Ensuring Recovery: Rare and Threatened Flora of the Eurobodalla Region

The Eurobodalla Region in South Coast NSW is famous for its dramatic, rugged landscape with high plateau and deep ravines. It also boasts a diverse flora. Due to the varied topography, the plant communities in the region range from temperate rainforests to dry sclerophyll forests and open heathlands, with many plants endemic to the region.

A very large area of this landscape was affected by the 2019-2020 fires, which resulted in some species having more than 80% of their entire range burnt. This project aims to ensure the post-fire recovery of six rare or threatened plant species endemic to the region.

The project received funding from the NSW Government’s Environmental Trust with key collaborators including the Eurobodalla Regional Botanic Gardens (ERBG) and Budawang Coast Atlas of Life (BCAL). The key objectives of the project are to assess population status, determine key threats and  undertake priority conservation actions for the following six species: 

• Epacris gnidioides (vulnerable)

• Eucalyptus stenostoma (endangered)

• Leionema coxii (poorly known)

• Leptospermum thompsonii (vulnerable)

• Pultenaea baeuerlenii (vulnerable)

• Pultenaea rodwayi (poorly known)

One of the key aspects of the project will be to collect genetically diverse germplasm (seeds and cuttings) which will be propagated and stored at ERBG. The material will then be used to reintroduce the species to sites from which they recently disappeared or to reinforce surviving populations to reduce the risk of extinction.  

Jilaga Ash (Eucalyptus stenostoma) – on the edge of the cliff above Tuross River. This tree, along with a hundred or so more on the steep slope of the canyon below appear to have been protected from the flames. However, increasingly frequent fires in the region may put this species at risk of extinction because, unlike some eucalypts, it does not re-sprout when burnt.

The sandstone cliffs near the Monolith Valley - the habitat of the unusual Budawang Cliff-heath (Epacris gnidioides) which often grows in rock crevices and on cliffs faces. The surveys of this species are particularly challenging due to growing in remote and rugged areas. 

Epicromic regrowth of the eucalypts and dense riparian vegetation along Mongarlowe River – habitat of the vulnerable Leptosmermum thompsonii. Very large area of these forest experienced a high severity burn which stimulated a thick regrowth of the understory vegetation which makes surveys challenging

BCAL volunteers searching for Pultenaea baeuerlenii in the heathland at the Little Forest Plateau. The fire killed all Banksia ericifolia on the plateau (blackened stems on the photo) – this species requires several years without fire to recover.

Key achievements

• Partnered with Eurobodalla Regional Botanic Garden (ERBG) and volunteers from Budawang Coast Atlas of Life (BCAL) to survey key populations of target species.

• Overcame challenges of scarce herbarium records, rugged terrain, and dense post-fire regrowth to successfully locate plants.

• With the help of expert local volunteers, all six target species were found.

• Priority areas identified for future searches and potential reintroduction sites.

• Developed a booklet showcasing the rare and threatened flora of the region to raise awareness.

Partners

Eurobodalla Regional Botanic Garden (ERBG)

Budawang Coast Atlas of Life (BCAL) 

Saving our Species program (NSW government)

Funding: $194,152 from NSW Government – Environmental Trust

Duration: 3 years