Research
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Because
of its cryptic
nature and very low numbers, the Western Ground
Parrot
has been much less
studied than other parrot
species.
It wasn't until 2004 that a photo was taken of a bird in the wild; the first video clips were taken in the same year. The first research project into Western Ground Parrot behaviour took place in 1988 when 13 birds were fitted with radio-tracking devices. Ongoing difficulties with the transmitters created major problems, but valuable data about the parrots' home range which extends over several hectares could be gathered nevertheless. In 2008 another attempt was made to radio-track a ground parrot. It was hoped the bird would eventually lead the researchers to a nest, but sadly a raptor predated the parrot before a nest could be found. 
Research scientist Dr Abby Berryman with captured bird Perhaps
the most
significant research results came from a recent
study of the
Western Ground
Parrot's DNA. It suggests
that
the
species
may
be
more
different
from its Eastern
states
counterpart
than
previously thought.
It is
likely
that
further studies
will
prove that the Western
Ground
Parrot
and Eastern
Ground
Parrot are
two
different
species. |
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Arthur Ferguson has kindly made available the image on this page. It is protected by copyright and cannot be used without his permission.