Signing up to protect endangered black cockatoos

Murdoch University is working closely with Main Roads Western Australia on projects to minimise the impact of motorists and road infrastructure on black cockatoos.

This includes providing advice on types of vegetation to plant on road verges to discourage black cockatoos from foraging and signage to raise motorists’ awareness of these beautiful, endangered birds.

All three species of threatened black cockatoo, Carnaby’s, Baudin’s and forest red-tailed, inhabit urban and peri-urban areas in the Perth-Peel region on a seasonal basis.

One project demonstrated a high concentration of black cockatoo movements in and around the Murdoch campus, triggering the need for additional signage. In response, ten road signs featuring the iconic silhouette have been installed on the surrounding streets.

Conservation efforts to help threatened black cockatoo species are being aided by Murdoch University researchers. Photo credit: Murdoch University

Lead researcher Professor Kris Warren, from Murdoch’s School of Veterinary Medicine and Harry Butler Institute, said the installation of the signs played an important role in the prevention of unnecessary deaths and injury to the birds.

“Vehicle strike is a major threat to black cockatoos, which are often feeding in small shrubs on the verge or drinking water that has pooled near the curbs after rain,” she said.

“When disturbed, the birds take flight, but because they are large, they are often slower to depart than motorists anticipate and end up being hit by approaching or oncoming traffic.

“With more and more black cockatoos having to navigate urban areas due to habitat loss and increasing urban development, it is important that motorists are aware and slow down safely when they see them.

“The new road signs are a great step forward in encouraging this behaviour.”

Away from Perth in the State’s southwest, fallen grain from uncovered trucks attracts cockatoos to the roadside. Main Roads is working with CBH and the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions to ensure grain is enclosed appropriately while being transported.