BCT-Landcare Glossy Black Cockatoo Field Day
On Saturday 26th November 2022 a small group visited Scott Nature Reserve in Mulloon to learn about the Glossy Black Cockatoo and conservation efforts on private land
Capacity to Deliver - LP033-004
The issue
Glossy Black Cockatoos (Glossies or Calyptorhynchus lathami) are currently listed as vulnerable in NSW and are specialist feeders, feeding almost exclusively on seeds of she-oaks (Allocasuarina and Casuarina). Large areas of their preferred foraging habitat in the Queanbeyan-Palerang Council Region was damaged or destroyed during the 2019-2020 bushfires and the species is under increasing threat. Our field day event targeted landholders interested in the conservation of Glossies and the species' habitat across the district.
The solution
This activity was part of the Partnering in Private Land Conservation program - a joint initiative delivered by Landcare NSW and the NSW Biodiversity Conservation Trust. Greening Australia began the day discussing the habitat requirements and revegetation tips for species. This was followed by a guided bird walk through the Reserve, where Glossies were spotted browsing in the remnant Allocasurina littoralis stands.
After sighting the cockatoos, the inventor of the Hollowhog launched into a practical demonstration of his nest box drilling equipment, showing us how the technique can be tailored to suit a diverse range of native species. Having seen the Hollowhog in action, the NSW BCT wrapped up the day outlining the private land conservation agreements and grant opportunities they had on offer. All participants were able to take home some Allocasuarina tubestock to begin revegetating Glossy habitat on their own properties.
The impact
The event aimed to raise species' awareness, increase participation in private land conservation programs and build biodiversity knowledge with local landholders. Through an educational field day, participants were able to learn about the Glossy Black Cockatoos and what they need to survive. They were provided with practical advice and demonstrations for habitat revegetation, creating nesting hollows, as well as agreements for private land conservation programs.
It connected landholders from across the district and allowed them to discuss opportunities with a range of agencies who work in the conservation space. Ultimately, a wonderful summary video of the event was kindly produced by South East Landcare and Spinning Real Media and you can watch it here!
Key facts
- 12 Participants
- Presenters from the NSW BCT, Greening Australia and the Hollowhog
- 1.5km Guided bird walk
- 4 Glossy Black Cockatoos sighted
- 2 Summary film clips produced
- 180 Allocasuarinas distributed and planted