The Program Focus 

The Sunshine Diuris (Diuris fragrantissima), an Australian native orchid, was once common on the basalt plains immediately to the west of Melbourne, where it grew in native grasslands dominated by Kangaroo Grass. However, as far back as 60 years ago, concern was expressed about its decline, which continued ever since. In 1992 the wild population was down to one known flowering plant at one site. It is one of the most endangered orchids in Australia.

The long-term goal of the recovery program is to achieve a number of viable populations of the plant in the wild.

The Program Plan

The objectives of the Recovery Plan 1999–2003 are to:

1. Maintain and increase the population of the Sunshine Diuris at Sunshine.
2. Maintain the Sunshine Diuris in cultivation.*
3. Investigate factors affecting plant recruitment and population viability.
4. Establish a new population of the Sunshine Diuris.
5. Manage the recovery program for the Sunshine Diuris.

*Melbourne Zoo's core contribution is to this objective

Zoos Victoria's Role

Zoos Victoria's key roles in the recovery of this species are to:

1. Supplement in situ populations through captive breeding for reintroduction; and
2. Maintain an insurance population in captivity in the event that the wild population continues to decline.

Zoos Victoria has been involved in the Recovery Program for the Sunshine Diuris Orchid since 1993. In September 2004, the first of a series of introductions of the Sunshine Diuris Orchid occurred at a grassland remnant west of Melbourne. In total, 700 plants have been trans-located, all of which were cultivated at Melbourne Zoo. Zoos Victoria’s support for this program is ongoing.