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[1] " Advice to the Minister for the Environment and Heritage from the Threatened Species Scientific Committee (TSSC) on Amendments to the list of Threatened Species under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act)  1. Scientific name, common name (where appropriate), major taxon group  Asplenium listeri (Christmas Island Spleenwort)  2. National Context  The Christmas Island Spleenwort is endemic to Christmas Island where it is known from a single location. It is not listed under the EPBC Act.  3. How judged by TSSC in relation to the EPBC Act criteria.  TSSC judges Asplenium listeri (Christmas Island Spleenwort) to be eligible for listing as critically endangered under the EPBC Act. The justification against the criteria is as follows:  Criterion 1 - Decline in numbers  A reduction in numbers is inferred from the absence of the Christmas Island Spleenwort at a site where it was previously recorded, however, there is no quantitative data available against this criterion.  Criterion 2 - Geographic distribution  The Christmas Island Spleenwort exists at a single location and has an extent of occurrence and area of occupancy of 100m2. It was previously recorded at another site on Christmas Island but there is no longer evidence for the species at this second site. The reason for its decline at that site is unknown, though stochastic disturbance from cyclones or severe dry seasons may have had significant adverse impacts. Continuing decline is possible in the extent of occurrence, area of occupancy, area, extent and/or quality of habitat, and number of mature individuals due to the vulnerability of small populations to stochastic disturbance events. As the population is now restricted to a single population at one site, stochastic disturbance at this site could be catastrophic for the survival of the species. The geographic distribution is very restricted and precarious for the survival of the species.  Therefore, the species is eligible for listing as critically endangered under this criterion.  Criterion 3 - Population size and decline in numbers or distribution  A single known population of the Christmas Island Spleenwort persists, containing 76 mature individuals which is very low. Continuing decline is possible in the number of mature individuals due to the vulnerability of small populations to stochastic disturbance events. Stochastic disturbance events such as cyclonic weather and severe dry seasons may have had significant adverse impacts that contributed to the decline of the species at another location on the island. The population size is very low, there is the possibility of further decline in population size and the geographic distribution is precarious for the survival of the species.  Therefore, the species is eligible for listing as critically endangered under this criterion.  Criterion 4 - Population size  The number of mature individuals is 76, which is very low.  Therefore, the species is eligible for listing as endangered under this criterion.  Criterion 5 - Probability of extinction in the wild  There is no quantitative data available against this criterion.  4. Conclusion  The Christmas Island Spleenwort is endemic to Christmas Island where it is now restricted to a single location with an extent of occurrence and area of occupancy of 100m2. The total number of mature individuals, 76, is very low. Continuing decline is possible in the extent of occurrence, area of occupancy, area, extent and/or quality of habitat, and number of mature individuals due to the vulnerability of small populations to stochastic disturbance events. The reason for the Christmas Island Spleenwort's decline at a second site on the island is unknown. Stochastic disturbance events such as cyclonic weather and severe dry seasons may have significant adverse impacts on the survival of the species, particularly as it is now restricted to a single population at one site. The geographic distribution is precarious for the survival of the species. The species is eligible for listing as critically endangered under criteria 2 and 3.  5. Recommendation  TSSC recommends that the list referred to in section 178 of the EPBC Act be amended byincluding in the list in the critically endangered category:  Asplenium listeri (Christmas Island Spleenwort)"