More security for endangered night parrot

The endangered night parrot’s only known habitat is the subject of an interim conservation order under Queensland’s Nature Conservation Act, ramping up protection for one of the world’s rarest and most elusive birds.

Announcing the move on World Environment Day, (Sunday), Environment Minister Dr Steven Miles said “Zero tolerance for the illegal wildlife trade” was this year’s theme, highlighting the need to protect critically endangered species from smuggling.

“Across the world, the booming illegal trade in wildlife products is eroding biodiversity and pushing whole species towards extinction,” Dr Miles said.

“Australia is a victim too – our precious natural heritage is being ripped off by cruel and unscrupulous traders.

“Queensland’s Department of Environment and Heritage Protection (EHP) has been working closely with national and interstate agencies in a concerted campaign against wildlife trafficking,” Dr Miles said.

“Since February 2016, EHP wildlife officers have participated in the seizure or recovery of more than 140 illegally held protected animals.

“Sadly, many of the creatures die in the trade. Even when poached animals are found alive by authorities, they generally can’t be released back to the wild, as they may harbour disease.

“For an animal as rare as the night parrot, poaching and disturbance are two of the greatest threats, and we’re working to keep it secure in the wild,” he said.

There were only seven accepted sightings of the bird that looks like a large green-and-yellow budgie between 1935 and 2012.

From 2012 there were repeated sightings on a western Queensland grazing property, leading to the discovery of the only known population.

“We have to do what we can to protect them. The Queensland Government is working with Bush Heritage Australia and a scientific committee to conserve this bird and its habitat, and all agree that an interim conservation order or ICO is needed,” he said.

“The interim conservation order means people without authority going onto the land would risk a $353,400 fine or two years’ imprisonment.

“Bush Heritage Australia has purchased an area of 56,000 hectares that includes the known night-parrot population, and the ICO will apply to most of that area. It’s anticipated the purchased land will be declared a nature refuge, a form of protected area under the Nature Conservation Act 1992.

“We understand the bird-watching community’s desire to see or even just hear these birds in the wild, but before the area could be opened to bird-watchers we must have more information about night parrots and take care of their conservation requirements.

“EHP has allocated a $440,000 grant to Bush Heritage from the NatureAssist program to help with management and ongoing protection of the bird’s habitat, in particular on-site security.

“Working closely with nature conservancy groups is an increasingly important part of conservation, and we’re happy to be partnering with BHA to secure the night parrot’s future,” Dr Miles said.

Gerard O’Neill, Chief Executive Bush Heritage Australia, welcomed the ICO.

“Sanctuary at Pullen Pullen Reserve is critical for this special bird, so the continued support from the Queensland Government will go a long way in helping to protect the night parrot,” Mr O’Neill said.

“Bush Heritage is also installing real-time satellite cameras at strategic locations of critical night parrot habitat. These will relay real-time information to increase monitoring and protection from human disturbance and the threat from poachers,” he said.

ENDS

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