Deaths spark concern about program
Saturday, June 29, 2013 at 23:05 
Orange Bellied Parrot, Australia's rarest bird bread in captivity in Hobart Photo: Matthew NewtonThe death of two critically-endangered orange-bellied parrots has raised wider concerns about the captive breeding program.
Veterinarian James Harris provides medical assistance at the orange-bellied parrot breeding facility at Taroona.
He said three people worked on the project but they also had to care for Tasmanian devils at the site.
"They are spread so thin," he said.
Dr Harris said the deaths of two birds last month was symptomatic of a the staffing problem.
It is suspected the birds died after being startled by a cat.
Several holes were found in the perimeter fence.
Dr Harris said the State Government needed to properly manage the project, which has received large amounts of Commonwealth funding.
A spokesman for the Environment Minister Brian Wightman said a recent application for more Commonwealth funding for the orange-bellied parrot recovery program was unsuccessful.