Researchers from the University of Tasmania and Western Sydney University map Australia's iconic emus' historic distribution shifts to estimate regional emu population changes in the next 50 years.

What are Emus?

Dromaius novaehollandiae or Emus are large omnivorous birds endemic to Australia. These flightless birds can live anywhere between 10 to 20 years. With heights of 503 to 6.2 feet and weighs from 66 to 100 pounds--Emu's are the largest vertebrates in Australia.

Emus exhibit unusual behavior from other birds. These birds can run as fast as 50 kilometers per hour and don't tweet; instead, they grunt.

These magnificent birds are prominently featured in Aboriginal culture. They've inspired dances, mythology and are subjects of astrology.

Nomadic in nature, Emus once inhabited Tasmania but were soon driven to extinction. 

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What Future Do Emus Have?

In a study published in Nature on January 13th, researchers utilized cutting-edge analysis tools to determine Australia's emu population's future.

The results show that past climatic changes in the past 6,000 years have driven emus to expand their population north, across central Australia, reducing their range east of the Great Dividing Range.

Researchers say that Australia's east coast became climatically sub-optimal and will remain so for roughly 50 years. 

Julia Ryeland, Ph.D., says climate change is mainly responsible for the differences in historical changes in the population findings. This indicates the fragility of the future of the east coast emu.

"Changes in rainfall patterns over the last several thousand years have significantly reduced their distribution that was once widespread east of the Great Dividing Range. This makes the east coast population susceptible to potential threats such as further habitat fragmentation and predation by feral pests," explains Ryeland.

Climate Change

Due to climatic changes and anthropogenic activity extinction of megafauna in Australian landscapes caused significant shifts in emu diets.

Anthropogenic changes beginning the European colonization likely altered the distribution and increased agricultural and urban land use. The large flightless birds were also severely hunted by Europeans and persecuted as agrarian pests throughout the twentieth century. 

This resulted in the fast decline and extinctions in the island state of Tasmania.

The study shows that emu populations are estimated to remain stable over the next generations under climate change conditions. However, east of the ranges, emu populations are likely to be further diminished by increasing urbanization and increasing predation.

Associate professor Ricky Spencer from Western Sydney University and contributor to the study explains that the population in north-eastern Australia has already been listed as endangered.  He stresses that the study emphasizes the need for conservation efforts to protect the remaining emu populations. 

"The impacts since European settlement have been dramatic, with much fewer emu populations east of the ranges. With targeted conservation efforts to increase our knowledge of at-risk populations, we can continue to monitor population changes and ensure long-term success," states Spencer.

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