Eucalyptus sp. Cattai (a small tree) - endangered species listing

The Scientific Committee, established by the Threatened Species Conservation Act, has made a Final Determination to list the taxon, Eucalyptus sp. Cattai (NSW 318983), a small tree as an ENDANGERED SPECIES on Part 1 of Schedule 1 of that Act. Listing of endangered species is provided for by Part 2 of the Act.

This Determination has been superseded by the 2015 Determination (Critically endangered species listing).

NSW Scientific Committee - final determination

The Scientific Committee has found that:

1. Eucalyptus sp. Cattai (NSW 318983) is a tree to 4.5 m high; bark thick, sub-fibrous, furrowed, but loose on lower trunk tending to scaly bloodwood type higher up. Adult leaves disjunct, lanceolate to broad lanceolate, 4.6-11.5 cm long, 1-4.2 cm wide, dark green, glossy, discolorous, penniveined. Umbellasters 6-8-flowered; peduncle flattened or angular, 5-13 mm long; pedicels terete, 0-6 mm long. Buds fusiform to ovoid or conical, 6-10 mm long, 3.5-5 mm diam., scar present; calyptra conical to hemispherical, sometimes slightly beaked, more or less ribbed, at least as wide as hypanthium, length longer or shorter than hypanthium; fruit hemispherical or cup-shaped, 5-6 mm long, 5-7 mm long; disc flat to raised; valves exserted.

2. Mention is made of this taxon by Hill (1991) (in Harden G (ed). Flora of New South Wales, Vol 2. UNSW Press, Sydney. p 93) as Eucalyptus notabilis - Eucalyptus resinifera intergrades.

3. The taxon occurs in the area between Colo Heights and Castle Hill, and there are historic records from the area around the Royal Botanic Gardens, Sydney.

4. Eucalyptus sp. Cattai (NSW 318983) occurs as a rare emergent tree in scrub, heath and low woodland on sandy soils, usually as isolated individuals or occasionally in small clustered groups. The sites at which it occurs are generally flat and on ridge tops.

5. The habitats occupied by the taxon are threatened by urban development, development of hobby farms and the construction of fire trails and easements.

6. The taxon occurs in small numbers over a limited area. No known populations occur in conservation reserves. As most individuals are below 5 metres they may not be protected by Tree Preservation Orders.

7. In view of 4,5,6 above the Scientific Committee is of the opinion that Eucalyptus sp. Cattai (NSW 318983) is likely to become extinct in nature in New South Wales unless the circumstances and factors threatening its survival or evolutionary development cease to operate.

Proposed Gazettal date: 18/12/98
Exhibition period: 18/12/98 - 29/1/99