Dieback devastates south-west bird communities

"IN THE first study of its kind, researchers have investigated how dieback negatively impacts bird communities in south-western Australia by altering the structure of vegetation and causing the loss of flower species they use as food.

Dr Robert Davis from Edith Cowan University says some national parks in Western Australia are already over 60 per cent infested with dieback and yet we have a poor understanding of its impact on native fauna.

“Phytopthora cinnamomi, the soil-borne water mould commonly known as dieback, is one of the greatest emerging threats to biodiversity in southern Australia,” Dr Davis says.

“It has the potential to affect the populations of many already endangered birds of the south-west by wiping out their food sources.” "

Read the full article on the Science Network Western Australia website.

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