Many were horrified last week by the mass strikes of vulnerable superb parrots by traffic on a road near Murrumbateman where a flock had congregated.
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This news went viral after the Tribune posted the story, as this stunning iconic species is important to the whole nation.
The superb parrot only occurs in a small area which includes the Cowra/Boorowa/Yass region. Climate change and loss of habitat are driving the birds closer to Murrumbateman/Canberra. They don’t get off the road like other birds and car strikes while feeding on grain along roadsides is one of the largest threats to this species, according to superb parrot expert Dr Laura Rayner. She estimated that in the ACT there may have been as few as 50 fledglings born this season.
As such, strikes on a small stretch of road in the past week may have taken out the equivalent of all new births from the ACT region.
Our actions can have serious consequences on the plight of an entire species. We can do some very small things such as simply driving very, very slowly when birds are congregated on roadsides. Also, ensure that grain does not spill on roadsides, retain dead trees and plant for refuge and feeding.
Protecting this icon species will help protect other threatened species in the Yass Valley. We have a time-limited opportunity to change the plight of this species heading for extinction. Political systems at national, state/territory and local scales need to support positive action and education. Importantly, each of us can make a difference.
