Background

Swift Parrot numbers are in decline and they are at risk from a number of factors, including habitat loss, competition for nesting sites and predation of chicks and eggs by sugar gliders.

The current estimated population stands at 300-750, and the population is predicted to decline by 92.3% over three generations (11 years). Under current trends, the predicted population size will be less than 100 by 2031.

Swift Parrot nesting locations are highly variable. They choose nesting locations based on flowering patterns so where they choose to nest varies from year to year. To ensure that project activities are targeting the right areas, at the right time, the project is using an adaptive management approach; regularly evaluating outcomes and modifying delivery mechanisms to suit.

This project is implementing actions from the Threatened Species Action Plan 2022 – 2032, aimed at reducing the key threat of habitat loss.

Conservation Agreements

NRM South will work with project partner, the Tasmanian Land Conservancy (TLC) to identify high-value Swift Parrot habitat on private land, and work with landholders to develop conservation agreements that will protect this habitat.

Through a previous Australian Government funded Swift Parrot project, NRM South worked with TLC on a similar process. Over the course of the project, over 100ha of important habitat was place under conservation covenant, adding to the extensive network of Swift Parrot habitat protected on private land in Tasmania. This project seeks to further enhance this network by incorporating an additional 100 hectares of high-quality habitat.

Covenants will be established through the NRE Tasmania’s Private Land Conservation Program (PLCP). The PLCP provides a coordinated, targeted and rigorous approach to the establishment of voluntary conservation covenants with private landowners.

Empowering the Aboriginal Community

Through this project, we will work with the Tasmanian Aboriginal community to manage habitat for Swift Parrots. We are working with the Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre (TAC) on Swift Parrot habitat restoration through gorse distribution surveys and weed removal across 20ha at a TAC property near Little Swanport. Gorse infestations not only increase the impact of fires (by increasing heat at the base of trees) but may also impact on recruitment of seedings and overall forest health.

We will also be delivering a tree climbing program to train South East Tasmanian Aboriginal Corporation (SETAC) rangers to safely manage Swift Parrot nest boxes on the weetapoona property, Murrayfield, on Bruny Island. Active management of Swift Parrot nest boxes is vital for minimizing their use by feral species such as common starlings.

Through these actions., this project is supporting greater autonomy in the management of Country, a decrease in fire risk and an increase in quality of Swift Parrot habitat.

Community Engagement

Through a series of community engagement events being delivered by project partner Landcare Tasmania, we will highlight the key threats to Swift Parrots and how they are being addressed through this project. Key messages include the value of tree hollows to hollow-dependent species, the need to protect Swift Parrot habitat, the introduced status of sugar gliders and their impacts on Swift Parrots, and guidance on minimising impact on important habitat when harvesting firewood. These events will increase awareness on the plight of Swift Parrots and empower the community with the skills and knowledge to protect and restore Swift Parrot habitat.

Predictive Models

We are working with project partner the Australian National University to develop a predictive model of annual flowering patterns in the Swift Parrot’s breeding range. Researchers at the Australian National University will collect annual data on bud and flower development from over 1,500 individual food trees alongside weather data to;

• identify predictors of Eucalypt flowering behaviour based on lagged weather events,
• model the effect of a range of climate change scenarios to identify the impact of climate change effects and improve the long-term management of Swift Parrot breeding habitat, and
• provide annual advice on Swift Parrot breeding sites to land managers.