Eucalypt decline and dead trees: if it's not sexy few seem to care

Abstract

Whether its Bell Miner Associated Dieback (BMAD), Eucalypt Decline or as the wording of the Key Threatening Process nomination states "Forest eucalypt dieback associated with over-abundant Bell Miners Manorina melanophrys, and psyllids, the phenomena of eucalypt decline on the east coast of Australia is serious. Approximately 781,000 hectares of east coast forests are currently predisposed to decline (Vic Jurskis unpub. data 2008). Among all the forms of dieback affecting east coast forest types, BMAD is one of the most serious and over $700,000 has been spent in the last few years trying to work out the what, why and where of managing this threat to forest ecosystems. Despite a 'task force' (the BMAD Working Group) having been set up to report on Bell Miner Associated Dieback, to the majority of Australian's, it either doesn't exist, they cannot agree on an acceptable term to describe it or it is not on their "peril radar". Substantial effort has been invested trying to unravel the mystery of BMAD and mitigating its impacts. Yet, to some decision makers, BMAD is not important and they see little association between this phenomena and drought, poor land management, weeds, fire and climate change; issues which do seem to capture their attention.