Sea Birds may save Pines

The return of sea birds may save Norfolk Island’s iconic pines

THE SCIENCE SHOW : Broadcast Sat 24 Apr 2021 at 1:02pm

The flora and fauna of Norfolk Island developed over a long period of time. At first it was a nesting ground for sea birds. Then vegetation was introduced and evolved in an environment high in nutrients. But when Europeans arrived there was a sudden change. The first settlers took birds and their eggs, sometimes many thousands in a single day. With the birds gone, the soils became nutrient poor and now, the iconic Norfolk Island pines are weakened and prone to a fungal disease which attacks the roots. Today the problem is cats and rats. Pauline Newman speaks to Margaret Christian on Norfolk Island who with others is trying to rid the island of introduced animals which prey on birds. She hopes birds returning to nest will help rejuvenate the soils and give the trees health enabling them to resist the fungal disease which is attacking mature trees.

Also click here to listen to this earlier Podcast – Saving the threatened plants and animals of Norfolk Island – The Science Show 17th April 2021

Interviewer: Pauline Newman

Guests :

Mel Wilson – Natural Resources Manager Norfolk Island National Parks

Flossy Sperring – PhD Candidate  Monash University

Margaret Christian – Conservationist Norfolk Island

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO THE PODCAST

Image : Flossy Sperring