and within the species potential range which have not yet been surveyed).
• If in doubt about whether a site represents potential habitat for this species, contact the Threatened Species Section for further advice.
• The known range of grass cushion includes disjunct localities in the northern and southern Midlands. The potential range of grass cushion is unlikely to extend further than the current known range, however there is a reasonable likelihood that additional sites will be discovered within the species known range given a well resourced and targeted survey effort. Areas of native vegetation that have supported the species in the past also remain potential habitat due to the probable presence of dormant soil-stored seed.
• Habitat for grass cushion corresponds to ‘lowland grassland’ in the NRE Bushcare Toolkit​. See Grassy Bush in the Bushcare Toolkit for more information on managing this vegetation types.
• Habitat for grass cushion includes the following elements: native grasslands dominated by kangaroo grass or on rockplates; the underlying substrate mostly Tertiary basalt or Jurassic dolerite; elevation range of recorded sites in Tasmania is 20 to 360 m above sea level, with an annual rainfall of about 450 to 600 mm.
• Note that grass cushion requires some level of disturbance to create open ground to germinate, which may be prevented if tussock grasses become rank.

What to avoid

• Clearing of habitat for agriculture, light industry and urban expansion
• Overgrazing of habitat
• Infestation of habitat by weeds
• Lack of suitable disturbance

• Flowers are required to identify and aid detection of this small annual herb from the daisy family. Surveys for the species should be undertaken during its peak flowering period, September to November. Due to the species’ ephemeral nature the precise timing of surveys will be governed by seasonal conditions. This cryptic species can be difficult to detect in its grassland habitat when in low numbers. It may not emerge in drought conditions.
• In Tasmania, Isoetopsis graminifolia occurs in the northern and southern Midlands in gaps between tussocks in native grasslands dominated by Themeda triandra (kangaroo grass) and on rockplates. It has been recorded at altitudes of 20 to 360 m above sea level.

• In order to recognise the species if it occurs on your property, learn to identify grass cushion. If in doubt, seek expert assistance with identification.
• If you live or work in the area where the species occurs (see distribution map, above), look out for and record any observations of the species. All records of this species can provide important information on distribution and abundance.
• If you are interested in knowing for certain whether the species occurs on your land, organise a formal survey. You may need to employ an ecological consultant to do this. Your local Bushcare or Field Naturalist club may be able to assist you with a survey.
• Important! Always report any observations of the species to the NRE Natural Values Atlas, or else provide the data direct to the Threatened Species Section. Records stored on the NVA are a permanent record and are accessible to other people interested in this species.
• Consider the needs of the whole habitat. Preserving a threatened species' habitat is the best way to manage both the species and the environment in which it lives.
• Habitat for grass cushion corresponds to ‘lowland grassland’ in the NRE Bushcare Toolkit. See Grassy Bush in the Bushcare Toolkit for more information on managing this vegetation types.
• For long-term protection of populations on private land – consider protection of habitat through a vegetation management agreement or conservation covenant. See the NRE Private Land Conservation Program for more details.
• See the 'What is Needed' section in the grass cushion Listing Statement for a full list of conservation management actions for this species.

• Much of the species’ potential native grassland habitat in the northern and southern Midlands has probably been cleared and improved, with extant populations surviving in just a few remnants, typically in areas that have been too rocky to plough.
• Urban and light industrial expansion in the Brighton, Pontville and Richmond areas continue to threaten the species’ habitat.
• To prevent loss of habitat – avoid removal of native grassland habitat.
• Grass cushion requires open ground to germinate, and some level of disturbance may be required to maintain suitable habitat for the species .
• To prevent loss of habitat through lack of disturbance, consider reducing the level of competing vegetation through either slashing, burning or light grazing, outside the species’ spring flowering period. –.

• Grass cushion requires open ground to germinate, and some level of disturbance may be required to maintain suitable habitat for the species .
• To prevent loss of habitat through lack of disturbance, consider reducing the level of competing vegetation through either slashing, burning or light grazing, outside the species’ spring flowering period.

• Localities of this species occur adjacent to urban areas, roads or other light industrial infrastructure, and construction works may pose a threat to the species.
• To prevent loss of habitat – avoid clearing of known populations during construction activities.

• Localities of this species occur adjacent to urban and light industrial areas (especially in the Brighton–Pontville area), and subdivision may pose a threat to the species.
• To prevent loss of habitat – avoid clearing of known localities during subdivision activities.

• Grass cushion is highly palatable to sheep, with over-grazed sites being vulnerable to woody weed invasion.
• To prevent degradation of habitat – protect habitat from over-grazing by stock. Light grazing outside the species’ flowering season may be beneficial by reducing competition from native grasses.

Weed establishment 

• Localities of this species occur adjacent to urban areas, roads and other light industrial infrastructure, and may be susceptible to off-target damage from herbicides during weed control operations.
• To protect roadside populations – ensure all weed control operations in and adjacent to habitat are appropriately managed to avoid off-target damage to grass cushion.