Monitoring population change in the cryptic and threatened Western Ground Parrot in relation to fire

摘要: Measures of abundance and population trends are necessary for informed management rare species, but obtaining reliable estimates sparsely occurring species is an ongoing challenge in conservation biology. It even more difficult when the interest also cryptic. We censused a one such Western Ground Parrot (Pezoporus wallicus flaviventris), over several years to develop monitoring protocol assist future management, extend understanding its response fire, provide model that could be used with other cryptic bird species. Abundance Parrots, monitored by means calling frequencies, varied from year at study site Fitzgerald River National Park, south-western Australia. Frequency increased significantly 1996 2000. During this time, frequency peaked 1998 part had been unburnt than 40 years, remained high was similar recently burnt area except May 1998, lower following fire five months previously. dropped both long areas between 2000 2004; exact reasons unknown. Parrots can use vegetation where it immediately adjacent established population, do not need create habitat, least timescale years. The current protocol, eight listening posts counted approximately three times each, capable detecting annual change ~13%. number would 14 order detect 10%, 5%.