Emily Chan
They analyzed the sound recordings to single out any bird calls that would fit the night parrot’s frequency range.
They were able to identify night parrot calls in 17 of the 31 sites. Since the calls came shortly after sunset and just before sunrise, it was determined that 10 of the areas were roosting sites.
They counted the number of different calls to estimate their distribution and population size. The researchers predicted a total of between 40 to 50 birds.
It could be the largest known population of night parrots in the world since the group in Queensland contains no more than 20 birds.
Next, the researchers employed camera traps in the areas to figure out what threats the critically endangered species face.
Dingoes were the most common predator around, but they preferred to eat feral cats. The cats are likely more of a threat to night parrots than dingoes.
Bushfires caused by lightning also pose a threat to the bird’s habitat. To manage that risk, rangers practice strategic land burning. In addition, human development should be kept to a minimum near remote habitats.
Night parrots were wiped out due to the arrival of colonists and feral predators in the late 19th century.
Immediate steps must be taken to protect the newly discovered population and to ensure that they don’t disappear for good, as scientists thought they did so long ago.
The study was published in the journal Wildlife Research.
