Former Greens leader Bob Brown stated that Leonardo DiCaprio has significantly raised the profile of Tasmania and brought global attention to the dire situation of the swift parrot. In Tasmania, top wildlife conservationists praised DiCaprio’s support in stopping logging and protecting the critically endangered swift parrot, calling it crucial for enhancing conservation efforts. DiCaprio highlighted the swift parrot’s critical situation and celebrated a recent Supreme Court decision to halt forestry activities in the bird’s reported habitat. The Bob Brown Foundation asked the Supreme Court to stop logging in swift parrot habitat and expressed delight at DiCaprio’s support.
In his post, he invited the star to Tasmania and highlighted significant forest destruction despite the IUCN Red List’s recommendation to stop logging in native forests where swift parrots nest. Additionally, he emphasized that ending native logging across Australia and Tasmania is the only way to protect the swift parrot and other threatened Australian forest species.
However, DiCaprio’s post received mixed feedback, with some thanking him and others expressing skepticism or calling for further support. Meanwhile, the Tasmanian Greens appreciated DiCaprio’s endorsement of parrot habitat protection but urged politicians to join the fight.
They anticipate more voices worldwide to speak out about ensuring the future of the iconic species. Additionally, Tanya Plibersek joined in supporting the recovery of the swift parrot, announcing a new federal recovery plan to help the parrot survive in the long term. The swift parrot has been critically endangered since 2016.