What is Box-Ironbark forest?
[[File:Lathamus discolor Bruny 1.jpg|thumb|right|280px|alt=Swift Parrot perched in eucalypt foliage|The forests provide important feeding habitat for migratory Swift Parrots in autumn and winter]] '''Box-Ironbark forest''' is a forest or woodland [[ecosystem]] found in central [[Victoria (Australia)|Victoria]] in south-eastern [[Australia]]. It is named after the Box and Ironbark trees which grow in the forest. These tree [[species]] produce a lot of [[nectar]] and [[pollen]] throughout the year. This is important for the [[Conservation biology|conservation]] of many species of birds and other animals. ==History== Box-Ironbark forest lies mainly within the [[Goldfields region of Victoria]]. During the main years of the [[Victorian gold rush|gold rush]] (1851-1870) it underwent intensive digging and clearing in the goldfields. Large areas of forest were cut down for use in the gold mines and for firewood in surrounding areas. After the gold rush, the forests were still heavily cut for firewood and cleared for farming.<ref name=gullan>{{cite web |url=http://www.viridans.com/ECOVEG/box-ironbark.htm|title=Box-Ironbark Forest |access-date=2011-08-12 |work= Victorian Ecosystems |first=Paul |last=Gullan |publisher=Viridans }}</ref> ==Description== Box-Ironbark forest is found on rocky, often auriferous ([[gold]]-bearing), soils, in flat and undulating landscapes at [[altitude]]s of 150–600&nbsp;m above [[sea level]]. The average annual rainfall of is 500–800&nbsp;mm. About 40% of the original forest ecosystem in Victoria is public land, with about 20% protected in conservation reserves. About 55% has been permanently cleared for [[agriculture]], [[mining]] and [[urban development]]. Remaining forest is in small scattered areas.<ref name=gullan/> ===Vegetation=== Box-Ironbark forest has a canopy of box, [[ironbark]] and gum-barked [[eucalypt]]s, growing to 25&nbsp;m in height. Below them is an understorey of [[Acacia|wattles]], small-leaved and prostrate [[shrub]]s, [[herbaceous plant|herbs]] and [[grass]]es. Th