Birds living on Australian islands are among the species most at risk of extinction, according to a study.
Researchers say living on islands is one of three three major factors that increase the risk of extinction.
Tasmania's swift parrot and orange-bellied parrot are examples of this, says the study's lead author George Olah from the Australian National University's College of Science.
"This may be because they are less well prepared for the threats posed by introduced species like rats, cats and other mammals," Dr Olah said.
Hollywood actor Leonardo DiCaprio has joined the fight to save the critically endangered swift parrot, recently telling his 62 million Instagram followers about conservation efforts to protect the bird.
Only 750 swift parrots are believed to be left in Tasmania.
Other factors heightening risk of extinction are the ability of the species to adapt to survive in agricultural areas, and the uniqueness of the birds.
Dr Olah said birds that were able to adapt and find food in agricultural areas were less likely to be endangered.
The study was conducted by analysing a database of the birds' biological traits, which were compared to explain what makes certain species more susceptible to extinction than others.
Australia is home to more than 750 native bird species.
Dr Olah said 10 per cent are facing an extinction threat, with eight already considered extinct by 2020.
"The numbers are quite sad," he said.
"But if we understand more about the factors that increase extinction risk we can better prioritise conservation efforts."
