Orange-bellied parrot  (Neophema chrysogaster)

This previously abundant species has suffered a precipitous decline in numbers since the 1920s, primarily due to habitat loss at the overwintering grounds caused by both urban development and farming practices (5) (6). Competition with introduced species for both food and nest sites, together with predation by red foxes and feral cats, have further depleted populations (6).

An Orange-Bellied Parrot Action Plan has been running since 1980, aiming to improve the conservation status of this species so that it is no longer classified as Critically Endangered (3). Populations are regularly monitored and areas of habitat, particularly in the winter grounds, are protected as reserves (3). The control of predators occurs in some areas, and in the moorland habitat of Tasmania controlled burning is used to increase food productivity (3). A captive breeding programme has also been set up to augment wild population numbers, and by 1999, 72 birds had been released into the wild, with some successfully completing the return migration (3). To date, the success of the Action Plan has been mixed; some intensively managed populations are showing encouraging increases in numbers whilst others continue to fall (6). There are still fewer than 200 individuals (6) in the wild and intensive conservation work will be vital for the future of this colourful bird.