03/11/2026
Protecting one of Western Australia's most iconic species ❤️🩹
The South West region of Western Australia is considered one of the world's biodiversity hotspots, with plant and animal species found nowhere else in the world.
One of those species is the Carnaby's black-cockatoo, a parrot with a personality as big as its body. These beautiful cockatoos are one of only two species of white-tailed black-cockatoos- both of which only inhabit the South West WA region- and can grow up to 60cm in length and live for 35+ years.
Carnaby's black-cockatoos inhabit native woodlands primarily dominated by eucalypt species, and depend on large, old hollows in eucalypt trees for nesting. They feed on a range of native seeds, as well as flowers, nectar, and insect larvae 🐛.
Sadly, Carnaby's black-cockatoo populations are declining at an alarming rate, with less than 20,000 estimated to be left in the wild. They are listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List, as well as in the Australian EPBC Act 💔.
Habitat destruction is the major threat to their future, with old-growth forests destroyed or fragmented for housing, roads and agriculture. A single suitable nesting hollow takes over 100 years to develop in a eucalyptus tree; without hollows, Carnbay's black-cockatoos do not have a suitable place to raise their offspring.
Other threats include illegal shooting, illegal wildlife trade, vehicle strikes, competition for resources with other native and non-native species, and climate change.
💡Help us protect these magestic birds by planting native species on your property, supporting conservation efforts to protect existing native forests and habitat, slowing down and staying alert for wildlife on or near roads. You can also build suitable nesting hollows and install them on your property- contact your local wildlife rescue organisation to learn more!
📸 John Tucker
