Lophozonia cunninghamii

The greatest historical threat to the species is from the logging of 'mixed forest' on Tasmania. In sites of logging the regeneration of Nothofagus cunninghamii is poor and the regeneration of the species will not be favoured, leading to quick decline.
 
Nothofagus cunninghamii experiences severe loss from fire which is the greatest threat to Nothofagus forests in south east Australia and causes large scale declines particularly within Victoria. Rain forests in Tasmania have decreased by 8% from 1950-1996 due to fire. Fire reduces seedling recruitment in both Victoria and Tasmania, reducing species regeneration. Tasmanian subpopulation may be more adversely impacted by this in the future due to their dependence on seed germination for regeneration. The threat of fire is increased by anthropogenic fire regimes and also global climate change.

Nothofagus cunninghamii is also susceptible to fatal infection by Myrtle Wilt (Chalara australis) (spread of the disease may be assisted through the actions of the Pin Hole Borer (Platypus subgranosus) (Veblen et al. 1996, DSE 2005). The risk is greatest to mature trees and is the major cause of gaps in forest cover in Tasmania (Ridley et al. 2000). Victorian subpopulations are considered more susceptible to infection that Tasmanian subpopulations, the cause of this is not yet fully understood. The risk of infection increases with disturbance of canopy cover which can occur as a result of human activity such as logging and road construction (Veblen et al. 1996, Ridley et al. 2000).

Trees are no longer commercially harvested in Victoria and yields are considered sustainable in Tasmania, but the species may be harvested on private property but this is not a major threat. Global climate change, specifically climate drying within the region, is predicted to cause future population decline as these processes reduce recruitment potential. The species is further threatened by clearance of cool temperate rain forest for silviculture and agriculture (D. Cameron pers. comm. 2017).

Nothofagus cunninghamii is found in 29 ex situ collections (BGCI 2017). Victorian populations are mainly found in reserves and protected areas; only small pockets occur outside of these. Some forests are also protected in Tasmania (Veblen et al. 1996). The species is a character species for cool- temperate rain forest in Victoria which is listed as 'threatened' under the 'Flora and Fauna Guarantee act 1988'. Within Victoria the species has been assessed as Endangered A4abce, B2ab(ii,iii,v) (Veblen et al. 1996).