A critically endangered parrot that undertakes a perilous migration across Bass Strait has returned to remote breeding grounds in numbers not seen for more than a decade.
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Five years ago, the wild population of the orange-bellied parrot dropped to just 20.
But this summer 81 individuals have been recorded at Melaleuca in Tasmania's rugged southwest.
It is an increase from last year's figure of 77 and the biggest return in about 15 years.
"It's in the upper end of what we were expecting. We're pretty pleased with it," orange-bellied parrot project manager Shannon Troy said.
The bird, slightly larger than a budgie, heads north to the southern coast of mainland Australia in autumn and returns to the island state for summer breeding.
Its population is propped up by captive releases, habitat burns to ensure food is available and the installation of nest boxes.
More than 50 birds that left Tasmania earlier in the year didn't make it back - but the return rate is still considered positive.
Of the 81 returnees, 24 were wild-born juveniles who made the trip for the first time.
Dr Troy said juvenile returns were approaching a historic level after dropping to 15-20 per cent when the species was at its lowest.
She said there was an element of safety in numbers.
"The more birds there are in the population, the more chance they'll find each other during their migration," she said.
"Groups of birds have advantages (such as) being aware of predators. (It is) more energy efficient to fly with a group."
The next goal is ensuring a self-sustaining population, which requires the parrot to breed away from Melaleuca nest boxes and find naturally occurring tree hollows.
"We're kind of out of the preventing extinction phase," Dr Troy said.
"But there is still a risk of one disease outbreak, one catastrophic wildfire and we'd lose the breeding population.
"It's a long road."
The state government this year pledged an extra $1.3 million to track the parrots and maintain a breeding facility outside of Hobart.
So far this summer, 19 captive-bred birds have been released and initial nest inspections indicate a promising breeding season.
"Our team checked nest boxes last week and a number had eggs," Dr Troy said.
"Hopefully when we go again in January there will be lots of nest boxes with chicks."
The species, once found along the Australian mainland coastline from Sydney to Adelaide, has been hit by habitat loss and increasing predation.
Australian Associated Press
