Superb Lyrebirds Found to 'Farm' Their Prey in Australian Forests

New research reveals how these iconic birds engineer habitats to boost invertebrate populations while shaping ecosystems.

Superb lyrebirds create micro-habitats by overturning soil and leaf litter, promoting prey growth before consuming them.
The study, conducted in south-eastern Australia, found lyrebird activity increases invertebrate biomass and diversity in forest ecosystems.
Lyrebirds move an average of 155 metric tons of soil and litter per hectare annually, significantly influencing forest biodiversity.
Their foraging reduces fire risk by burying flammable materials, contributing to ecosystem resilience and health.
This behavior, rare among vertebrates, highlights the lyrebird's role as a key ecosystem engineer across millions of hectares.