Re: birding-aus RFI

[(Ian Gynther)]

Hi Tony,

I assume from your request that you're looking for information on whether Coxen's Fig-Parrot still occurs at Tooloom and on the likelihood of seeing it there.

There have been no reported sightings in the Tooloom area for about 8 or 9 years now, although it is almost certain the birds have occurred there since. The problem is finding them because they are scarcer than the proverbial hen's teeth.

In NSW, more recent sightings have come from Mebbin and Whian Whian State Forests some distance east of Tooloom, although again your problem would be finding the birds. All these areas offer excellent habitat for fig-parrots.

Although realistically your chances of being successful are not great, please don't let me put you off trying. From our point of view, the more pairs of eyes and binoculars out there searching for Coxen's Fig-Parrots, the better.  But please, if you do hit the jackpot, report any observations immediately.  The Recovery Team needs sighting information ASAP after observations are made and preferably by mobile phone while people are still watching the birds! (Alright, that's probably asking a bit too much, but hopefully you'll get the point.) In NSW, phone the National Parks and Wildlife Service on (02) 6628 1177 or (02) 6651 5946. In Queensland, phone
(07) 3227 7055.

If by 'status' in your message you meant conservation status, it is listed as endangered under Commonwealth and State (both Qld and NSW) legislation, although it will be reassessed as being critically endangered in the revised Action Plan for Australian Birds that is currently being prepared.

Good luck with the search.

Cheers,

Ian

Tony Russell wrote:

> Hi all, does anyone have any info regarding the status
> of the Coxen's Fig
> Parrot at Tooloom NSW?
> All contributions gratefully received.
> Thank you . Tony.   mp.
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+----------------------------------------+
Dr Ian Gynther
Senior Conservation Officer
Conservation Resource Unit
Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service
PO Box 42
Kenmore QLD 4069
Tel: (07) 3202 0250  Fax: (07) 3202 6844
E-mail:

Visit us online at http://www.env.qld.gov.au