Swift Parrot Calls Recorded in Tasmanian Forest Before Logging Clears Habitat

In December and January, scientists from the Bob Brown Foundation recorded the distinctive calls of the swift parrot, a critically endangered migratory species, in a section of the Wielangta forest in southeastern Tasmania. The recordings totaled 68 observations over two months, captured by two foundation-employed scientists and volunteer citizen scientists.

These were reviewed by a government scientist and uploaded to an environment department website. Dr. Charley Gros of the foundation described the bird's call as sharp, quick, and unmistakable, noting its use for foraging and nesting in the area.

The recorded area, known as coupe WT003E, was marked for clear-felling. After the foundation submitted the recordings, the Forest Practices Authority, Tasmania's state regulator, dispatched an ecologist to survey the site on February 10. The authority informed the foundation that no swift parrots were observed breeding in the harvest area at that time.

Dr. Gros stated that the forest had already been cleared by the time of the survey.

Sustainable Timber Tasmania, the agency responsible for the logging, affirmed that it acted in accordance with the law. General Manager for Conservation and Land Management Suzette Weeding said the agency operates within Tasmania's forest practices framework and protects environmental values through planning and oversight.

The Tasmanian government described its system as science-based, stating it does not permit deforestation of swift parrot habitat, retains nesting trees, and regenerates harvested areas as native forest to support eucalypt species for foraging.

The swift parrot winters in Victoria and New South Wales and summers in Tasmania, nesting in forests where blue and black gums flower. A 2021 CSIRO guide estimated the population at about 750, down from 2,000 a decade earlier. A flock of more than 600 was observed near Bendigo last year. Peer-reviewed studies indicate forestry as the primary threat, with potential extinction by the early 2030s.

Scientific advice to the Tasmanian government has recommended protecting all potential swift parrot foraging and nesting habitat on public land, regardless of the birds' presence during planned logging, due to prior habitat losses. The Bob Brown Foundation has accused federal and state governments of ignoring such advice.

A federal government spokesperson noted that a regional forestry agreement assigns Tasmania responsibility for management, including species protections, with state forestry exemptions from national laws ending in July 2027.

Under the overhaul of national environmental laws passed last year, logging with significant impacts on threatened species may require federal approval after 2027. This could affect future operations in areas like the Wielangta forest. The incident underscores questions about current legal safeguards for endangered species amid ongoing habitat clearance.