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Wollemi Pine research and conservation

Scientists have been undertaking research to learn about this unique and ancient plant to ensure its long-term survival.

Wollemi Pine research and conservation

Seed collection and germination

Scientists have been researching the Wollemi Pine since it was found growing in Wollemi National Park. 

View the Wollemi Pine dvideo which shows Dr Cathy Offord working with collected Wollemi Pine seeds. She states, ‘By studying Wollemi Pines in the wild we discovered how best to germinate seeds in the lab’.

Translocation

Dr Heidi Zimmer at the Wollemi Pine translocation site

Establishing a new population of Wollemi Pines at a new location had been an aim of the Wollemi Pine Recovery Team for a long time. This is called translocation.

View images of the translocation site and read about its purpose in Protecting the critically endangered Wollemi Pine.

Other research projects

Examples of other scientific investigations and conservation strategies are described on the page Wollemi Pine Research Projects.

Protection

Read the strategies in place to protect the wild population of Wollemi Pines.

Wollemi Pine research and conservation – activities

  • Generate a consequences chart that lists several strategies in place for protecting the Wollemi Pine. Write or illustrate the management strategy and the intended result, for instance, scientists on field trips have to step into anti-microbial foot baths to ensure diseases aren’t introduced to the site of the wild population.
  • Use the hot-seating strategy to interview students enacting the role of research scientists and assistants on their work in researching and protecting the Wollemi Pine. 
  • Compose a picture book or other text on the story of the Wollemi Pine, a living dinosaur of the plant world. Consider using first person voice as a Wollemi Pine. Recount the activities in the canyon since scientists started their research on the Wollemi Pines.
  • Use your local council’s website or the Threatened Species site to research local endangered or threatened plant or animal species. Find out what is being done to protect the species and propose ways in which students or local community members can contribute to the species’ long-term survival. 

Want to know more?

Branch Out podcast – No plants no past: protecting our prehistoric pine.