The Australian native swift parrot is a sight to behold. With a brilliant green, blue, red and yellow plumage, anyone who gets a chance to see it should count themselves lucky. Lucky, not only because it's such a stunning ave, but also because it's disappearing.
The bird, which breeds only in Tasmania and then flies across to the mainland to forage for nectar is now critically endangered federally. One might think that the government, after recognizing its endangered status would do all they can to protect their habitat. But they'd be wrong. In fact, the parrot's most vital habitat, their nesting grounds in Tasmania, could be on the chopping block.
That's because, despite their protected status, the environmental minister could rule to allow a local council to bulldoze around 40 hectares of the birds nesting area — all in order to build a dam for fish farming and a golf course.
If this happens, not only will the parrots lose out, but it will prove that Australia doesn't take conservation seriously.
According to a 2015 study, the swift parrot, on its current decline, is doomed for extinction within 15 years. That's why the federal government's threatened species commissioner made it a special priority with a goal of improving its trajectory by 2020. And yet, constant threats to its survival keep popping up.
Australia is among the top 10 countries with the highest amount of endangered species. They should be taking action rather than destroying habitat.
Please sign the petition and ask Australia's Minister of the Environment is The Hon. Melissa Price to say no to the proposed dam and fish farm that could push the swift parrot over the edge.
Photo credit: Jade Craven
