Cockatoo Care

Cockatoo Care was introduced in September 2001 as a joint initiative of the Water Corporation and the Western Australian Museum.

Forest Red-Tailed Black Cockatoo at 24 days

Photo by Ron Johnstone

Image copyright of WA Museum.

The objectives of the program have been to research the distribution and ecology of Carnaby's, Baudin's and Forest Red-tailed Black Cockatoos and threats to their survival, and to implement measures to encourage the conservation of these birds through habitat enhancement, feral bee research and community education and involvement.

Since the popular program's inception it has achieved many notable successes in terms of vital research and raising public awareness of the risks these declining cockatoo populations face, including the loss of feeding and breeding habitat, impact of feral European honeybees, climate change and farming practices.

Cockatoo Care research - measuring a Carnaby's chick

Photo by Kim Sarti

Image copyright of WA Museum

The work of Cockatoo Care led to the conservation status of the Forest Red-tailed Black Cockatoo and Baudin's Cockatoo being upgraded to endangered by the Department of Environment and Conservation and the establishment of recovery teams. These are the first important steps in ensuring that population improvement programs are implemented to conserve these precious birds.

Cockatoo Care is currently undergoing a complete website redevelopment, and this site will be released in coming months.

VIDEO: Cockatoos in Crisis by Ron Johnstone

Recent Studies

Black Cockatoos on the Swan Coastal Plain - report for the Department of Planning, Western Australia

Cockatoos in the media

Rare bird hatches in suburban Perth

Reporting Cockatoo Deaths

If you suspect black cockatoos are being shot or illegally harmed or captured, please telephone Department of Environment and Conservation Wildcare 24hr Hotline on (08) 9474 9055. Download translation sheet into various languages [PDF 356kb]