200-Million-Year-Old Wollemi Pine Now Most Protected Tree on Earth

200-Million-Year-Old Wollemi Pine Now Most Protected Tree on Earth
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Discovered in 1994 in Wollemi National Park, Australia, the Wollemi pine is a living fossil dating back 200 million years to the Jurassic period, Earth.com reported. This rare evergreen, part of the Araucariaceae family, was once thought extinct until a small population was found thriving in a remote gorge.

Fewer than 100 mature trees remain in the wild, making the species critically endangered. Strict biosecurity measures, including mandatory decontamination to prevent soil-borne pathogens like Phytophthora cinnamomi, protect these ancient trees. Conservationists have propagated the pine in botanical gardens and licensed nurseries worldwide to reduce poaching risks.

Rangers closely monitor the wild population, especially against threats from wildfires and climate change. A major firefighting effort in 2020 saved a cluster of Wollemi pines from destruction. Genetic preservation through seed banking, cloning, and tissue culture is ongoing to maintain diversity.

The Wollemi pine’s resilience offers valuable insights into climate adaptation and long-term ecological survival.