Executive SummaryExecutive Summary

Executive Summary

The Norfolk Island Green Parrot should now be considered a full species Cyanoramphus cookii and as such is one of the rarest and most endangered bird species in Australia. It is only found on Norfolk Island (3825 ha) where it is largely restricted to natural or semi-natural forests most of which are found within the Norfolk Island National Park (465ha). It probably originally occurred on the adjoining and smaller Phillip Island 190 ha). The total population size is currently estimated to be 160 with 14 known breeding pairs. Total population size is primarily limited by the availability of predator-free breeding habitat and nesting sites and ultimately by habitat loss and the small area of remaining suitable habitat. This plan outlines actions which if implemented should shift the conservation status from critically endangered to conservation dependent within ten years. It proposes to achieve this by establishing and maintaining sufficient predator-free nest sites for 25 breeding pairs on Norfolk Island, establishing a second breeding population on Phillip Island, investigating establishing a true second population either captive on the Australian mainland or introduced to Lord Howe Island, and by replanting 4 ha of potential breeding habitat each year.
Background Information

The Norfolk Island Green Parrot Cyanoramphus novaezelandiae cookii is restricted to Norfolk Island (29002’S, 167057’E) and is listed as nationally “endangered” (EPBC 1999). It is “critically endangered” using the criteria of International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN 1994). It is currently listed as a subspecies of Cyanoramphus novaezelandiae cookii but is now considered a full species following Boon (et al. 2001). This taxonomy is followed by Garnett & Crowley (2000).

Both sexes of Green Parrot present similar plumage and males are distinguished from females by their larger size, larger red crown, and heavier bill (Forshaw 1981). Juveniles have a distinctive flesh-coloured bill for the first 4-6 weeks after fledging (Forshaw 1981).

Male Green Parrots call to advertise their territories and to attract females (Greenwood et al. 1989). Breeding in the wild takes place in all months of the year, peaking from December to March, and declining in September to November, when Crimson Rosellas (Platycercus elegans;) breed (Greenwood et al. 1989, Hicks and Preece 1991). Incubation commences after the second or third egg is laid and lasts 21 days (Hicks and Preece 1991). As the chicks reach approximately two weeks of age the female may leave to be fed by the male and commence a new nest (Greenwood 1993). Green Parrots may have multiple double-clutches and successfully fledge young up to four times in a year, with males and females sharing care of the young. R. Ward pers.comm.). Green Parrots generally prefer to use a fresh nest site each time, but may revert to the original site if a third site is not available. Fledglings leave the nest six to seven weeks after hatching and are dependent on their parents for food for a further 3-7 weeks (Davidson 1997, Forshaw 1981, Hicks & Greenwood 1989, Hicks and Preece 1991). Clutch size is relatively large (1-8, mean 6; Hicks & Greenwood 1989). The age of first breeding is unknown but may be soon after independence (Greene 1990). Thus Green Parrots have a high breeding potential.