Hundreds of ancient bunya pines in a Southern Queensland National Park are facing a growing threat as wet weather heightens the spread of an invasive soil-borne disease.
Key points:
With hundreds of bunya pines already infected, rangers have called for tracks to be closed during wet weather to help limit the spread.
But for the Bunya People's Aboriginal Corporation general manager Paul Dawson, the loss of the trees has a deep spiritual cost.
"It's more widespread than initially thought," Mr Dawson said.
"Losing the Bunyas would be like losing a family. That's the fear and, I think, a justified fear."
Invasive soil-borne disease made worse by wet weather, threatens bunya pines - ABC News
Key points:
- The recent rain and upcoming third La Niña summer present the perfect conditions for phytophthora to spread
- The soil borne disease spreads through the movement on soil on shoes, bikes and feral pigs
- Trials are being conducted to help stop new infections of phytophthora
With hundreds of bunya pines already infected, rangers have called for tracks to be closed during wet weather to help limit the spread.
But for the Bunya People's Aboriginal Corporation general manager Paul Dawson, the loss of the trees has a deep spiritual cost.
"It's more widespread than initially thought," Mr Dawson said.
"Losing the Bunyas would be like losing a family. That's the fear and, I think, a justified fear."
Invasive soil-borne disease made worse by wet weather, threatens bunya pines - ABC News
