Two daring horticulturalists embarked on a thrilling abseiling adventure to save precious gumnuts from an endangered tree perched on a 300-meter cliff face. The intrepid duo, Stan Wawrzyczek and Amy Downie, along with their colleague Ollie Sherlock, braved the challenging terrain to collect gumnuts from four trees using a pole pruner. These gumnuts will be used to grow seedlings, ensuring the survival of the Jillaga Ash, a species on the brink of extinction.
The endangered tree, Eucalyptus stenostoma, was spotted by Wawrzyczek during his work as a threatened flora ecologist at the Threatened Species Conservancy. He discovered it 90 meters down the cliff in the Wadbilliga national park, a remote and rugged location in southern New South Wales. Coincidentally, Downie, a horticulturist at the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria (RBGV), had the unique skill of abseiling, having previously cared for the RBGV's Grey Garden, which features plants in hard-to-reach places on a steep slope.
The team's mission was not without its challenges. They had to tie two ropes together to ensure they had enough length to reach the trees. The abseiling site was uncharted territory, and the team had to navigate through dense vegetation, climb steep cliffs, and traverse rugged 4WD tracks without mobile phone coverage. Despite the obstacles, their dedication and expertise prevailed.
The Jillaga Ash, a tree with a unique downhill lean, grows up to 25 meters tall and can live for up to 400 years. However, it lacks the post-fire regeneration capability of other trees, making it particularly vulnerable. This species is endemic to Wadbilliga and Deua national parks, and the Wadbilliga population suffered near-total destruction during the devastating black summer bushfires.
The NSW government has funded the Threatened Species Conservancy to save six species in the area, including the Jillaga Ash. The team's five-day expedition involved camping, four-wheel driving, hiking, climbing, abseiling, surveying, and collecting. The gumnuts collected will be stored and dried, and the seeds will be added to RBGV's state botanical collection, which already houses over 1.5 million specimens.
Following the success of this mission, the team is exploring the potential of using abseiling to rescue other endangered plants in new locations. This innovative approach highlights the importance of creative solutions in conservation efforts, ensuring the survival of vulnerable species for future generations.
