One of the unique bird species in the Southern Hemisphere is facing a critical decline in population due to habitat loss and a rather surprising reason: mis-mating.
Black-eared Miner predominantly inhabits several green areas in South Australia and Victoria, often sought after by birdwatching enthusiasts.
A purebred Black-eared Miner in Victoria – (Photo: Murraylands and Riverland Landscape Board)
The distinctive features on their faces make them resemble superheroes wearing masks from animated films. Their bright orange-yellow beaks stand out against their light gray plumage.
However, according to Australian scientists, finding a genetically pure Black-eared Miner is becoming increasingly difficult, with some locations feeling like “finding a needle in a haystack.”
Currently, an ambitious project funded by the federal government is underway to protect this endangered Black-eared Miner species.
Project leader Dr. Wendy Stubbs and her ecology research team explain the reasons behind their threatened status: the vegetation in the area is changing for agricultural purposes. Additional dams are constructed, livestock herds are increasing, and many bird species are encroaching into areas where these birds were previously seldom seen…
As a result, the Black-eared Miner’s habitat is being “fragmented” with the presence of various animals such as goats, rabbits, and kangaroos from local farms. Additionally, there is the Yellow-throated Miner.
Unlike the Black-eared Miner, the Yellow-throated Miner has long adapted to living alongside many other species. When the Black-eared Miners and Yellow-throated Miners live closer together, they are more prone to mis-mating.
The hybrids between these two species are significantly increasing, leading to a serious decline in purebred Black-eared Miners.
Hybrid Black-eared Miner – (Photo: Sandy Horne)
Dr. Stubbs’ research team will survey 200 preferred habitats of the Black-eared Miner in South Australia and Victoria to collect gene samples for analysis. From there, the team will calculate the extent of interbreeding occurring between the two species and propose methods to identify purebred individuals.
In the near future, Dr. Stubbs will also employ a “removal strategy” to eliminate key Yellow-throated Miners from the Black-eared Miner’s habitat to reduce the rate of “mis-mating” between them.
“This means we can keep the Black-eared Miner in our ecosystem,” Dr. Stubbs stated.
