>The alpine area is characteristically depauperate of birds in diversity
>terms, though with individuals of some species being quite numerous.
>This led to the inevitable discussion amongst us of "Why aren't there any
>alpine specialist birds in Australia?". Mammals have the classic example
>of alpine specialisation in the form of the Mountain Pygmy-possum
>(Burramys parvus), and reptiles too with skinks such as Alpine Water
>Skink (Eulamprus kosciuskoi), Alpine Cool-skink (Pseudemoia cryodroma)
>and Alpine Sheoak Skink (Cyclodomorphus praealtus). The Corroboree
>Frogs (Pseudophryne corroboree & P. pengilleyi) in NSW are other obvious
>examples. Any thoughts from the masses?
Maybe it's just that birds have the option of simply flying away to
alternative habitat when conditions get too bad???
Harvey
.........................................................................
Dr Harvey D. Perkins :: Editor, :
School of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology:: Canberra Bird Notes, :
The Australian National University :: Journal of the Canberra :
Canberra, ACT 0200, Australia :: Ornithologists Group (COG):
ph +61 2 6125 2693; fax:+61 2 6125 0313 :: 42 Summerland Circuit, :
and: :: Kambah, ACT 2902 :
Pest Animal Control :: Ph: (02) 6231 8209 :
Cooperative Research Centre (PAC CRC) :: mobile: 043 886 9990 :
:: :
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