Local enthusiasts, Murrumbateman Landcare and Wildcare teamed up with superb parrot experts Dr Damon Oliver and Dr Laura Rayner to host an educational stall about the vulnerable Superb Parrot at the Murrumbateman markets on Saturday, March 10.
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Following on from the tragic mass roadkill of these birds in Murrumbateman in January, this stall was aimed at building awareness about this bird in the region.
All the information you could hope for about Superb Parrots and what is needed to support this species in the Yass Valley was on display at the stall.
Dr Damon Oliver, senior team leader of the ecosystems and threatened species team at the Office of Environment and Heritage in Queanbeyan, gave a presentation at the markers.
Dr Oliver has been involved in research and recovery of threatened species since 1990.
He said “the incredible interest and action by the local community to help save the Superb Parrot is inspiring”.
Market goers couldn’t get enough information about the Superb Parrot and Dr Oliver and volunteers staffing the stall were run off their feet with questions.
The incredible interest and action by the local community to help save the Superb Parrot is inspiring.
- Dr Damon Oliver
Information was shared about preserving remaining habitat, restoring new habitat and tackling the annual roadkill issues that contribute to the species threatened status.
Market goers who asked about the most important actions to help Superb Parrots were advised to protect large trees both dead and alive, plant new trees and shrubs, particularly wattles for food and to slow down if they see birds or other wildlife on the road.
Stall coordinator Saan Ecker said it was terrific to see the enthusiasm that the local community has for working together to support this vulnerable species in the Yass Valley.
“There are estimated to be only around 8000 left in the wild, compared with millions before the land was cleared for cropping and these beautiful birds needs all the help they can get,” she said.
Locals participated in a quiz to test their knowledge of the Superb Parrot and prizes were awarded.
The quiz and plenty of information about the Superb Parrot can be found on Facebook page.
Interested people are encouraged to join the network of superb parrot supporters in the Yass Valley via this page.
Like the parrots breeding cycle, this stall will be seasonal with the alliance to hold the next stall in spring to coincide with when the parrots are on the move again.