Queensland populations of Pied / Torresian imperial-pigeons were decimated by the middle of last century (1950s) through the combined impacts of rainforest clearing and extensive hunting.
Protection and monitoring of some breeding sites began nearly 50 years ago and slow partial recovery of numbers followed in some areas. However, for most sites there has been no sustained upward trend over the past two decades and numbers in some areas have declined recently.
Most notably pigeon numbers plummeted in the Hinchinbrook area after severe habitat destruction caused by Tropical Cyclone Yasi in 2011. Displaced birds were forced to nest in unfamiliar areas, including on the mainland coast, with greater risk of predation and reduced success in raising chicks.
Lack of data about these birds increases the need for new research and help from citizen scientist is needed everywhere along the tropical coast of Queensland. Can you help?