Cool Temperate Rainforests

The Cool Temperate Rainforests of Australia have their origins in the forests of Gondwana, the great southern super-continent which broke up into Australia, New Guinea, New Zealand, Antarctica, South America, Africa, Madagascar and India 65 to 100 million
years ago.

During this time the area of rainforest in Australia has contracted and expanded in accordance with shifts in the global climate. Throughout this vast period rainforest habitats have persisted in isolated refuges, allowing the survival of ancient lineages of plants which have changed little since their evolution.

These species and habitats are now at risk due to the rapid changes in the climate caused by human activities.