The drought in Australia yields several consequences for farmers and animals. For example, scientists estimate that the emu on the verge of extinction will die before its time if no urgent action is taken.
Scientists investigate the cause of the Thunderbird extinction
Flinder’s University investigated to attempt and reveal how the emu can be saved and the reason behind the disappearance of Australia’s thunderbird. The emu, a flightless bird, was predicted to fall victim to natural calamities.
The thunderous bird was erased from extinction around 48,000 years ago. Several scientists who investigated this phenomenon attributed the extinction to a disease that affected the birds’ muscles.
Flinders university collaborated with various researchers and received ideas from an area known as Adelaide.
The northeastern side of the area is stuffed with fossils of prehistoric creatures. The study authors collected several bone fragments of the fossil that assisted their findings.
The fossils were sent to the relevant body, reporting that an infection occurred throughout the species, ending their extinction. In addition, the results supported the theory that the bird struggled with the earth’s geological features.
In an interview with the Daily Mail, one of the leading researchers, Phoebe McInerney, revealed that the infection made it hard for the birds to function correctly. This revelation also meant that they couldn’t travel long distances due to their condition.
The lethal combination of drought and bone infection on the bird
The study authors managed to collect samples from the remains of four birds. The fossils had an infection in various areas such as the legs and chest.
The infection restricted the bird’s movement and prevented it from conducting regular tasks. Unfortunately, the draught only worsened the situation as the birds couldn’t find food or water.
The study authors determined that at least 11 birds got infected, leaving the rest of the herd to cater for them.
Previous studies revealed that there was draught approximately 48,000 years ago and that it was the primary cause of the infection in the birds.
The studies report that the bird’s trips to search for food and water gave birth to infection that slowly pushed them to extinction.
