Kingborough Council recently completed a planting of locally endangered Eucalyptus rubida (or candlebark) at Tramway Hill Reserve in Margate in an effort to help the species and improve habitat for wildlife.
A recent study commissioned by Council found that in Kingborough the species was considered endangered.
Although candlebark trees are not threatened in any other part of the state, based on its restricted geographic range, small population size, severe fragmentation, and inferred population decline, it met the criteria in Kingborough.
Kingborough Acting Mayor, Jo Westwood said historic land clearing of the species preferred habitat, had led to a decline in local populations.
“Tramway Hill Reserve in Margate was chosen as a preferred site due to the naturally occurring population of candlebark trees,” Cr Westwood said.
“The Council’s Natural Areas and Biodiversity team hopes to plant more trees in the future in other remaining candlebark strongholds at Leslie Vale and Harts Hill.”
Seeds collected as part of the study have been kept at the Tasmanian Seed Conservation Centre at the Royal Tasmanian Botanic Gardens for Council to use in revegetation projects.
The planting was part of an offset project under the Kingborough Environmental Fund.
If you would like any further information on the project or the Kingborough Environmental Fund, please contact Council on 6211 8200.