In a bid to rescue a species believed to have vanished millions of years ago, scientists are undertaking a monumental task of planting “living fossil” trees in undisclosed locations, aiming to reverse the brink of extinction for Wollemi pines. Discovered in 1994 by hikers in Australia’s Blue Mountains, these ancient conifers, with fossils dating back to the Cretaceous period, have barely changed in appearance over millennia.
Despite their resilience, Wollemi pines face imminent threats from Phytophthora cinnamomi and rampant wildfires in New South Wales. Efforts led by the Wollemi Pine Recovery Team have seen the transplantation of seedlings to protected sites within Wollemi National Park. These remote locations provide refuge from wildfires and disease, essential for the survival of the species.
Since 2012, over 400 saplings have been transplanted, with subsequent augmentations in 2021 totaling 502 new plantings. Despite challenges posed by droughts and landslides, survival rates have surpassed expectations, aided by favorable La Niña conditions. However, the task remains daunting, with slow growth rates and climate-related risks threatening the long-term success of the reintroduction effort.
The team remains vigilant against the introduction of Phytophthora, employing strict protocols to minimize contamination risks. Additionally, some trees have intentionally been placed in fire-prone areas to study their response, underscoring the complexity of conservation strategies in the face of evolving environmental challenges.
As the planted populations are closely monitored, the road to self-sustainability is paved with uncertainties. With Wollemi pines taking decades to mature and produce seeds, the restoration effort is deemed multi-generational, requiring ongoing stewardship amidst growing climate threats.
The ultimate measure of success lies in the appearance of second-generation seedlings, a milestone that may take many decades, if not centuries, to achieve. Against the backdrop of escalating climate change impacts, the long-term security of Wollemi pine populations remains uncertain, highlighting the urgency of sustained conservation efforts.