Cats poisoned in bid to save endangered western ground parrots
Friday, June 18, 2010 at 11:10
Poisonous baits are being dropped by plane into two West Australian national parks to kill off feral cats preying on an endangered parrot species.
The Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC) says the western ground parrot is one of Australia's most critically endangered species, with fewer than 140 of the birds known to be alive.
In an attempt to fend off the rapid decline, the DEC have begun trialling cat baits in the Fitzgerald River National Park and Cape Arid National Park on WA's south coast.
The two parks are the only places where populations of the parrot survive.
DEC ecologist Sarah Comer said the feral cats were thought to be the major factor in the parrot's decline and the effectiveness of the baits would be closely monitored.
"The first batch of Eradicat baits were dropped by plane in the Fitzgerald River National Park in mid April, with more bait drops following over the past few weeks," Ms Comer said.
"A number of cats are being radio-tracked, and it is hoped we will get clear evidence of mortality following the baiting."