Kauri Dieback Disease
Incidence of Kauri Dieback Disease (red dots) among uninfected trees on NZ's North Island
A fungus-like infection caused by the chromist Phytophthora agathidicida was formally identified in 2008. The infection is spread through soil movement, where the organism infects the roots of the kauri, and is the cause of death in most of the kauri it infects.
Infected kauri trees exhibit loss of leaf area and lesions with bleeding gum near the base of the trunk (see below). The decrease in leaf area in the canopy is critical for assessing the spread of the disease from satellite data and aerial photography.
Animation from Keep Kauri Standing on the Spread of the Disease
Conservation Efforts
Trial underway using phosphite
There are several organizations fighting to protect the healthy kauri that remain. Kauri forests are unique to New Zealand, and many species would likely go instinct if kauri continue to perish from this disease.
Trail entrances in protected areas are equipped with shoe cleaning and disinfecting stations. Organizations like NZ's Department of Conservation and also Keep Kauri Standing work to spread awareness of Kauri Dieback Disease.
Researchers are determined to find a cure for the disease, and trials have begun using phosphite to strengthen kauri's ability to fight off the pathogen.