Black Cockatoo Conservation
Black cockatoos are iconic wildlife in the Western Australian landscape. They are charismatic species that generate high levels of public attention and concern and consistently poll amongst Australia’s favourite birds. All three of southwest Western Australia’s endemic black cockatoo species – Carnaby’s cockatoo, Baudin’s cockatoo and forest red-tailed cockatoo – are experiencing severe population declines due to habitat loss and other threatening processes, and face extinction within decades unless threats are addressed. In the Perth-Peel region in particular, they are under great pressure.
As land managers and decision-makers, local governments play a critical role in protecting black cockatoos in their suburbs. Benefits of retaining black cockatoos in urban environments are numerous and include social, cultural, environmental and biodiversity benefits. In the Perth-Peel region, poor planning and management have already led to the loss of black cockatoos entirely from some areas.
The Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale is an important area for black cockatoos, with roost sites and food resources that support flocks of Carnaby’s cockatoos and forest red-tailed cockatoos. Unlike most of the Perth-Peel region, the Shire is also a home and breeding area for the rarest of Australia’s black cockatoos: Baudin’s cockatoo.
To safeguard the Shire’s black cockatoos, there are some key evidence-informed actions that it will be important for the Shire to undertake, when managing its built and natural environments. The Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale's Black Cockatoo Conservation Action Plan outlines the actions the Shire can undertake to manage the key threatening processes affecting black cockatoos within the Shire. The plan has been designed as a practical guide to help the Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale safeguard its black cockatoos.
View the plan below.
Black Cockatoo Conservation Action Plan