Settlement and Swift Parrots - Historic and ongoing habitat loss for a critically endangered species (1788-2016)

Debra L. Saunders*, Tracey Russell

*Corresponding author for this work

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    Abstract

    The Swift Parrot, Lathamus discolor White, 1790, was among the first of Australia's birds to be scientifically described and illustrated following European settlement in 1788. Within 60 years of settlement, key habitat throughout the species' range was being lost. A unique compilation of historical and recent information on Swift Parrot habitat loss demonstrates how past events have rendered this species Critically Endangered. A crucial aspect of the loss of habitat is the speed and spatial extent over which it occurred. The most extensive loss happened during colonial times however, losses continue to this day due to various government land management policies and practices. Consequently, the Swift Parrot remains the subject of an ongoing national recovery program and its future is far from secure.

    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)55-73
    Number of pages19
    JournalPapers and Proceedings - Royal Society of Tasmania
    Volume150
    Issue number2
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 2016

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