Wildlife trade and conservation
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Department of the Environment and Water Resources, June 2007
Commercial harvesting of tree ferns from the wild is undertaken in Tasmania, Victoria and New South Wales. Species currently harvested are Dicksonia antarctica (Tasmania, New South Wales and Victoria), Cyathea australis (Victoria), Cyathea cunninghamii (Victoria) and Todea barbara (Victoria). Harvesting is undertaken for domestic markets (whole plants and other products) and export markets (mainly whole plants). Harvesting is regulated by State/Territory legislation and by the requirements of any State-based Wildlife Trade Management Plans for the species. The export for commercial purposes may be allowed from an approved source, such as a Wildlife Trade Management Plan or an individual Wildlife Trade Operation which have been approved by the Australian Government Department of the Environment and Water Resources.
This document aims to provide overarching guidelines for regulation and management practices associated with tree fern harvesting. They are designed to foster sustainable management of tree fern species and develop consistency across jurisdictions (including those where tree fern harvesting regulations and procedures may be required in the future). The guidelines also cover hygiene and biosecurity issues that are relevant to the movement and export of plants.
Some or all of the guidelines may also be relevant to sustainable management of some other species of wild-harvested plants.