Sensational discovery: rare carnivorous plant discovered near Perth

Scientists have made an extraordinary discovery near Perth: In the Paruna Wildlife Sanctuary, they discovered a large population of the extremely rare carnivorous plant Drosera silvicola. Curtin University doctoral student Thilo Krüger spotted the tiny species by chance as the team drove by and thus initiated the discovery. In conversation, he explains how this surprising moment came about, what significance the find has for species protection and what makes this inconspicuous but remarkable plant so special.

Die extrem seltene fleischfressende Pflanze Drosera silvicola wurde von dem Forscher*innenteam nur eine Stunde außerhalb von Perth in einem abgelegenen Teil des Paruna Wildlife Sanctuary entdeckt. Credit: Thilo Krueger

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Der deutsche Curtin-Universitätsdoktorand Thilo Krüger erspähte die winzige Art zufällig im Vorbeifahren und leitete damit die Entdeckung ein. Credit: Amanda Bourne

Eine Drosera silvicola im Pauna Wildlife Sanctuary nahe Perth. Credit: Thilo Alexander Krueger