Introduction
The Wollemi pine belongs to the ancient Araucariaceae family, thought to be over 200 million years old. They can grow up to 40 metres high with a trunk which can exceed a meter in width. Their bark has a very unique appearance, looking like a living carpet of shoots, and instead of shedding leaves, whole branches are lost.
Why is this species important?
Until recently the Wollemi pine was believed to have become extinct about 2 million years ago, but it was rediscovered in 1994 in a gorge only 150 km north-west of Sydney, Australia. The oldest fossil finding before this had be dated to 90 million years This discovery is considered by some to be one of the most important botanical finds of the century. Once found all over the world, the species now numbers less than 100 mature individuals.
Where it is found
W.nobilis was discovered in Australia 150km north west of Sydney, in the Wollemi National Park. They are located at 2 sites within the Blue Mountains, deep in a rainforest gorge, at about 670m and 870m altitude, 1 km apart. The exact location is kept a secret, but they are surrounded by undisturbed forest and grow on moist ledges, preferring acidic soils and have rapid growth in light.
Why is it Threatened?
There are less than 100 mature trees in the wild, making the Wollemi pine one of the rarest species in the world. W.nobilis is therefore threatened by tourism, collection and novel disease. With all the human activity, there will be a higher risk of disturbing their surrounding environment by trampling seeds, compaction of the soil, the introduction of weeds or pathogenic fungi and an increase in the likelihood of fires. It is therefore essential that human activity is kept to a minimum and unauthorized collections do not occur, so that a healthy population can be established.
What conservation action is needed?
Since being rediscovered the Wollemi pine has been listed under the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 and the NWS Threatened species Conservation Act 1995. To avoid the risk of contaminating the area the exact location of the sites are kept secret and access is restricted to a few researches who must follow strict hygiene procedures when entering the sites. Due to the risk of fire, the National Parks and Wildlife Service(NPWS), have drawn up an individual plan of action. A comprehensive ex-situ conservation plan is in place, such that there are now more individuals in cultivation than in the wild. Seeds and cultivated individuals are being made available to the public by 2005 through cultivated stock. Hopefully these will ensure the Wollemi pine long-term survival and hopefully prevent unauthorized collection from the wild.
Further Information
www.wollemipine.com |
