Rural dieback

Abstract

Over the past two decades in Australia, there has been a dramatic increase in the rate of decline or death of native trees (especially eucalypts) in many rural areas. The problem occurs mainly among remnant trees on lands that have been selectively cleared for cultivation or grazing, rarely within undisturbed stands. It affects a wide range of tree species in many forest vegetation types. The causes of this 'rural dieback' are not completely known, but are thought to involve complex interactions of 'natural' and management-related factors that stress or injure trees. One of the principal factors seems to be the extensive tree clearing that has taken place since first settlement. Rural dieback is causing increasing community and government concern in most states, as the ecological and economic consequences of widespread tree loss are becoming apparent. Research programmes are underway around Australia to determine the extent and causes of tree decline and ways of combating the problem.