Elegant spider-orchid. Credit: Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria Scientists at Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria, the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, CSIRO Darwin Laboratories and La Trobe University have identified key ecological needs of Caladenia formosa (elegant spider-orchid) for the first time, to improve conservation outcomes. Their findings are published in the Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society . The species is nationally threatened and critically endangered under the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 (Vic) and vulnerable under the Environment Protection Biodiversity and Conservation Act 1999 (Cth). It was once common in the grassy forests and woodlands of western Victoria and eastern South Australia; however, it has declined due to habitat destruction, introduced weeds and feral animals. Dr.…