Coming from Tasmania as you do, I'm not surprised that you raised this one
and I apologise for misleading everyone by telling only half the story.
Firstly, whilst the IOC recognises that the Boobook from Lord Howe Island is
extinct, that is not their position with regard to the bird on Norfolk
Island. Whilst I believe that the last surviving NI Boobook is now dead and
prior to her decease due to extreme age had not bred for several years, I
think that some believe that her genes live on within the current hybrid
stock. The males were introduced NZ Moreporks so that may justify the use of
that name. I think someone told me that female genes are more significant in
these respects. I hope someone with a better understanding of both these
matters can clarify.
But of more interest to all Australians and you in particular as well of
some of us here in Victoria and South Australia where from time to time
claims of Tasmanian Boobooks having crossed Bass Strait derive, is the fact
that the IOC consider the that your Tasmanian Boobook is a different species
to ours on the mainland! They lump it with the NZ Morepork!!! Many, many
years ago Les Christidis told me that the Tasmanian bird was a different
species but I was not aware of its closer relationship to the NZ form.
Mike Carter
30 Canadian Bay Road
Mount Eliza VIC 3930
Tel (03) 9787 7136
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