Count of rare Australian cockatoo reveals 2,000-strong population in South Australia

More than 70 volunteers involved in censusAugust 2011: A recent census of Southern Australia's vulnerable yellow-tailed black cockatoos has found a 2,030-strong population across the Mount Lofty Ranges and Fleurieu Peninsula.
Conducted with the help of more than 70 community volunteers, this year's census was initiated by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DNER) to collect information on the population and distribution of the cockatoo.

DENR Adelaide ecologist Jason van Weenen said: ‘The census has provided a benchmark from which future population trends can be assessed.

First reliable population estimate for the species‘The finds are extremely significant as it gives us the first reliable population estimate for the species in the Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges (AMLR) region. The survey results indicate that we have approximately 2,030 yellow-tailed black cockatoos, with more than half of the population found in one flock (1,250 birds) on the Fleurieu Penisula and more than 95 per cent of the population contained within just three flocks.'

Volunteers spread from Gawler and Williamstown in the north, to Cape Jervis and Goolwa in the south, joined by ten DENR staff members to conduct the census in May, which was chosen because it is when the cockatoos have finished breeding and congregate into fewer and larger flocks, making counting easier and double counting less likely.

‘The survey revealed that the population is likely to be heavily reliant on forestry Radiata Pine plantations and stands of Aleppo Pines during the winter non-breeding period,' Mr van Weenen said.

We must maintain its natural habitat‘We have to ensure that our native heathy bushland habitats containing foods critical to the cockatoo's diet remain healthy and productive, so that any reliance on exotic plants is not exacerbated.

‘Protecting heathy bushland areas from weeds, livestock and fungus will improve their quality for cockatoos.

‘The birds are charismatic and are regularly observed across the region,' Mr van Weenen added. ‘Community members are very interested in this species and this was reflected in the high volunteer participation in the recent survey. Without that level of involvement, the survey would have been far less thorough.'

As a result of this year's census, DENR will promote the planting of native food plants for the cockatoos and also repeat the census next year to see how the population is faring.

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Celebrations as two rare Australian cockatoo chicks hatch

The first born in the wild since Black Tuesday bushfires

May 2010: One has been raised on a farming property on the Lower Eyre Peninsula and is the first chick to be reared in the wild since the Black Tuesday bushfires. The second has been raised in captivity at Gorge Wildlife Park in Adelaide.

Katrina Pobke, DEH Threatened Species Officer, said this was a major milestone for the species which had suffered critically low population numbers for several years.

Only nine yellow-tailed black cockatoos remain in the wild
‘The population of the Eyre Peninsula yellow-tailed black cockatoo is now believed to consist of just nine birds, with a further 14 maintained in captivity,' she said.

‘Successfully raising two healthy young cockatoos in a step in the right direction for the future survival of the population and both chicks are in good health.'

Steve McKecknie, Gorge Wildlife Park manager, said the successful rearing of a chick in captivity was an encouraging sign.

First time parents - a positive sign for the future
‘We have five pairs of young adult cockatoos at Gorge Wildlife Park and while they are inexperienced breeders they are attempting to raise young for the first time,' he said.

‘One chick has successfully been raised so far, and this is a positive sign that the cockatoos are able to breed.'

Bird expert Trevor Cox, who has been assisting with conservation efforts of this species, said that the weather had had a positive impact on successful breeding.

‘This year, being a wetter year, has seen an increase in food supply for the cockatoos and this has assisted their breeding,' he said. ‘There are signs of cockatoos feeding near Koppio Hills on inset larvae in sugar gums and on moth larvae in yakka flower spikes. Cockatoos have also been seen feeding on hakea seeds, a food source that has been planted specifically for them to feed on. It shows that even small plantings ofood that are an import part of their diet can greatly improve the breeding success of the population.'

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