Indian researchers rediscovered a rare night parrot thought extinct for 100 years

After 100 Years, Elusive Night Parrot Thought Extinct Is Found (Representational Image: Canva)

Indian Indigenous rangers and scientists have revealed secrets of the elusive night parrot. These small green-and-yellow birds are hard to protect. They hide in thick desert grass by day. At night, they move silently across the landscape. How do researchers study such a mysterious creature?

How Do Scientists Track the Night Parrot?

From 2020 to 2023, the team placed rugged audio recorders. These devices were deployed across dozens of desert sites. Night parrots have distinctive calls that stand out. Recorders picked up calls, marking exact places on maps. Upon verification, camera traps followed to monitor predators in the area. Predator scat was taken by the team to study diets. Satellite images tracked fire patterns over decades. The goal was clear: understand parrot needs and threats.

Why Does Habitat Matter for Night Parrots?

The study revealed parrots roost in dense spinifex grass. Bull spinifex forms dome-like shelters that keep parrots hidden. Young spinifex doesn’t offer enough protection. These clumps take years to mature properly. Fast-moving fires from lightning or dry spells are a threat. Frequent fires prevent spinifex from fully developing. The region burns every few years, too often. This leaves parrots vulnerable without proper shelter. Planned, cooler burns can create a useful patchwork. This reduces the risk of severe wildfires destroying habitat.

What Role Do Predators Play in Parrot Survival?

Cameras often captured dingoes near parrot areas. At first glance, dingoes seem like a threat. Scat analysis told a different story. Feral cats, not dingoes, frequently hunted small birds. Dingoes help suppress cat populations in this ecosystem. This balance is crucial for parrot survival. Less dingo presence could let cats multiply. More cats mean fewer chicks survive their early weeks.

How Many Night Parrots Are Left in Ngururrpa Country?

The team estimates about 50 night parrots remain here. For such a rare species, this number is significant. Ngururrpa Country stands out as a vital stronghold. But it offers no guaranteed safety. Harsh fire seasons could destroy habitats quickly. Predator control harming dingoes might backfire on parrots. Vehicle tracks and new weeds causing disturbances introduce risk. Smart management is needed to protect this fragile system.

What Steps Can Save the Night Parrot?

Fire management should combine local knowledge and mapping. Controlled burns help create natural fuel breaks. This prevents summer wildfires from spreading too fast. Predator control must avoid harming dingoes. Dingoes help keep cat numbers in check. The landscape should stay undisturbed and free from grazing stock. Future tools like genetic analysis can improve tracking. DNA from feathers can sharpen population estimates. Tiny tracking tags could reveal parrots’ feeding patterns.

What Lessons Did This Study Reveal?

This research shows strong collaboration between rangers and scientists. The night parrot depends on dense spinifex for shelter. It needs a fire cycle that supports growth. It thrives where dingoes keep cats at bay. Careful burns, smart predator control, and ongoing monitoring are vital. Ngururrpa Country offers hope for this shy species. The full study appears in the Wildlife Research journal.