PREVIOUSLY EXTINCT NIGHT PARROT DISCOVERED BY INDIGENOUS RANGERS AND RESEARCHERS

With more than 800 bird species, Australia is a very biodiverse country. These include tropical cockatoos, sandpipers, and small penguins. The night parrot, a delightfully sweet green and yellow creature with tiny black flecks on its wings, is one of the island's charming species that once flew. The species was believed to be extinct for the majority of the 20th century. Sightings were almost nonexistent and are still very uncommon today. Researchers and Indigenous rangers have found a community of at least 50-night parrots in a section of Australia's Great Sandy Desert, according to an exciting announcement in Wildlife Research.

Scientists have been actively searching for the birds since the 2010s. When confirmed, photos and videos of purported sightings are exciting, but they can also be highly disputed. Western Australia is where the largest known population was found. The Ngururrpa themselves are in charge of the Ngururrpa Indigenous Protected Area (IPA), where it is situated.

Researchers used song meters to survey the area in collaboration with local Indigenous rangers. They identified 17 roosting locations with probably 50 or more parrots by recording the birds' unique calls. This conclusion was reached by estimating the number of people based on their distinct cries.

Since 2019, the Ngururrpa Rangers have been searching for night parrots. We initially believed that they only lived in one place, in our neighbour's country, but after we began investigating here, we discovered proof that they are indeed present. In a statement, Ngururrpa Ranger Clifford Sunfly said, "We are still searching for them, to ensure their safety, and we are still finding them."

The group also looked into environmental dangers and natural predators as threats to the birds. They discovered that the biggest risk is fire. In the meantime, the dingoes, which feed on the feral cat, the night parrot's predator, maintain the ecosystem's equilibrium. If the elusive, beautiful birds are to be protected, further study and partnership is needed to protect their future.