A little forest bat shelters under peeling bark. Image: Darren Le Roux
The bush capital is losing its large old native trees so fast it may have none left within 120 years, an ANU study has found. Researchers have surveyed trees in green spaces across Canberra and projected their future numbers. "We predict there will be a considerable decline in the number of large old trees in the next few centuries under current tree management practices," says Darren Le Roux, PhD student at ANU, who led the study. "Worst case scenario, we could have a complete loss of large old trees within 120 years." Large trees provide myriad resources that are crucial for biodiversity, such as hollows for parrots, possums and bats, or peeling bark and debris that host insects and fungi. Although their optimal standing life should be at least 450 years, Canberra's trees average less than 300 years - in some cases as low as 60 years. "Perceptions of large trees as overly hazardous structures can lead to trees being unnecessarily removed," says Mr Le Roux. "We need to find better ways to manage conflicts of interest.
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