Distribution and cone production in 'Allocasuarina diminuta' and 'A. gymnanthera' (Casuarinaceae) in central New South Wales

'Allocasuarina diminuta' (L. Johnson) and 'A. gymnanthera' (L. Johnson) are critical food resources of the threatened glossy black-cockatoo ('Calyptorhynchus lathami') in central New South Wales. The distribution and cone production in these species was investigated as part of a broader study on the foraging ecology of the glossy black-cockatoo. Both 'Allocasuarina' species were closely associated with vegetation communities occurring on the ridges and upper slopes. Cone production appeared to be linked to rainfall, with fewer cones produced in dry years. Rainfall during autumn-spring appeared to be especially important. Drought conditions resulted in the failure of plants to produce seed and caused the death of significant numbers of plants. Any decrease in moisture balance or increase in drought frequency/length due to global warming is likely to have negative consequences for 'Allocasuarina' and glossy black-cockatoo populations.