Box–ironbark forest is a forest or woodland ecosystem that is largely limited to central Victoria in south-eastern Australia. Because its component tree species produce abundant nectar and pollen throughout the year, it is important for the conservation of many species of birds and other animals.
Because box–ironbark forest lies mainly within the Goldfields region of Victoria, during the main years of the gold rush (1851-1870) it underwent intensive digging and clearing in the goldfields, accompanied by extensive timber cutting for infrastructure and firewood in surrounding areas. After the gold rush subsided the forests were still heavily cut for firewood and cleared for pasture.[1]
Box–ironbark forest is found on rocky, often auriferous (gold-bearing), soils, in flat and undulating landscapes at altitudes of 150–600 m above sea level, and with an average annual rainfall of 500–800 mm. About 40% of the area formerly supporting the ecosystem in Victoria is public land with less than 20% protected in conservation reserves. About 55% has been permanently cleared for agriculture, mining and urban development. Remaining forest has been fragmented.[1]
Calder, D. M. (Donald Malcolm) & McCann, I. R. (Ian Robert) & Calder, Jane, 1936- & Victorian National Parks Association (2002). Victoria's box-ironbark country : a field guide (Rev. ed). Victorian National Parks Association, Melbourne
Calder, D. M. (Donald Malcolm) & McCann, I. R. (Ian Robert) & Calder, Jane, 1936- & Victorian National Parks Association (1994). The forgotten forests : a field guide to Victoria's box and ironbark country. Victorian National Parks Association, East Melbourne, Vic
Field Naturalists' Club of Victoria & American Museum of Natural History Library (1884). The Victorian naturalist. [Melbourne] Field Naturalists Club of Victoria
Tzaros, Chris. (2005). Wildlife of the Box-Ironbark Country. CSIRO Publishing: Melbourne. ISBN978-0-643-06967-1