Swift parrot  (Lathamus discolor)

In Tasmania, the swift parrot’s breeding pattern is determined by the flowering of various eucalypt trees (6). However, the clearing of these trees for agriculture, residential development, plantation timber, sawlog production and clear-felling for woodchips, has reduced this parrot’s breeding habitat by 44% (2) (5). Of the remaining forested habitat, only 5% contains potentially suitable foraging habitat for this species (5). In addition, swift parrots suffer high mortality through collision with windows, vehicles and fences. The total swift parrot population is estimated to be no more than 1000 pairs. At best it is stable but, given the current mortality rates and habitat destruction, it is more likely to be declining (5).

As this species is such as specialist in both its winter habitat and foraging requirements, the survival of the swift parrot will depend on the protection of remaining areas of eucalypt species, and the protection of all breeding and foraging sites in Tasmania (6). The Birds of Australia Recovery Plan 2001 - 2005 is addressing these priorities and is planning to reduce this species’ conservation status from endangered to vulnerable within the next 10 years (5).