Efforts to save endangered orange-bellied parrot paying off

December 23, 2023 9:53 PM

It is a species so endangered that just five years ago only 20 birds returned from the species' annual migration. But 81 orange-bellied parrots have returned to Melaleuca in Tasmania's remote south-west from the mainland to breed, the largest number seen in 15 years. The orange-bellied parrot is one of the most endangered birds in the world, and the program saving it from extinction is starting to focus on the next phase of the birds' survival plan.
posted by chariot pulled by cassowaries (5 comments total)

I think I have the same reaction to birds as many people have to cats and dogs. These little dudes are SO CUTE and I want the best for them.
posted by 5_13_23_42_69_666 at 11:50 PM on December 23, 2023 [2 favorites]

This makes me sad that I haven't been able to return to Tasmania this Christmas, let alone to breed. Lucky orange-bellied bastards.
posted by rory at 3:26 AM on December 24, 2023 [1 favorite]

awww what a cute little birb! that is a seriously orange belly. I hope they thrive.
posted by supermedusa at 8:52 AM on December 24, 2023

Aaaa, so cute!! I was like surely that’s not orange, it’s yellow, scroll scroll oh! there it is!

But then right below this article was one saying “threat to parrots from wind farm dismissed “ and I felt my heart sink. I don’t have the courage to read it after all the bad stuff that’s happening to me this week.
posted by kitten kaboodle at 10:48 AM on December 24, 2023

Sounds like the mainland has something to answer for.
posted by biffa at 11:26 AM on December 24, 2023