Sydney, August 17 : Scientists have determined that global warming has cut the average snow cover at Australia's highest altitude snow course, Spencer's Creek in the Snowy Mountains, by 30 per cent to 40 per cent in the last 50 years.

As a result, unlike skiers, specialized plants that have learnt to survive in the Australian highlands don't have the option of seeking out higher ground and may face extinction, Associate Professor Catherine Pickering of Griffith University, told www. news. com. au.

"Some of these plants are found only on the lee side of mountain ridges, where snow lies late into the summer months, long after snow in the surrounding landscape has melted," Professor Pickering said.

"We are about to lose two of our rarest plant communities, right before our eyes. We need to co-ordinate the ad hoc research that is happening on our limited snow country," she added.

The cost of man-made snow is also likely to increase, as more water and electricity are required. (ANI)