Plants

How many plant species are known from Western Australia?

See Protecting plants in WA for information on the number of plant species found in WA.

What plants in WA are protected?

See Protecting plants in WA for information on what plants are protected in WA.

Am I allowed to pick, collect or harvest WA native plants?

Any activity which involves taking part of or the whole of a WA native plant may require a licence or permit to do so (for more information on licenses and permits see the flora licensing page)

What plant have I found?

The flora descriptions, specimen data and distribution maps on Florabase are a good resource that can help you identify plants.

Which plants are threatened?

Lists of threatened flora, fauna and ecological communities are updated each year and are available on the DEC website.

Does DEC play a role in processing applications for clearing native vegetation?

The Department of Environment and Conservation is responsible for administering the Environmental Protection Act 1986 and Regulations that protect native vegetation. Applications for Clearing Permits are assessed by the department and decisions are made to approve or reject the proposal in line with the Act.

How can I find out if a threatened plant has been identified at a place I am planning to visit or work?

DEC is the custodian of databases providing distributional data on threatened taxa. These database can provide you with information on whether any threatened taxa have been seen, or may be found, in the area. This information is particularly useful to persons planning developments or other activities in areas that may impinge on threatened wildlife, or who wish to study field populations.

How does DEC conserve threatened plants?

DEC's 'recovery process' provides the overall framework for the conservation of threatened species and communities. See Recovery Planning and Implementation.