CARNABY’S COCKATOOS IN CRISIS: REPORT SUGGESTS HALF WILL BE WIPED OUT IN PERTH UNDER WA GOVERNMENT DRAFT “GREEN GROWTH PLAN”

A leaked WA Government analysis on the viability of the Carnaby’s black cockatoo in the Perth and Peel region has found that half of its already declining population would be wiped out under the state’s draft “Green Growth Plan”, according to a damning report on ABC TV News last night.

The endangered Carnaby’s black cockatoo is one of just two species of white-tailed black cockatoo on Earth, and is unique to the south west of Western Australia. Already under severe pressure, the population has declined dramatically since the 1960s.

With much of their natural habitat already cleared for agriculture and urban development, the birds flock to the Gnangara Pine Plantation on the outskirts of Perth’s northern suburbs each year to feed and roost.

The Gnangara pines are being progressively cleared, with only minimal replanting planned under the WA Government’s draft “Green Growth Plan”.

According to the ABC, an analysis commissioned by the WA Government shows that if the planned clearing of the Gnangara pine plantation continues, half of the birds left in the Perth and Peel region will be lost.

The Government’s analysis has not been released publicly.

WWF’s Southwest Australia Species Conservation Manager Merrill Halley said the news sounded a further alarm bell for the future of the endangered bird.

“WWF calls on the WA Environment Minister to immediately release this analysis to the community,” Ms Halley said.

“For more than 75 years, Carnaby’s black cockatoos have relied on Perth’s pine trees for food and a place to roost.

“Loss of food and shelter threatens the very survival of this species in the Perth and Peel area.

“These iconic WA animals must be saved, and the WA Government needs to stand up for their survival.”

WWF-Australia Media Contact: Daniel Rockett, National Media Manager, 0432 206 592.

Vision of Carnaby’s black cockatoos available on request.