Glossy Black-Cockatoos are labelled as Vulnerable in Queensland and Threatened on a National Level. Presently, little is known about the current movements of the Glossy's populations and their specific habitat selection.
Project leader
Project overview
The Glossy Black-Cockatoo project aims to assess the current distribution and habitat use of Glossy Black-Cockatoos in the Gold Coast area in order to ensure that habitat preservation for the Glossy Black-Cockatoo can be made with greater accuracy and ensure their survival in the future.
The following areas are being researched as part of this project:
- Harness testing
- Tracking methods
- DNA Investigation
Harness testing
Testing activities are being conducted at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary and Priam Parrot Park to determine how the attachment of collars will effect the birds' behaviour.
In order to try and reduce the effect the collars will have on behaviour, the lightest collars possible have been used. So far problems have been encountered with tested birds being able to remove the transmitters.
Note: Glossy Black-Cockatoos are captured using trained professionals, ensuring no harm is inflicted on the bird.
Tracking methods
Tracking bands
Coloured bands will be attached to a certain number of Glossy Black-Cockatoos. The colour of the band will be determined based on the region in which the bird is captured. At present, the Gold Coast will be split up into seven different regions, with each region receiving a recognizable colour.
Sightings from the public and other sources will then be documented to determine the habitat usage of the Glossy Black-Cockatoos. Reportings of Glossy Black-Cockatoo sightings with and without bands attached will also allow for population estimates of the Gold Coast sector.
To gain more efficient data three Glossy Black-Cockatoos will be fitted with GPS collars. This will allow access for the research team to find and monitor the tagged Glossy Black-Cockatoos practically at any time.
Satellite monitoring
Satellite devices will be attached to individual birds that will allow researchers to track the movement of the Glossy Black-Cockatoo over vast areas. Harness testing will be conducted with specific Griffith Partners to test whether this monitoring procedure is a viable option.
Radio tracking collars
Radio tracking devices will be used if Satellite tracking devices prove to be ineffective. This is a secondary option due to the effort required to implement this approach effectively.
Past projects
Other projects have been undertaken by Griffith University in regards to Glossy Black-Cockatoos.
Griffith's Associate Professor Clyde Wild, Michelle Stock and Gold Coast City Council's Evan Thomas undertook a study on factors influencing choice of feed trees by the Glossy Black-Cockatoo in South-East Queensland to determine if non-feed trees and feed trees of Allocasurina littoralis had any significant differences. It found that feeding trees of A. littoralis appeared to have larger seeds when compared with non-feed trees.
Allocasurina torulosa were also measured in this study and the feed trees of this species displayed a larger girth width when compared with non-feed trees.
Report a sighting
Reporting sightings of Glossy Black-Cockatoos is essential in the tracking and monitoring of birds. Even birds without coloured bands should be reported as it will help gain a wider insight into their behaviour and distribution. Please use the link below to report your sightings or contact Dr Guy Castley.
You can also report sightings to the following organisations:
About the Glossy Black-Cockatoo
The Glossy Black-Cockatoo is located in the South-Eastern corner of Queensland, Eastern New South Wales, extending slightly into Victoria with populations known in South Australia and Kangaroo Island.
Glossy Black-Cockatoos are specialized feeders of Allocasuarina seeds (Allocasuarina torulosa, Allocasuarina littoralis) and some Casuarina species (Casuarina equisetifolia). They feed from the seeds located within the barky cone. Allocasuarina species are frequent in the Gold Coast and South-east Queensland region.
Population
Total population estimates as of 2006 were less then 18 000. As of 2005, there was a declining population of Glossy Black-Cockatoos in Queensland, with estimates of population numbers being between 1000 and 2500. On the Gold Coast population numbers are unknown.
Conservation status and threats
All states in which Glossy Black-Cockatoos are located have been labeled Vulnerable or Endangered. The Australian Government has declared the status of the Glossy Black-Cockatoo, on a national level, as Threatened.
Roosting/breeding trees are being cleared throughout the South-Eastern Queensland region. Suitable trees for breeding are usually large with the presence of hollows in which the cockatoos can adequately roost and breed. Native Australian trees, like Eucalyptus Species, take a considerable amount of time to form large hollows.
Identification
Females can be told apart from males via blotches of yellow located on the head and neck. The head may also be darker then the male. Juveniles will also have a darker head with small spots on the shoulder or breast.
Feeding
Glossy Black-Cockatoos feed on the seeds of Allocasuarina species with the Black She-Oak (Allocasuarina littoralis) being the favored Allocasuarina species. They have been recorded spending approximately 88% of the day foraging for Allocasuarina seeds.
Breeding
Breeding occurs every two years with a single egg being laid in late January to early June with a longer nestling period then any other cockatoos (up to 90 days). Large hollow trees are needed for a breeding site and they are known to have a breeding life span that can exceed 30 years.