Landholders are restoring critical habitat to save Victoria's Superb Parrots
Susan Logie and Tammy Muir
Each spring, in the red gum forests around the Murray River on Yorta Yorta Country, flashes of bright green and the chatter of Superb Parrots signal the start of their migration between feeding grounds and nesting sites. Once found as far south as Melbourne, these striking birds are now at risk of extinction due to habitat loss. But thanks to dedicated conservationists, efforts are underway to protect their last stronghold in the Victorian Riverina.
A 30-year conservation mission
For over 30 years, Susan Logie and her husband Tammy Muir have been working to save species like the Superb Parrot. Susan first joined the Superb Parrot Project in 1996 and later became its coordinator. Since then, the group has planted over 350,000 trees and shrubs, creating food sources and habitat for these threatened birds.
“We’ve really transformed the landscape,” says Susan. “In spring, you see all the wattles, which are all planted. Even though they’re for the Superb Parrots, they also benefit other birds as well. We’re seeing more and more around.”
Restoring private land for wildlife
Susan and Tammy’s conservation work extends beyond public reserves to private land restoration. Their property in Yielima, bordering Barmah National Park, has been in Tammy’s family for three generations. After discontinuing farming operations, they repurposed part of the land for seed production to support revegetation projects.
“There have been lots of subtle changes,” says Tammy. “Once we stopped agriculture, we started seeing increases in things like ants. Then came blind snakes, quail, and even the occasional koala and echidna. We’ve now observed over 100 species of birds on the property.”
Superb Parrot. Image: Surong Gunn
Permanent protection through conservation covenants
Recognizing the importance of their land for threatened wildlife, Susan and Tammy partnered with Trust for Nature to permanently protect 60 hectares through a conservation covenant. Their property’s remnant woodlands provide essential habitat for not only Superb Parrots but also Diamond Firetails (which nest on-site) and Lace Monitors.
“We wanted to ensure the work we’ve done will be a legacy for the future,” Susan explains. “It’s a safeguard, and it helps me sleep at night. You don’t have to turn your whole farm into a reserve—just adding a shrub layer and fencing off sections can attract new species by providing foraging and breeding habitat.”
Want to help protect Victoria’s wildlife? Learn more about conservation covenants at Trust for Nature.