Harrow Wattle Recovery Program

Harrow wattle (Acacia acanthoclada subsp. acanthoclada) is a threatened shrub, listed as Endangered under the NSW Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016. Harrow wattle is found on ridges and dunes in mallee vegetation in south western in New South Wales. It also occurs in Victoria, South Australia and Western Australia. In NSW, Harrow wattle is threatened by land clearance, overgrazing from goats, domestic stock, kangaroos and rabbits. Small populations are likely to be threatened by inbreeding depression and mate limitation. Consequently, many populations have declined dramatically. 

Since 2020, the program has combined science, Traditional Owner leadership, and community action to establish herbivore-protected populations, undertake translocations, and improve habitat quality. The construction of two herbivore-proof exclosures, extensive seed collection, and vegetation monitoring are creating safe havens for this species and improving our understanding of the conditions required for its long-term survival.

Key Achievements

• Built two herbivore-proof exclosures providing safe habitat for Harrow Wattle regeneration.

• First germination from a translocated seed recorded in 2022 and still surviving.

• Discovered two naturally regenerating Harrow Wattles inside the first exclosure — the first in more than 20 years.

• Collected 293+ viable seeds from genetically diverse wild populations and secured them for conservation use.

• Conducted 200 seed translocations under strict scientific protocols.

• Demonstrated significant improvements in vegetation cover and diversity inside fenced areas compared to grazed sites.

• Engaged Traditional Owners (MAGIC), government agencies, and community volunteers in hands-on conservation.

• Developed clear recommendations for future seedling-based translocations to improve establishment success.

Partners

• Threatened Species Conservancy (TSC) – Project leadership and delivery

• Mothers Ancestral Guardians Indigenous Corporation (MAGIC) – Indigenous land managers, fence construction, cultural knowledge

• NSW Department of Primary Industries and Environment (DPIE) – Technical expertise and monitoring support

• NSW Environmental Trust – Funding partner

• Australian Plant Bank – Seed storage and viability testing

• Volunteers and local community groups – Seed collection, planting, and monitoring

Conservation Status

Harrow Wattle (Acacia acanthoclada)

Listed as Endangered under the NSW Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016.

Threatened by overgrazing, habitat loss, altered fire regimes, and reduced genetic diversity.

Budget

NSW Environmental Trust’s Environmental Restoration and Rehabilitation grants program has been the sole funder for this program

Funding Received: $230,000
Duration: 6 years