Norfolk Island Boobook Owl
EPBC Status: Endangered
SPRAT Species Profile: Ninox novaeseelandiae undulata — Southern Boobook (Norfolk Island), Norfolk Island Boobook Owl
Found in: Norfolk Island
Threatened Species Strategy Scorecards:
Norfolk Island Boobook Owl Year 3 scorecard 2018 (PDF - 403.76 KB)
Norfolk Island Boobook Owl Year 3 scorecard 2018 (DOCX - 278.05 KB)
Year 3 Scorecard Summary (2018)
The Norfolk Island Boobook Owl nearly became extinct in the 1980s, when it was discovered that only a single female remained after extensive historic clearing of vegetation and harvesting of large trees destroyed most suitable nesting sites on the island. Two males of a different subspecies were introduced from New Zealand and the subsequent current population of 45-50 Boobooks is highly inbred.
Very few natural nesting sites remain in Norfolk Island’s limited forest habitat so recovery efforts for the Boobook have focused on securing nest sites, through provision of nest boxes and active culling of next competitors, such as introduced rosellas.
Of great concern, there has been no successful breeding observed since 2012 and the outlook for the aging population of Boobooks is poor. Research required to inform management that can best support the Norfolk Island Boobook Owl should determine whether this is due to genetic constraints or issues with nest box placement.
Further information
- Threatened species strategy
- 20 birds by 2020
- 20 mammals by 2020
- 30 plants by 2020
- Three year review of progress on priority bird and mammal species
Please note that this scorecard is due for review in Year 5 of the Threatened Species Strategy (2020). If you would like to contribute information on this species please provide your contact details to ThreatenedSpeciesCommissioner@awe.gov.au
Photo credit: © Parks Australia