Western ground parrot breeding facility

The Critically Endangered western ground parrot (Pezoporus flaviventris) is the focus of a formal recovery program in Western Australia, and a key recovery action is to determine whether a conservation breeding program is suitable for this species.

To determine whether a breed-for-release program is a viable option and to provide information about the biology and behaviour of this highly cryptic species, Perth Zoo houses a small number of birds. After the 2019-2020 bushfires and with the support of the WCF, Perth Zoo upgraded and expanded their existing breeding facilities for improved management and research procedures. This included establishing a dedicated aviary for breeding pairs.

The facility has not yet achieved breeding success, but considerable progress has been made with several new breeding attempts providing information on reproductive behaviour including copulation, nesting and incubation.

In 2023, ZAA WCF-funded facilities were also used for assisted reproduction work including evaluation of semen quality in males and egg incubation. This important work is further increasing knowledge and will contribute to advancing the program in future.

Perth Zoo continues to overcome challenges faced with ex situ breeding of western ground parrots. Future goals include increasing egg viability, minimising the risk of egg binding and continuing research into nutritional requirements for breeding parrots.

The facilities will enable Perth Zoo to improve social management of the birds, explore the potential for surrogate parrot species and research various aviary and egg incubation designs.