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Parasite struck

PAKISTAN'S JUNIPER forests -- the second largest in the world -- have been struck by the dwarf mistletoe, reveal Pakistani scientists. The mistletoe is a parasite that hampers the growth of the host, seriously affecting seed development and leading to premature death.

Vast stretches of the forest have been affected and the scientists fear entire areas may be wiped out as the parasite continues to spread relentlessly, writes Najma Sadeque in a Panos report.

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