Australia's giant lizards help save sheep from being eaten alive
Researchers at the University of Cambridge found heath goannas in Australia help control blowflies by consuming maggot-infested carcasses, reducing fly strike on sheep. Protecting these native scavengers benefits ecosystems and agriculture.
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Researchers from the University of Cambridge have discovered that giant lizards known as heath goannas in Australia play a crucial role in saving sheep from being eaten alive by blowflies. These lizards act as natural cleanup crews by consuming maggot-infested animal carcasses, which in turn reduces the blowfly population. The blowflies lay eggs on sheep, leading to a condition called "fly strike," costing the Australian sheep farming industry millions annually. The study, conducted in the Marna Banggara Rewilding Project area, highlighted the importance of native scavengers like heath goannas over introduced European mammals in controlling blowflies. The research emphasizes the need to prioritize the conservation of native reptiles like heath goannas to restore Australia's ecosystem and support agricultural industries. By boosting the population of these native scavengers, not only can wildlife be preserved, but it can also benefit the agricultural sector and promote wildlife tourism. The study underscores the critical role of large reptiles as scavengers and advocates for their protection to maintain ecosystem balance.
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1 comments"Giant lizards called heath goannas could save Australian sheep farmers millions of dollars a year by keeping blowfly numbers down—and must be prioritized in conservation schemes to boost native wildlife, say researchers."
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