Hundreds of nest boxes specifically designed for Turquoise Parrots have been made and installed in Victoria under the Broken Boosey Conservation Management Network’s and Birds, Bush and Beyond’s Practical Parrot Action and Bed and Breakfast for the Birds projects.
Turquoise Parrot populations suffered significant declines throughout their range from Central Victoria to Southern Queensland at the beginning of the twentieth century, to the extent it was believed to be extinct in Victoria and New South Wales, and likely to become extinct completely.
In the 1950’s Turquoise Parrots began reappearing in Victoria, in small numbers. Populations have increased across their range since this time, however the Turquoise Parrot is still listed as ‘Near Threatened’ in Victoria, and ‘Vulnerable’ in New South Wales.
While the reasons for the extinction near-miss of the Turquoise Parrot (a grass seed eater and tree-hollow nester), and it’s gradual reappearance across former ranges more recently, are believed to include the extensive loss of habitat to cropping and livestock grazing, rabbit plagues (grass munchers), with few tree hollow nesting options in a drastically changed landscape, are believed to have played key roles.
Another 150 nest boxes were installed this May (2019), making the current total of nest boxes installed over 400 in key areas of Victoria under the Broken Boosey CMN’s and Birds, Bush and Beyond’s Practical Parrot Action and Bed and Breakfast for the Birds projects. An amazing effort.
Follow these Facebook pages for project updates:
Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority: https://www.facebook.com/gbcma/
Broken-Boosey Conservation Management Network: https://www.facebook.com/Broken-Boosey-Conservation-Management-Network-583494648344932/
Links to articles on the Turquoise Parrot projects:
https://www.gbcma.vic.gov.au/news_events/turquoise-parrot-chicks-make-nest-boxes-home.html
Please let me know if you find more, or new articles and I’ll add them here.