Slender Tree-ferns

Stuart and Chris collecting a fertile frond for identification

Slender Tree-ferns

Slender Tree-ferns (Cyathea cunninghamii) are listed as Critically Endangered under the Flora and Fauna Guarantee (FFG) Act 1988. This means they are facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild in the immediate future.

We have recorded the largest population of Slender Tree-ferns in Australia in the Turtons Creek area across private and public land with over 500 counted so far and we believe there are more. Previously, Research estimates there were only about 1000 of them left in Victoria...we are pleased that we can now add this important population to the list.

They are slow growing and it is thought that they need to be at least 7m tall and over 25 years old before they are mature enough to produce spores.

Slender Tree-ferns are thin and tall...they have a diameter of between 5 and 20cm and can grow to 20m high. They are found close to smaller creeks in steep gullies, as they require wet conditions and need protection from strong wind. They are found in rainforest areas with stable banks.

Slender Tree-ferns near the creek

How are Slender Tree-ferns at risk of extinction?

Timber harvesting close to Slender Tree-ferns leaves them exposed to damaging winds. When Slender Tree-ferns are exposed without the shelter of surrounding forest they are at risk.

Slender Tree-ferns need protection from damaging winds, fire and floods. These elements are all expected to increase in frequency with rising temperature caused by climate change.

Slender Tree-ferns are sensitive to fire. Plantation close to them increases the fire risk. Plantation pines increase the fire risk more than native forest. Forestry operations include burning after harvest which increases the fire risk.

Slender Tree-ferns require wet soil conditions, which is why they are found close to creeks. Pine plantations close to them are likely to reduce the amount of water in the soil as these plantations use a large quantity of water.

Harvesting close to Slender Tree-ferns and planting pines will also allow for weeds to invade and compete with new younger Slender Tree-ferns making their survival more difficult.

Adequate buffer zones are the solution to protecting Slender Tree-ferns but we don't think HVP are doing enough and are putting this critically endangered species at risk.

We are now working with the Gippsland Forest Guardians to protect the Slender Tree-ferns in Turtons Creek and the Strzeleckis.

What YOU can do:

Contact your local representatives to let them know your concerns (contacts and example text below)
Contact HVP and let them know that they need to provide better protection for our threatened species as prescribed in the FFG Act if they are to have a social license to operate on our Crown Land info@hvp.com.au
Keep informed about the campaign as it develops by following @gippslandforestguardiansinc on Instagram
Share a link to this site and share the Slender Tree-fern video
Contact your super fund to find out if they invest in HVP and share your concerns - if they do, consider whether you want to invest your super in this way.
Contact us if you would like to help and become more involved in standing up for our local forests and threatened species. stuart@gippslandforestguardians.org.au

Slender Tree-ferns