Wollemi pine conservation project

The last remaining wild population of Wollemi pine is restricted to a single, isolated site in the Greater Blue Mountains, with only 46 adult trees and 43 juvenile trees. This makes this rare species extremely vulnerable to catastrophic events and at very high risk of extinction.

Along with frequent fire, the greatest threat to these extraordinary wild trees is from human disturbance. Unauthorised visitation to the wild site carries extremely high risk of trampling seedlings, damaging exposed roots and fragile soils, and introducing invasive weeds and pathogens like deadly Phytophthora cinnamomi or ‘root rot’.

NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) has a targeted strategy for minimising threats and managing this species under the Saving our Species program. Access to the wild population is restricted to the minimum essential personnel undertaking the minimum essential management, research and monitoring activities.

Conservation activities include a translocation program which aims to increase the total size and geographic distribution of the wild population. Monitoring post-fire recovery of the wild trees, following the 2019-20 bushfires, is also ongoing.

Since its discovery, the Wollemi pine has been cloned by scientists and successfully grown around the world to help preserve the species via cultivation. A seed back and living collection of trees is maintained at the Australian Botanic Garden, Mount Annan. These support a range of research activities that benefit ongoing conservation and management of the wild population.

To help safeguard the remaining wild population of Wollemi pine, this sensitive site isn't accessible to the public. By staying away from the Wollemi pines in the wild, we can future proof their existence and Australia as their home.

The good news is that successful cultivation of these pines means you can safely see and enjoy this critically endangered species at locations across the world, from Australia's many botanic gardens to London's Kew Gardens, and even Disneyland in Tokyo!

You can also help with conservation of this ‘dinosaur tree’ by growing your own. They're available from many garden nurseries and are easy to keep in a pot or indoors.

To learn more about this rare and remarkable tree, and find a list of Australian locations where you can see the Wollemi pine safely, visit our Wollemi pine plant page.

In January 2021, the Wollemi pine site in the Blue Mountains World Heritage Area was declared as NSW’s first Asset of Intergenerational Significance (AIS).

This historic declaration recognises the global significance of the Wollemi pine. It provides the strongest legal protections and conservation management in NSW national parks, to ensure its survival for future generations.