Just 0.005% of available tree hollows in Canberra’s woodlands are suitable nesting sites for superb parrots. This “housing crisis” in the bird world may affect the longevity of the species.

A new study by researchers at The Australian National University (ANU) and the ACT Government has found the search for a suitable nesting site can have a big impact on how many offspring the superb parrots are able to produce.

The superb parrot, also known as Barraband’s parrot, is a listed vulnerable species with a small resident population in Canberra.

Previously ANU researchers have shown that these sleek green birds depend on tree hollows for nesting, but that their preferred nest sites are extremely rare.

Read the full article in the ANU reporter.

And if you want to provide a healthy habitat for parrots and other endemic creatures to nest in your own backyard, check out these tips to encourage native species.