An extensive study of 30,000 square kilometers (11,500 square miles) of northern Victoria has revealed that many Australian bird species are in dramatic declines, according to The Advertiser. Two-thirds of woodland bird species are decreasing, believed to be due to fractured habitat loss and ongoing climate change, including droughts that reduce the frequency of flowering trees, an important food source for nectar-feeding birds.Even bird species thought to be abundant and secure, such as the laughing kookaburra, have seen noted declines and less successful breeding in the past five years.
It is hoped that this study will prompt strong action toward conservation measures including the protection and restoration of natural habitat, or else a wave of extinctions may be facing Australian birds.
Laughing Kookaburra
Photo © Anders Vindegg
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