Cockatoo research funds call

Long-term funding is needed to discover whether disease, along with urbanisation, is a factor in the decline of WA’s three black cockatoo species found in the Rockingham area.

Murdoch University researcher Dr Kristin Warren said the Carnaby’s, Baudin’s and forest red-tailed black cockatoos were less adaptable to changes in climate, habitat and breeding ground compared to other indigenous birds.

Dr Warren said these factors had resulted in a ‘‘major decline’’ in numbers, breeding distribution and breeding success.

She said Murdoch University has been looking into the health of wild black cockatoo populations in collaboration with the Department of Environment and Conservation and Perth Zoo.

‘‘We know about the major threats such as habitat loss, competition with other species for nest hollows, and human impacts such as shooting and poaching, but funding is needed to determine whether disease is also a threat,’’ she said.

Safeguarding Biodiversity Cooperative Research Centre bird director Professor John Rodger said essential and urgent research was needed to address biodiversity threats.

‘‘We are only just beginning to understand how to rebuild wildlife populations and restore function to damaged ecosystems,’’ Professor Rodger said.

‘‘We need to know more so that the resources invested in conservation will make a difference,’’ he said.

The Safeguarding Biodiversity CRC hopes to secure longterm funding to undertake research to develop the tools to do repair work and safeguard biodiversity for the future.

Dr Warren said it was important to engage the community about the future of the black cockatoo species.

‘‘They are an important part of our natural heritage, once they are extinct, they are gone forever,’’ she said.

The Department of Environment and Conservation has called for volunteers to take part in the State-wide Great Cocky Count on Sunday, April 15.