David McDonald asks about the signifcance of Misteltoe in the ecology of
box woodlands in Australia.
The Land for Wildlife scheme in Victoria (Australia) has a regular
newsletter and and series of notes regarding conservation on private land.
The Land for Wildlife Note No. 26 is about mistletoe and wildlife.
The note makes the point that misteltoe is a vital part of Victorian (and
probably Australian) ecosystems. Control is discussed and fauna associated
with this plant are mentioned. The Misteltoebird (Dicaeum hirundinaceum)
and Painted Honeyeater (Grantiella picta) are dependent on the fruits of
misteltoe for their survival. In all, 33 bird species have been recorded
feeding on mistletoe berries but the behaviour and digestive processes of
most does not aid mistletoe dispersal.
I strongly recommend anyone considering mistletoe removal read up on the
subject and contact the Land for Wildlife scheme (039 412 4538) for this
note. Stephen Platt, the LFW Co-ordinator in Victoria, has further
detailed information on this issue. He can be contacted on:
Martin O'Brien
Executive Scientific Officer
Scientific Advisory Committee
Threatened Species Program
Department of Natural Resources and Environment
4/250 Victoria Pde.,
East Melbourne, 3002
AUSTRALIA
tel: +61 3 9412 4567
fax: +61 3 9412 4586
e-mail:
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