Noosa News
Bell miners ‘farming’ destructive psyllids continue to spread dieback through eucalypts
A native bird with a taste for the sugary sap on the back of insects, and a particular talent in “farming” them, could be indirectly causing the destruction of millions of hectares of forest.
Key points:
- Bell miners are contributing to eucalypt forest dieback across the east coast
- The ingenious bird cultivates colonies of insects for food
- The insects then feed on eucalypts, killing them and causing havoc for biodiversity
In ensuring a steady supply of food, the bell miner is causing the spread of the deadly tree disease, dieback.
How it spreads dieback has been found to be a complex relationship that could be likened to milking a cow or shearing a sheep.
The bird’s favourite food is the sugary sap, or lerp, growing on the back of an insect…
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