Current status
Starfruit occurs in muddy or gravel margins of shallow ponds with seasonally fluctuating water levels on commons or village greens. It was formerly recorded in several English counties northwards Shropshire and Yorkshire but, by 1990, the species was restricted to three native sites: one in Surrey and two in Buckinghamshire. Populations of starfruit are subject to wide fluctuations: one site in Buckinghamshire produced 300 plants in 1992, following pond clearance, but a total of only 15 plants occurred in 1994 at two native sites - probably as a result of high winter rainfall.
The UK represents the northern edge of the species range, with a scattered distribution across Europe, from Spain to Asia Minor and North Africa. It is listed as Endangered on the GB Red List and is protected under Schedule 8 of the WCA 1981.
Current factors causing loss or decline
Neglect and mismanagement of ponds on grazed commons or greens, including over-shading by trees and shrubs, with associated collection of leaf litter and the excessive growth of submerged and marginal plants.
Loss of habitat through development, drainage and in-filling of pools and wet hollows.
Introduction of water level controls reducing seasonal fluctuations.
Introduction of invasive, non-native species of water plants.
Current action
Plantlife and NE have been undertaking recovery work on this species since 1990 to relocate former sites and establish whether any remain suitable for regeneration of the seed bank.
Re-introduction has been attempted at several sites including a pond created specially for starfruit in 1994. Long-term monitoring by Plantlife at these sites will determine whether re-introduction has been successful.
Work at the Royal Botanic Gardens Kew has included both seed storage and germination techniques (work supported by NE SRP).
Action plan objectives and targets
Maintain populations at all extant sites
Establish a further ten populations by 2004.
Proposed actions with lead agencies
Policy and legislation
No action proposed.
Site safeguard and management
Promote measures to maintain water quality at all extant sites. (ACTION: LA, NRA)
Control marginal and submerged vegetation in the area around any starfruit populations and ensure that bare substrate is provided for germination. (ACTION: NE, LAs)
Prepare and promote an appropriate water level management plan for sites containing this species. (ACTION: NE, NRA, LAs)
Restore appropriate management at former sites with a view to regeneration from seed bank or re-introduction. (ACTION: NE)
Consider the need to notify sites as SSSI. (ACTION: NE)
Species management and protection
Collect and deposit seed from all sites in the National Seed Bank. (ACTION: NE)
Continue programme of restoration and, following analysis of previous attempts, aim to restore ten populations to suitable sites by 2004. Where re-introduction is attempted, ensure the use of seed of local provenance only. (ACTION: NE)
Advisory
Ensure landowners, managers and local authorities are aware of the presence, legal status and importance of conserving this species and appropriate methods of habitat management. (ACTION: NE)
Future Research and Monitoring
Survey former sites with a view to regeneration of the seed bank or identification of suitable sites for re-introduction. (ACTION: NE)
Monitor population size, water quality and water levels at all sites regularly. (ACTION: NE)
Work closely with other European countries to establish the status, ecology and conservation requirements of this species and use information and expertise towards its conservation in the UK. (ACTION: NE, JNCC)
Pass information gathered during survey and monitoring of this species to JNCC or BRC so that it can be incorporated in national databases. (ACTION: NE)
Provide information annually to the World Conservation Monitoring Centre on the UK status of the species to contribute to maintenance of an up-to-date global Red Data List. (ACTION: JNCC)
Undertake a research project to examine the autecology and genetics of this species in order to inform conservation management. (Action: EA, NE, ITE, Plantlife)
Communications and Publicity
Ensure local communities are made aware of the presence and importance of this species and the reasons for carrying out management. (ACTION: NE)
Links with other action plans
None given.
Publication details
Originally published in: Biodiversity: The UK Steering Group Report - Volume II: Action Plans (December 1995, Tranche 1, Vol 2, p181)
Related links
ARKive Visit the ARKive website to view images and further information relating to this species
Plantlife Read the Plantlife species dossier relating to this species