Eclectic Daydreams

Graehstone · Posted: Wed Jan 23, 2008 8:19 am Post subject: Fires threaten endangered parrot

ALTHOUGH now contained, fires in the ecologically significant Fitzgerald River National Park continue to burn.

The fires, which were started by a lightning strike a week ago, broke the northern containment line three days ago and spilled onto private property aided by strong, variable winds.

The South Coast Highway, which was closed on the previous Monday, has since been reopened and residents have been informed that the immediate threat has passed.

A King Fire Helicopter, together with four fixed-wing water bombers, were used in last week’s suppression efforts and patrols continue on the containment lines.

Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC) information services officer Aminya Ennis said the Fitzgerald National Park contains a high number of endemic species including one of only two known populations of the critically endangered western ground parrot- of which only 150 birds are thought to exist.

“Given the low numbers of the western ground parrot and the feeding and breeding requirements of the species, wildfire will have a significant effect,” Ms Ennis said.

The DEC is also concerned that fire-fighting activities may either introduce or spread dieback into the park.

“The Fitzgerald River National Park is one of the largest dieback-free areas in the state.

“In terms of environmental consequences, spreading or introducing dieback would have a greater impact on the park than the fire itself.”

The fire, which has already burnt more than 38,000ha, is expected to burn around 54,500ha before it is contained.

http://esperance.yourguide.com.au/news/local/general/fires-threaten-endangered-parrot/1167827.html