Taylors Creek Landcare Group Glossy Black Cockatoo Project

The Glossy Black-Cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus lathami) is listed as vulnerable in NSW and the ACT. A number of factors have contributed to its vulnerability, including historical land clearing, ongoing loss of hollow-bearing trees, urbanisation and over-grazing. Its vulnerability is also related to its specialist feeding habits: it feeds exclusively on Allocasuarina (she-oak) species, which are particularly susceptible to browsing and lack of recruitment from inappropriate grazing.

As part of the Kosciuszko to Coast Program, (K2C) this project aims to increase the area of, and connectivity between, Glossy Black Cockatoo foraging habitat by increasing the availability of Drooping She-oak (Allocasuarina verticillata), the main source of food for Glossy Black-Cockatoo in the region. The planting of some nest-tree species and associated shrubs amongst the she-oaks will enhance the habitat value for other threatened birds. Trees have already been planted in appropriate habitat in the K2C region between Queanbeyan and Cooma, complementing plantings that have been carried out in the ACT.

The next stage of the project is concentrating on our landcare  area to the east of Lake George. Talks have begun with interested land-holders and Ben Hanrahan, the organiser, hopes to begin on-ground work in the near future.  This project has been assisted by the New South Wales Government through its Environmental Trust and is part of the Great Eastern Ranges initiative.

HOW YOU CAN GET INVOLVED: The Glossy Black-Cockatoo Project is calling on land-holders in the K2C region to record sightings of this vulnerable bird and also known locations of the Drooping She-oak. To do this go to the following K2C Atlas site:   http://k2c-birds.ala.org.au/bdrs-core/portal/13/fieldguide/groups.htm  and register, then you can use the Google Maps to record what you have seen. At this site there is a field guide to help you appreciate (and identify) our unique and colourful species. As an alternative, please call me, Joan Limon, on 4844 6250.