Forest protesters have returned to Mt Tongatabu forests where Swift Parrot breeding habitat continues to be logged.
Bob Brown Foundation forest defenders are back in the southern forests of Tasmania on the west side of Mt Tongatabu. Critically endangered Swift Parrots have been observed breeding in these forests by Swift Parrot experts, and despite this, their habitat continues to be logged.
“Today we have a forest defender in a treesit attached to four machines that have been destroying the breeding habitat of this critically endangered species. We are here to save Swift Parrot habitat for future nest sites. For this incredibly rare bird, the fastest parrot on earth, every tree counts. The ongoing logging in this area is horrendous and completely unacceptable,” said Dr Lisa Searle, native forest campaign organiser for the Bob Brown Foundation.
“Forestry Tasmania call this logging coupe KD054C, we call it swift parrot breeding forest that needs to be protected from the government-sanctioned chainsaws,” Dr Lisa Searle said.
“We have returned to these forests after our calls for the protection of this habitat has been ignored by Premier Rockliff. This is now the second action in the past week in this particular logging coupe in southern Tasmania, where Swift Parrot nesting trees are still being felled,” Dr Searle said.
“Forestry Tasmania moved loggers out of the Eastern Tiers in December after our Foundation documented Swift Parrots in the hollow bearing trees in a number of active logging coupes,” Dr Searle said.
“We are taking a strong stand for the Swift Parrots and calling for an end to logging of native forests. Our forest defenders are willing to face arrests and subsequent consequences to defend the Swift Parrot from extinction.” Dr Searle said.
“We are calling on Premier Rockliff and Prime Minister Albanese to stop this outrageous destruction before it’s too late.” Dr Searle concluded.