Elanora Heights Primary School has researched

Endangered Australian Wildlife

as part of an Endangered Animals of the World project
organised by Cannelton Elementary School in Indiana, USA
and Primary School De Wadden of Haarlem, Netherlands.

Norfolk Island Boobook Owl
Drawn by Briana 6H

Common Name : Norfolk Island Boobook Owl

Scientific Name : Ninox novaeseelandiae undulata

Habitat :
Sub-tropical rainforest of Norfolk Island.

Diet :
Eats mainly insects but sometimes small birds and mice.

Size :
About 350mm in length.

Danger :

Loss of the rainforests on Norfolk Island till only about 20 hectares remains has been the main problem. By 1987 only one female bird was known to be alive.
By 1987, there were no trees with suitable nesting holes in them.

Actions Taken :

19 nesting boxes were installed by the National Parks and Wildlife Service and the Norfolk Island Flora and Fauna Society. Habitat is being restored and weedy species removed.
The National Parks and Wildlife service introduced two males of a very closely related New Zealand species to Norfolk Island. One died but in 1989 the first two chicks were raised. In 1990 two more were raised. The young are tagged so that the managers can monitor their progress.
We wrote to Margaret Christian on Norfolk Island to see how the owl is faring now in 1997.

25th Sept, 1997
Email from Margaret Christian on Norfolk Island ....

Thanks for your inquiry about our Moreporks.
We have 17 birds now, from the original Norfolk bird and her New Zealand mate.

15th Oct, 1997
Email from Paul Stevenson on Norfolk Island ....

THE NORFOLK ISLAND MOREPORK (BOOBOOK OWL)
- THE RAREST BIRD IN THE WORLD.

Owl calls are now being heard in across Norfolk Island, and for some areas it is the first time in many years. Owl calls have also been reported from camping parties on Phillip Island. With the total number of owls being as high as eighteen, and the potential for four mature breeding pairs this season, the future for the Norfolk Island owls appears bright.

Click here to read a full report about the management program undertaken on Norfolk Island to protect this owl and several other endangered birds.

Researched by :

Briana 6H

Reference:

CD called "Wildinfo Australia"
Windows Version
Australian Endangered, Vulnerable and Extinct Fauna.
Designed and produced by "Good Thinking" (Australia) Pty Ltd
Distributer :
DATAWORKS
81 Eildon Parade,
Rowville, Victoria, 3178, Australia
The Action Plan for Austalian Birds.
Australian Parks and Wildlife Service
Endangered Species Program publication.
Margaret Christian
Senior Ranger
Norfolk Island National Park
Paul Stevenson
Government Conservator
Norfolk Island

Go to top of page

Elanora Heights Primary School has researched

Endangered Australian Wildlife

Norfolk Island Boobook Owl Drawn by Briana 6H

Common Name : Norfolk Island Boobook Owl Scientific Name : Ninox novaeseelandiae undulata Habitat : Sub-tropical rainforest of Norfolk Island. Diet : Eats mainly insects but sometimes small birds and mice. Size : About 350mm in length.