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Species Kept

Native Parrots held in South Australia

The National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972 provides for a permit system to keep a large number of native parrots in captivity. Thirteen species of parrot are exempt from the permit system and 3 species of parrot are unprotected.

There are almost 3,500 permit holders in South Australia who keep a range of parrots, finches, waterfowl, birds of prey as well as reptiles and mammals. Four hundred and twenty six persons hold a permit to keep specialist animals. In addition there are 19 fauna dealers currently licensed.

Permit holders are required to maintain a record book and submit stock returns to us.

An analysis of returns submitted for the period 1 July 2002 to 30 June 2003 was conducted. The analysis did not include information submitted by fauna dealers.

The accuracy of the figures provided is subject to some error and should be used as a guide only. Error can be caused by permit holders failing to submit returns, permit holders making errors on their return sheets, or data entry errors.

Persons keeping 1 only parrot (listed as a basic species) are not required to obtain a permit. It is likely that most of these persons do not hold a permit nor submit returns.

The analysis shows that the most popular parrot species kept in South Australia (excluding parrots categorised as exempt or unprotected) was the Australian King Parrot Alisterus scapularis (1,240), Major Mitchell's Cockatoo Cacatua leadbeateri (1,177), Superb Parrot Polytelis swainsonii (1,146) and the Regent Parrot Polytelis anthopeplus (1,087).

Breeding and deaths rates

The Eastern Rosella Platycercus eximius has the highest record breedings for the year with 284 progeny. This is followed by the Australian King Parrot Alisterus scapularis (178), Regent Parrot Polytelis anthopeplus (172), Superb Parrot Polytelis swainsonii (162) Blue-winged Parrot Neophema chrysostoma (115), Red-winged Parrot Aprosmictus erythropterus (101), Western Rosella Platycercus icterotis (101).

A number of species displayed poor recruitment levels, with the number of deaths surpassing the number of births (see table 1)

Table 1 - Parrots displaying poor recruitment levels 2002/2003
COMMON NAME
BRED
DEATHS
Mulga Parrot
63
73
Crimson Rosella
53
71
Adelaide Rosella
43
65
Major Mitchell's Cockatoo
64
55
Purple-crowned Lorikeet
9
29
Australian Ringneck
26
29
Red-vented Blue Bonnet
19
22
Golden-shouldered Parrot
18
20
Northern Rosella
15
17
Red-capped Parrot
14
15
Blue-cheeked Rosella
13
14
Little Lorikeet
4
13

A number of species displayed strong recruitment levels, with the number of births surpassing the number of deaths (see table 2)

Table 2 - Parrots displaying strong recruitment levels 2002/2003
COMMON NAME
BRED
DEATHS
Superb Parrot
162
104
Eastern Rosella
284
109
Scaly-breasted Lorikeet
48
20
Red-collared Lorikeet
65
21
Red-tailed Black Cockatoo
22
3
Blue-winged Parrot
115
45
Red-winged Parrot
101
69

Tables showing comprehensive details of all acquisitions and disposals of those parrots listed as basic and specialist are also available.

See Parrots kept in SA/Number of permit holders 2002/2003 (50Kb PDF)

See Parrots kept - showing acquisitions and disposals 2002/2003 (50Kb PDF)