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Article: Koalas up a gum tree as CO2 turns eucalyptus poisonous
- Article from:
- The Scotsman
- Article date:
- May 8, 2008
- Author:
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Copyright informationCopyright 2008 The Scotsman. Provided by ProQuest LLC. (Hide copyright information)
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ONE of Australia's most iconic creatures is under threat because
its food is being poisoned by growing levels of carbon dioxide in
the atmosphere, research has shown.
The koala could be the latest species to fall victim to
increasing levels of greenhouse gas emissions, according to Ian
Hume, emeritus professor of biology at Sydney University.
His studies have revealed that carbon dioxide saps nutrients from
eucalyptus leaves, which are the animals' only source of food.
Professor Hume estimates that at current pollution levels, a
reduction in Australia's koala population will be evident in 50
years due to a lack of leaves edible to the creatures.
Prof Hume, who has written books on the ...