Swift Parrots have been seen returning to lutruwita / Tasmania. Each year, these parrots make their way back to breed amongst the hollow-bearing and flowering eucalyptus trees. Shamefully, the critically endangered species’ important breeding areas are being decimated each year by Forestry Tasmania.

This morning, a third forest defender has been arrested in the Eastern Tiers. School teacher Tanya Sneddon (36) has taken an important stand for the Swift Parrots.

“I should be at school teaching, not here having to defend these forests, but the government refuses to give Swift Parrots a chance for survival.”

“I am deeply concerned about the amount of logging happening right now in Tasmanian native forests. Habitat loss is the primary driver of species extinction and this forest I am protecting is home to Swift Parrots along with so many other amazing birds and animals,” said Tanya.

“Logging a known breeding area of a critically endangered species is beyond unacceptable, it is criminal and threatens the survival of the species. Swift Parrots are currently on their migration back to their nursery sites, but they will be welcomed with another clear-felled breeding habitat,” said Jenny Weber, Bob Brown Foundation’s Campaigns Manager.

“The Swift Parrot experts are clear – without protecting all Swift Parrot habitat, the species is likely to go extinct. Forestry Tasmania needs to be stopped from logging native forests. We are calling on Premier Rockliff to stop going against the scientific advice and immediately remove the logging machines from the Eastern Tiers and provide secure protection to all Swift Parrot habitat. This island is the only place on Earth where the parrots breed,” said Jenny Weber.