Save a parrot in peril

Help Save Australia's Western Ground Parrot from disappearing.

The rarely seen western ground parrot is one of only four ground-dwelling parrots in the world. (Photo: Brent Barrett, DEC)

TWO NATIONAL PARKS IN southern WA are the last known refuge of one of the world's rarest birds. Fewer than 140 wild western ground parrots are thought to be left, living in the Cape Arid and Fitzgerald River national parks.

Large uncontrolled bush fires, foxes and feral cats are all contributing to the parrot's catastrophic decline. While the Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC) has been controlling foxes in ground-parrot habitat for many years, cat-specific baits were laid out last year for the first time in the Fitzgerald National Park. This year cat baiting was extended to include Cape Arid National Park.

There are eight birds in captivity and, with the right funding, Sarah Comer, a DEC ecologist, hopes to start a captive-breeding program, with the long-term aim of re-establishing parrot populations in the wild.

DONATE NOW! Your support will make a difference.  

DID YOU KNOW?

* Although these critically endangered birds spend much of their time on the ground, they can in fact fly.

* This ground-dwelling parrot nests in native heath, in spring, making it vulnerable to bushfires and feral predators like cats and foxes.

* Western ground parrots are rarely seen, though they have been observed feeding on seeds, flowers and leaves of the plants found in their heathland habitat.

* The only time the western ground parrot announces its presence by calling is during a brief period before sunrise and after sunset when it flies to its night time roost.

How can you help?
Donate and tell your friends about the western ground parrot, knowledge is the key to their survival!

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