University of Tasmania
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stone tides weeping trees

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posted on 2025-02-02, 23:43 authored by Troy RuffelsTroy Ruffels

The central highland plateau of Tasmania, particularly its Miena cider gums (Eucalyptus gunnii), serves as the focal point of this project. These trees, capable of thriving up to 1050 meters above sea level, face severe threats from climate change, habitat destruction, and invasive species. Despite their resilience to harsh conditions, the increasing mortality rate among these trees signals a distressing ecological trend. This research utilises expanded photographic practice to document and interpret the environmental shifts and character of these specific locations over time, aiming to capture the essence of the changing landscapes and ecosystems. The Miena cider gums hold significant ecological importance, not only for their unique adaptation to the extreme Tasmanian climate but also as integral components of their ecosystem. Challenges such as invasive deer, climate-driven habitat changes, and possum predation have exacerbated their decline. This project aims to shed light on these issues, emphasising the need for conservation and raising awareness about the cider gums' ecological role. By weaving together artistic expression and scientific investigation, the project provides a multidimensional perspective on environmental conservation. In documenting the gradual decline of the central highland's ecosystems due to climate change and human impact, the work contributes  valuable insights to the broader environmental conservation discourse. In highlighting the ecological value of the Miena cider gums, it seeks to deepen our understanding of environmental interconnectedness. The project strives to evoke emotions and provoke reflections on humanity's impact on vulnerable ecosystems, motivating collective efforts towards sustainable practices and conservation. The culmination of this exploration has been documented in a short documentary by Australian National Geographic, set to air in 2024, with images featured across 6  pages in Island Magazine, Vol 169, 2023

History

Sub-type

  • Visual Artwork

Medium

Photography

Department/School

School of Creative Arts and Media

Publisher

Bett Gallery Hobart

Publication status

  • Published

Event title

stone tides weeping trees

Event Venue

Bett Gallery Hobart, 1/65 Murray Street, Hobart, Tasmania, 7000, Australia

Date of Event (Start Date)

2023-09-01

Date of Event (End Date)

2023-09-28

Rights statement

Copyright 2023 Tony Ruffels

Socio-economic Objectives

130103 The creative arts

UN Sustainable Development Goals

13 Climate Action

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    Non-traditional research outputs

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