There is a new push to save a rare and beautiful bird on the brink of extinction.
There are believed to be fewer than 1,500 golden-shouldered parrots left in a small parcel of Cape York in far north Queensland — the only place they are found in the world.
Known in traditional language as alwal, the bird is a sacred totem to the Olkola people, who plan to build a fenced sanctuary for the endangered species about 300 kilometres north of Cairns.
Traditional owner and chairman of the Olkola Aboriginal Corporation Michael Ross said the sanctuary would provide a safe haven for the "funny little birds" that nested deep in termite mounds.
"They are funny little things, very timid, you could walk through their area, and you won't see one," Mr Ross said.
"They are very fussy and shy, but they are beautiful, and they mean a lot to my people."
Mr Ross said the sanctuary would involve fencing off an area adjoining the Olkola Cultural Knowledge Centre, which is due for completion later this year.
"We will fence the area to keep out the feral pigs and cats and the cattle," Mr Ross said.
"We need to bring the birds home."
Race to save alwal
The race to save the bird — a little bigger than a budgerigar — began about seven years ago after traditional owners teamed up with conservation group Bush Heritage Australia.
Several Indigenous ranger groups, as well as natural resource management bodies and property owners, are also working to save the species from extinction.
Mr Ross said counts of nests were regularly undertaken, and remote cameras had been set up in the area to monitor the birds, their chicks and the creatures that hunt them, including feral cats.
Researchers had also been examining whether boosting dingo numbers could be key in helping to protect the species from cats and goannas.
Vision from monitoring cameras had shown that chicks living in a termite mound regularly patrolled by a dingo had successfully fledged.
"The dingo has been able to keep the predators away and protect those blind spots," Mr Ross said.
He said mining was also another threat to the spectacular bird, with several companies holding exploration permits in the region.
