Migration boost for critically endangered parrot

A critically endangered parrot that undertakes a perilous migration across Bass Strait has returned to remote breeding grounds in numbers not seen for more than a decade.

Five years ago, the wild population of the orange-bellied parrot dropped to just 20.

But this summer 81 individuals have been recorded at Melaleuca in Tasmania's rugged southwest.

It is an increase from last year's figure of 77 and the biggest return in about 15 years.

"It’s in the upper end of what we were expecting. We’re pretty pleased with it," orange-bellied parrot project manager Shannon Troy said.

The bird, slightly larger than a budgie, heads north to the southern coast of mainland Australia in autumn and returns to the island state for summer breeding.

Its population is propped up by captive releases, habitat burns to ensure food is available and the installation of nest boxes.

More than 50 birds that left Tasmania earlier in the year didn't make it back - but the return rate is still considered positive.

Of the 81 returnees, 24 were wild-born juveniles who made the trip for the first time.

Dr Troy said juvenile returns were approaching a historic level after dropping to 15-20 per cent when the species was at its lowest.

She said there was an element of safety in numbers.

"The more birds there are in the population, the more chance they’ll find each other during their migration," she said.

"Groups of birds have advantages (such as) being aware of predators. (It is) more energy efficient to fly with a group."

The next goal is ensuring a self-sustaining population, which requires the parrot to breed away from Melaleuca nest boxes and find naturally occurring tree hollows.

"We’re kind of out of the preventing extinction phase," Dr Troy said.

"But there is still a risk of one disease outbreak, one catastrophic wildfire and we'd lose the breeding population.

"It’s a long road."

The state government this year pledged an extra $1.3 million to track the parrots and maintain a breeding facility outside of Hobart.

So far this summer, 19 captive-bred birds have been released and initial nest inspections indicate a promising breeding season.

"Our team checked nest boxes last week and a number had eggs," Dr Troy said.

"Hopefully when we go again in January there will be lots of nest boxes with chicks."

The species, once found along the Australian mainland coastline from Sydney to Adelaide, has been hit by habitat loss and increasing predation.

License this article

What is AAPNews?

For the first time, Australian Associated Press is delivering news straight to the consumer.

No ads. No spin. News straight-up.

Not only do you get to enjoy high-quality news delivered straight to your desktop or device, you do so in the knowledge you are supporting media diversity in Australia.

AAP Is Australia’s only independent newswire service, free from political and commercial influence, producing fact-based public interest journalism across a range of topics including politics, courts, sport, finance and entertainment.

What is AAPNews?
The Morning Wire

Wake up to AAPNews’ morning news bulletin delivered straight to your inbox or mobile device, bringing you up to speed with all that has happened overnight at home and abroad, as well as setting you up what the day has in store.

AAPNews Morning Wire
AAPNews Breaking News
Breaking News

Be the first to know when major breaking news happens.


Notifications will be sent to your device whenever a big story breaks, ensuring you are never in the dark when the talking points happen.

Focused Content

Enjoy the best of AAP’s specialised Topics in Focus. AAP has reporters dedicated to bringing you hard news and feature content across a range of specialised topics including Environment, Agriculture, Future Economies, Arts and Refugee Issues.

AAPNews Focussed Content
Subscription Plans

Choose the plan that best fits your needs. AAPNews offers two basic subscriptions, all billed monthly.

Once you sign up, you will have seven days to test out the service before being billed.

AAPNews Full Access Plan
Full Access
AU$10
  • Enjoy all that AAPNews has to offer
  • Access to breaking news notifications and bulletins
  • Includes access to all AAPNews’ specialised topics
Join Now
AAPNews Student Access Plan
Student Access
AU$5
  • Gain access via a verified student email account
  • Enjoy all the benefits of the ‘Full Access’ plan at a reduced rate
  • Subscription renews each month
Join Now
AAPNews Annual Access Plan
Annual Access
AU$99
  • All the benefits of the 'Full Access' subscription at a discounted rate
  • Subscription automatically renews after 12 months
Join Now

AAPNews also offers enterprise deals for businesses so you can provide an AAPNews account for your team, organisation or customers. Click here to contact AAP to sign-up your business today.

SEVEN DAYS FREE
Download the app
Download AAPNews on the App StoreDownload AAPNews on the Google Play Store