Glossy Black-Cockatoos are labelled as Vulnerable in Queensland and Threatened on a National Level. Presently, little is known about the current movements of the Glossy's populations and their specific habitat selection.

Project leader

Dr Guy Castley

Project overview

   The Glossy Black-Cockatoo project aims to assess the current distribution and habitat use of Glossy Black-Cockatoos in the Gold Coast area in order to ensure that habitat preservation for the Glossy Black-Cockatoo can be made with greater accuracy and ensure their survival in the future. The following areas are being researched as part of this project:   

• Harness testing
• Tracking methods
• DNA Investigation

 

Harness testing

 

Testing activities are being conducted at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary and Priam Parrot Park to determine how the attachment of collars will effect the birds behaviour.

 

In order to try and reduce the effect the collars will have on behaviour, the lightest collars possible have been used. So far problems have been encountered with tested birds being able to remove the transmitters.

 

Note: Glossy Black-Cockatoos are captured using trained professionals, ensuring no harm is inflicted on the bird.

 

Tracking methods

 

Tracking bands

 

Coloured bands will be attached to a certain number of Glossy Black-Cockatoos. The colour of the band will be determined based on the region in which the bird is captured. At present, the Gold Coast will be split up into seven different regions, with each region receiving a recognizable colour.

 

Sightings from the public and other sources will then be documented to determine the habitat usage of the Glossy Black-Cockatoos. Reporting's of Glossy Black-Cockatoo sightings with and without bands attached will also allow for population estimates of the Gold Coast sector.

 

To gain more efficient data three Glossy Black-Cockatoos will be fitted with GPS collars. This will allow access for the research team to find and monitor the tagged Glossy Black-Cockatoo's practically at any time.

 

Satellite monitoring

 

Satellite devices will be attached to individual birds that will allow researches to track the movement of the Glossy Black-Cockatoo over vast areas. Harness testing will be conducted with specific Griffith Partners to test whether this monitoring procedure is a viable option.

 

Radio tracking collars

 

Radio tracking devices will be used if Satellite tracking devices prove to be ineffective. This is a secondary option due to the effort required to implement this approach effectively.

 

Past projects

 

Other projects have been undertaken by Griffith University in regards to Glossy Black Cockatoos.

 

Griffith's Associate Professor Clyde Wild, Michelle Stock and Gold Coast City Council's Evan Thomas undertook a study on factors influencing choice of feed trees by the Glossy-Black Cockatoo in South-East Queensland to determine if non-feed trees and feed trees of Allocasurina littoralis had any significant differences. It found that feeding trees of A.littoralis appeared to have larger seeds when compared with non-feed trees.

 

Allocasurina torulosa were also measured in this study and the feed trees of this species displayed a larger girth width when compared with non-feed trees.

 

Report a sighting

 

Reporting sightings of Glossy Black-Cockatoos is essential in the tracking and monitoring of birds. Even birds without coloured bands should be reported as it will help gain a wider insight into their behaviour and distribution. Please use the link below to report your sightings or contact Dr Guy Castley.

 

• Report a Glossy Black-Cockatoo sighting

 

You can also report sightings to the following organisations:

 

• Pine River Shire Council
• Bird Observers Club of Australia
  
• Birds Queensland

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