Swift parrot populations decline due to habitat destruction

The swift parrot, one of the world's rarest birds, is facing a serious risk of extinction due to habitat destruction. As autumn approaches in Tasmania, these birds migrate to regions in Victoria, New South Wales, and southern Queensland, traveling up to 5,000 kilometers. Current estimates show that only 300 to 1,000 swift parrots remain. Experts from Birdlife Australia and the Nature Conservation Council are concerned about the impact of native forest logging in New South Wales. They are calling on the state government to halt the destruction of key habitats, specifically flowering trees and old hollow trees that these parrots need for feeding and shelter. Jacqui Mumford, CEO of the Nature Conservation Council, expressed urgency, stating that swift parrots are "copping it from all sides" as logging continues. She warned that without immediate action, extinction is highly likely. Despite these concerns, the government has not provided a clear response. The Minns Government is reported to still support the timber industry, which complicates efforts to protect these birds. Laws meant to protect endangered species, including the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act, allow state logging activities to bypass certain protections. Critics say current regulations are not strong enough. The Environmental Protection Authority has set exclusions around swift parrot habitats that allow some logging to continue. These rules rely on sightings of the birds, which are difficult to spot, making it easy for logging operations to overlook them. Birdlife Australia advocates for an end to native forest logging as a crucial step in protecting the swift parrot. With less than 30 percent of their foraging habitat left, experts estimate that the species could become extinct in the wild within 20 years. In 2024, the plight of the swift parrot gained attention, including a statement from actor Leonardo DiCaprio urging an end to logging. Australia is the only developed nation listed as a deforestation hotspot, with the swift parrot among over 2,200 threatened species. A previous plan to end native forest logging was halted after intervention from Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.