Historical insight on the Topknot PigeonLopholaimus antarcticusin the Illawarra rainforests through the 20th Century

Abstract

Once seen in flocks of thousands, the 20th Century was a testing period for the Topknot Pigeon Lopholaimus antarcticus. Bountiful numbers of this frugivorous bird relied on large expanses of habitat to provide a steady supply of fruiting trees. The Illawarra rainforests, already ravaged by clearing in the 1800's, was reduced to what is today less than five percent of its original area. In response, the super-flocks became scarce in the early part of the 20th Century. While they were able to adapt by feeding off paddock rainforest trees, another trial came in the form of extensive shooting for their meat. This paper describes the relationship of people with the Topknot Pigeon in the Illawarra through eyewitness accounts from the last century. There is a particular focus on the persevering culture of shooting and the endeavours to eliminate this.