8 months, 3 weeks ago

Native vegetation loss potentially 'devastating' after record dry autumn, botanist warns

As farmers report high numbers of dying and distressed native trees and shrubs, a botanist is warning of the potential for "devastating" losses. "We're seeing a big thinning event of some of our native trees, particularly the blue gums and sugar gums on the tops of ridges," Mr Smith, whose property borders a conservation park, said. "We've got patches of lots of dead foliage and gum trees, and we don't have a lot of hope that it's suddenly going to be green," he said. "If you start seeing trees where parts of trees or whole trees die with the leaves still on, that's a sign of a really serious stress, and that's what we're seeing more of." Survival uncertain Dr Moore said many eucalypts could bounce back when rain arrived, but that was not guaranteed "if they're near starving".

ABC
Record Rain Trees Dry Dying Dr Moore Vegetation Loss Native Species

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