A rare and potentially threatened species of Eucalyptus woodland in southeast Queensland and northern New South Wales.
Distribution
Callitris baileyi is found sporadically throughout southeast Queensland, from the state border to Goomeri in the north and west to the Bunya Mountains. There is also a small population in Koreelah National Park (NSW) and adjacent private land on the NSW–Queensland border west of Woodenbong. Old records exist for Acacia Creek and Sandilands near Tabulam in New South Wales (Department of Environment and Climate Change 2005). Its extent of occurrence is estimated to be between 15,000 and 25,000 km2.
Usually found in small groups. Subpopulations are considered to be severely fragmented due to widespread habitat fragmentation.
Habitat and Ecology
Callitris baileyi grows on rocky slopes, hilly or mountainous areas, in shallow and often clay soils. It is found in eucalypt woodland, commonly associated with Ironbark, Blue Gum and Spotted Gum.The New South Wales subpopulation occurs in an open grassy eucalypt forest near a creek.
Human Uses
The wood was used traditionally for fence posts.
Conservation Status
Global Status & Rationale
Near Threatened
Callitris baileyi's current extent of occurrence (EOO) is close to the threshold for Vulnerable under criterion B1. Although it is known from more than 10 locations, subpopulations are considered to be severely fragmented due to widespread habitat fragmentation throughout its range. An ongoing decline in the quality of habitat due to inappropriate fire regimes, grazing and invasion by alien invasive weeds in a limited part of its range is inferred. At this stage, an assessment of Near Threatened is warranted as it almost qualifies for a threatened listing under criterion B1ab(iii)).
Global threats
The species is vulnerable to grazing and inappropriate fire regimes (e.g. frequent low-intensity burning to reduce fuel loads or promote grass growth for cattle grazing) that prevent regeneration and can lead to the elimination of subpopulations. Alien invasive weeds such as Lantana camara are a problem in some parts of its range in Queensland. Habitat fragmentation and land clearing for agriculture outside of national parks are also problems in some areas (Boyes 2004).
Conservation Actions
This species is currently listed as Endangered under New South Wales state legislation and as Near Threatened in Queensland. It is recorded from several national parks such as the Bunya Mountains National Park in Queensland and Koreelah National Park in New South Wales
References and further reading
Boyes, B. 2004. Descriptions, Habitat and Threats for the Significant Species and Ecological Communities of Gatton and Laidley Shires, South-East Queensland. Appendix B to the Biodiversity Recovery Plan for Gatton and Laidley Shires, South-East Queensland 2003-2008. Version 2, 5 March 2004. Lockyer Catchment Association (LCA) Inc., Forest Hill.