Waterbird numbers in eastern Australia have dropped by 50% in one year due to dry conditions, according to UNSW Sydney’s annual survey. Researchers counted 287,231 birds in 2024, down from 579,641 in 2023. The decline follows breeding boosts during flood years in 2021-2022, but drier conditions have reduced breeding and wetland areas.
The survey, covering a third of Australia, shows long-term declines in bird numbers, species breeding, and wetland size, which totaled 122,283 hectares in 2024—well below average. Northwestern Queensland recorded the highest bird abundance, with 17% of the total count.
Source – CGTN
You can listen to the programs organized by MI Radio on Google Podcast, Apple Podcast and Spotify.
You can download MI Radio application on Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
