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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