The precarious status of the Endangered Forty-spotted Pardalote Pardalotus quadragintus on Flinders Island, Tasmania

Abstract

Eight dedicated surveys over a 20-year period from 2005 to 2025 confirm the continued survival of the Forty-spotted Pardalote Pardalotus quadragintus on Flinders Island, Tasmania, and provide insights into the ecology and future management options for this nationally endangered bird species. Although maintaining occupancy at two widely separated sites, the species survives in such low numbers and is so thinly scattered that it has become increasingly difficult to detect with any regularity. High-intensity fire is the most significant management issue, and tracking studies, DNA research and
translocation trials are needed to fill gaps in knowledge of the species. Although an estimate of the subpopulation size on Flinders Island is not possible, with no evidence of expansion and potential loss of some sites, the previous claim of ‘almost extinct’ is strongly supported and confirms that a range of conservation measures is urgently needed for this species’ long-term survival on Flinders Island.