Native and exotic nest predators of Alwal (Golden-shouldered parrot Psephotellus chrysopterygius) on Olkola Country, Cape York Peninsula, Australia

• Published in: Emu 2020-04, Vol.120 (2), p.168-172
• Main Authors: Collingwood, Teghan D., Watson, James E. M., Kearney, Stephen, Brown, Allana, Ross, Ashaley, Kulka, Glen, Kulka, Hamish, Kulka, Karla, Royee, Francis, Ross, Brendan, Mahney, Terry, Huett, Katy, Kutt, Alex S.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Grassland-dependent birds; invasive species; threatened species; vegetation thickening; vertebrate pests
• ISSN: 0158-4197; 1448-5540
• DOI: 10.1080/01584197.2020.1750963

Nest predation is considered a major cause of population decline for the Endangered Alwal Psephotellus chrysopterygius (Golden-shouldered parrot) in Cape York Peninsula, Australia. Camera-traps were installed at 28 Alwal nests across two breeding seasons in four important refuges for the parrot, to confirm nest predator identities and their impact on nesting success. Nest predators were more common at Alwal nests prior to fledging. The feral cat Felis catus and yellow-spotted monitor Varanus panoptes were the most common predators detected at nests, but the Black-backed butcherbird Cracticus mentalis, Pied butcherbird C. nigrogularis and Brown goshawk Acciptier fasciatus were also documented predating nests. Predators were significantly more common at nests in the days prior to fledging, possibly due to increased nest site activity. Nest success was higher amongst denser vegetation, indicating that cover may inhibit detection of nests by predators, particularly at fledging time. As with many threatened species globally, further monitoring is needed to disentangle knowledge of Alwal nest predation, including refined nest-monitoring techniques to document elusive predation events.