Some of Brisbane’s most beautiful birds are disappearing.
A new Griffith University study has revealed populations of small, colourful and melodic native species are declining across the city.
“In Brisbane in particular, you’re starting to lose a lot of species in highly urbanised areas,” lead researcher Dr Andres Felipe Suarez-Castro told Brisbane Times.
Brisbane’s birdlife is disappearing as green spaces make way for development, according to a Griffith University study.
“Poor urban planning that doesn’t protect green spaces is having a high impact on these birds.”
Several types of honeyeater, white-throated gerygones, golden whistlers and flycatchers are among the species most affected.
But Suarez-Castro believes the declines also affect Brisbane residents’ quality of life.
“There is research that shows … these birds tend to bring positive interactions between people and nature,” he said.
To stem the declines, the Griffith researchers say new urban planning practices linking green spaces should be adopted.
“I think land clearing in general is becoming worse in Brisbane as the population grows,” Suarez-Castro said.
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