Cat killed critically endangered orange-bellied parrots

From http://www.themercury.com.au
June, 27, 2013
Tasmania

TWO of the estimated 320 remaining orange-bellied parrots (Neophema chrysogaster) have died after a cat made its way into a government breeding enclosure.

The endangered birds, described by the Tasmanian Parks and Wildlife Service as one of the world's most rare and endangered bird species, died at Taroona last month.
Environment Minister Brian Wightman confirmed the deaths in Tasmanian Parliament yesterday.

"With a population of perhaps fewer than 50 individuals [in the wild], the species is critically endangered," he said."That is why it is very important we have correct housing for these birds."We will continue to ensure that the facilities we have in the north and south of the state are secure and my expectation as minister would be that if there has been an issue that it is fixed in a timely manner and we will undertake to make sure it has occurred."

Tasmanian Greens environment spokeswoman Cassy O'Connor said nothing should be left to chance with so few of the birds left in the wild."The orange-bellied parrot is perched at the brink of extinction, and this breeding program is critical to the survival of this treasured species," Ms O'Connor said."There is some incredible work being done to ensure the survival of the orange-bellied parrot in Tasmania, and the Greens commend everybody involved in the program."If we are going to put the effort and resources into a breeding program, then it's important to ensure that the security and staffing are adequate."

An inspection of an enclosure at Taroona, one of three major breeding facilities in Australia, showed a hole in the enclosure.A letter from Sandy Bay vet James Harris to Mr Wightman in late May said he suspected the intrusion by the cat had startled the birds.

A cat was trapped in the enclosure two days after the birds' deaths.