ANU RESEARCH TEAM CALLS FOR SWIFT PARROTS TO BE UP-LISTED TO CRITICALLY ENDANGERED

A recent Population Viability Analysis (PVA) by scientists from UTAS, ANU and the Chicago Zoological Society has found that with a business as usual attitude to managing Swift Parrot conservation, their population will decrease by between 80% to 95% over their next three generations (approximately 16 years), as published by the ANU last night. This was largely due to predication by Sugar Gliders, which occurs most in areas subject to logging. These findings see the Swift Parrot now meet the criteria for up-listing to Critically Endangered, which is what they are calling upon the Government to do.

Environment Tasmania seconds this call.

Environment groups have today accused the Tasmanian Government of attempting to "pull a swiftie" over endangered species, by supporting logging of critical Swift Parrot breeding habitat against the advice of their own experts.

A report released today by Environment Tasmania, "Pulling a Swiftie", outlines the findings of a Right To Information (RTI) request. It found that the Forest Practices Authority referred a number of proposed logging coupes to DPIPWE for further advice in the 2013-14 financial year, as recognised guidelines for protection of the Endangered Swift Parrot could not be met.