Plastic artificial hollows save plunging red-tailed black cockatoos population in urban Perth
Recycled poly pipe is proving key to saving Perth’s dwindling red-tailed cockatoo population, which is suffering from a lack of suitable places to nest.
Three forest red-tailed black cockatoos were found using plastic artificial cavities in Armadale woodland during monitoring by Landcare SJ and the Department for Biodiversity, Conservation and Entertainment (DBCA).
The discovery was considered evidence that existing populations of the vulnerable species were adapting to the city’s increasing urbanization.
The two cubs found last month were between four and seven weeks old, while the third was around 11 weeks old and weighed 630 grams.
Plastic artificial cavities were generally thought to be minimally successful in red-tailed black cockatoos in the forest because they rarely appeared to use them despite wide availability.
DBCA Research Assistant and volunteer Rick Dawson said the latest findings were a sign that the location of the cavities was more important than where they were made.
“The discovery of three broods in one season shows that successful breeding is less about the material of an artificial burrow and more about where it is placed, particularly established breeding sites with reliable food and habitat nearby,” Mr Dawson said.
“Artificial burrows do not create breeding populations; they support existing populations.
“Establishing artificial cavities in or near established breeding grounds where birds are already foraging and nesting greatly increases the likelihood that they will eventually be used.”
Mr Dawson added that the caverns, which lasted about 75 years, should be the mainstay of long-term conservation infrastructure.
“With regular maintenance, they will provide nesting opportunities for generations of black cockatoos when conditions are right.
“The success of an artificial cavity is measured not by how quickly it is filled, but by whether it is available when the birds need it most.”
