In an effort to boost numbers of the critically endangered Western Ground Parrot, the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) has authorised the translocation of a number of birds in the hope of establishing a new mainland population.
Supported by Friends of the Western Ground Parrot, Birdlife WA and other volunteers, DBCA staff have spent weeks in a remote national park working on the project.
According to the organisers the delicate operation involves locating and capturing the birds, with a vet and zoologist from Perth Zoo on site to assess the birds in preparation for travel.
Minister for the Environment, Amber-Jade Sanderson said several birds had already been transported in specifically designed cages, fitted with monitoring devices and released at a remote location east of Albany.
“This new location has been prepared over the past year-and-a-half, including feral animal control and fire management carried out by DBCA staff,” Ms Sanderson said.
“This is in addition to climate modelling and assessment of a range of potential release sites to ensure the best possible chance of success.”
The Western Ground Parrot is the State’s rarest bird, with less than 150 remaining in the wild.
“While there are risks associated with translocation, it is necessary to protect the remaining population with a view to establishing a new self-sustaining population,” Ms Sanderson said.
“I remain hopeful this translocation will be a success and we will see a new viable wild population of Western Ground Parrot that will support the conservation of this species,” she said.
