Eucalyptus fracta - vulnerable species listing

The Scientific Committee, established by the Threatened Species Conservation Act, has made a Final Determination to list Eucalyptus fracta K.D. Hill as a Vulnerable species on Schedule 2 of the Threatened Species Conservation Act. Listing is provided for by Part 2 of the Act.

NSW Scientific Committee - final determination

The Scientific Committee has found that:

1. Eucalyptus fracta K.D. Hill is a recently described species. (Hill, K.D. 1997. New species in Angophora and Eucalyptus (Myrtaceae) from New South Wales. Telopea 7, 97 - 109).

2. It is a tree or mallee to 8 m. tall with hard ironbark on trunk and main branches, and smooth white bark on branches less than c. 7 cm diameter. A detailed description is provided by Hill (1997). Eucalyptus fracta is nearest to Eucalyptus siderophloia from which it can be distinguished by its smaller habit, smaller and more rounded juvenile leaves, broader fruit, usually smaller buds with rounded calyptra.

3. Eucalyptus fracta is known only from State Forests on parts of the northern escarpment of the Broken Back Range, near Cessnock, where it is restricted to shallow soils along the upper escarpment of a steep sandstone range.  Eucalyptus fracta is not harvested for timber but firewood collection may occur.

4. Eucalyptus fracta has not been recorded during surveys of similar habitat in nearby areas.

5. In view of Point 3 and the restricted geographic and ecological range of Eucalyptus fracta the Scientific Committee is of the opinion that this species is likely to become endangered in nature in New South Wales unless the circumstances and factors threatening its survival or evolutionary development cease to operate, and it is therefore eligible for listing as a vulnerable species.

Proposed Gazettal date: 30/7/99
Exhibition period: 30/7/99 - 3/9/99