Easing the landscape for difficult birds

The unprecedented weather conditions of 2020 were exceptionally challenging for 'difficult birds' - Australia's most endangered birds. The added threat of climate change has made the iconic superb parrot particularly vulnerable. These much-loved birds need hollows in large trees to protect their nests. Potential shortages of suitable hollows in landscapes where large trees are rare pose a threat to parrot populations. 

Supported by donors, the Difficult Birds Research Group at ANU has developed a GPS backpack-like device that attaches to the parrots. This will help researchers understand the movement of the birds, and identify and protect the rare and valuable nesting trees. By better maintaining the landscape, this research could offer a helping hand to superb parrots.