Kleinfelder Expertise Recognised in Endangered Species Listing
Fig Forest, Principal Botanist
Kleinfelder is proud to recognise the contribution of Principal Botanist, Fig Forest, to the recent conservation assessment of the square‑fruited ironbark (Eucalyptus tetrapleura). Fig’s nomination has brought about the species’ NSW and Federal uplisting from Vulnerable to Endangered.
The assessment, undertaken by the NSW Threatened Species Scientific Committee using International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) criteria, found that while the species still occurs in reasonable numbers, it occupies a highly restricted geographic range and is facing ongoing, compounding threats. These include habitat clearing and fragmentation, increased hybridisation with common ironbark species, and more frequent and severe fire regimes linked to climate change.
Fig was acknowledged as an expert contributor to the assessment, providing critical ecological evidence that strengthened the Committee’s understanding of real‑world impacts on the species. This included documenting losses associated with forestry activities, highlighting historical clearing on private land, and identifying gaps in existing conservation protections. Fig’s work helped connect site‑level impacts with broader population‑level risks, particularly the loss of genetically intact populations.
This outcome highlights an important conservation challenge: long‑lived tree species can appear secure in the short term, even as the processes that threaten their future persistence are already underway.
The Endangered listing will support stronger consideration of Eucalyptus tetrapleura in planning, forestry, and infrastructure decision‑making. Further reading on the Conservation Assessment can be found on the NSW Government website Conservation Assessment of Eucalyptus tetrapleura L.A.S.Johnson.
Visit Kleinfelder.com.au or follow us on LinkedIn/Kleinfelder Australia
Square-fruited Ironbark (Eucalyptus tetrapleura) courtesy of Patricia and John Edwards
