Conservation of Eucalypts
All known eucalypt species have now been assessed: 25% are threatened with extinction. The IUCN Red List includes over 800 eucalypts, including Eucalyptus, Corymbia and Angophora.
Angophora costata (2018-11-20) by Mayu KataokaBotanic Gardens Conservation International
Australia, home of the eucalypt
As the third largest tree genus in the world, this assessment of Eucalyptus and its relatives provides a major contribution to our global knowledge of trees. Of the over 800 eucalypt species, only 4 species are found outside Australia.
Historically and biologically significant
Eucalypts occupy almost every habitat type in Australia, are culturally significant to First Nations People and are important for specialist animal feeders such as the swift parrot or the koala, which rely on these trees for sustenance.
Eucalyptus plantation in Kenya (2013-12-05) by Barney WilczakBotanic Gardens Conservation International
Speed trees
Eucalypt species can be fast growing and are seen across the world, often in plantations.
Eucalyptus saligna (1905-07-11) by Di LymburyBotanic Gardens Conservation International
Collaborative assessment
Assessments for these iconic trees were completed in collaboration with Botanic Gardens Australia and New Zealand, the NESP Threatened Species Recovery Hub, and the Australian Government.
Major population decline
Many eucalypt species have experienced major population declines of at least 30%, often in cropping districts and urban areas, due to extensive clearance, that started with European colonisation in 1810. They are considered Threatened on the IUCN Red List.
Eucalyptus camaldulensis (2018-07-15) by Mayu KataokaBotanic Gardens Conservation International
Vulnerable to Critically Endangered
“Our assessment found that 193 species, which is almost one quarter (23%) of all Australian eucalypt species, meet criteria for a threatened status of Vulnerable, Endangered or Critically Endangered,”
Associate Professor Fensham, The University of Queensland.
Eucalyptus leucoxylon ssp. Pruinosa (2009-04-29) by Ian RobertsBotanic Gardens Conservation International
The farming threat
The major cause of decline in eucalypt populations is conversion of habitat to crops and pastures, making the most threatened sites those where there is arable land. One urgent conservation action site is Western Australia, where 54% of all threatened eucalypts can be found.
Eucalyptus camaldulensis (2018-09-23) by Christopher GroundsBotanic Gardens Conservation International
The solution
The results of the assessment are used to encourage listing under the protection of Australian environmental law, and to aid conservation prioritisation.
Eucalyptus planting zone in Gullele Botanic Garden (2014) by BGCIBotanic Gardens Conservation International
The overlooked
Due to apparent abundance, previous assessments have overlooked common species. This includes Eucalyptus leucoxylon, native to Victoria and South Australia, which has declined by 40% due to land use change.
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