Concerns Grow for Glossy Black Cockatoo Amid Planned Burns in Victoria

Ecologists and parents are sounding the alarm over plans to conduct controlled burns on 13,000 hectares of forest, warning that these actions could push the glossy black cockatoo closer to extinction in Victoria.

The Victorian government is being pressed to reconsider these planned burns, which are intended to lower the risk of wildfires.

The glossy black cockatoo, categorized as vulnerable, is primarily found in East Gippsland. A report indicates that nearly two-thirds of its habitat burned during the Black Summer bushfires, affecting vital seed supplies.

A recent study in the Australian Journal of Field Birds pointed out a concerning 75% decline in the population since the fires. The glossy black cockatoo relies heavily on black sheoak wood cones, making the preservation of unburned coastal forests critical for its survival.

Peter Menkolst, a retired ecologist with almost five decades of experience in wildlife management, emphasized the unique dietary needs of the cockatoo. He stated that any fire in black sheoak forests could severely disrupt their food source, deeming these unburned stands “very important” for the species.

According to a state government report, the health of remaining black sheoak stands is crucial for the cockatoo’s survival. Careful planning in forest management was recommended to protect these habitats.

However, conservation groups, including the Gippsland Environment Group and the Victoria National Parks Association, are expressing concerns about the state’s bushfire management department’s plans to burn significant portions of remaining habitats over the coming three years. Even under extreme conditions, they fear the cockatoo may not recover.

Louise Crisp, a member of the Gippsland Organization, described it as “terrifying” to see an essential sheoak area near Lake Tears burned. “They’re essentially burning the cockatoo’s food supply,” she argued. She added that even minor fires could cause issues as they can flush seeds, which the birds do not eat directly from the ground.

Crisp voiced her fears regarding the ongoing forest fire management in Victoria, suggesting that it could jeopardize food resources and hinder recovery from past wildfires.

A spokesperson for bushfire management Victoria highlighted that uncontrolled fires pose the greatest danger to cockatoo feeding habitats. They believe that planned burns can help reduce fuel loads and protect sheoak trees. They noted that ensuring wildlife protection remains a priority.

Dr. Daniela Teisheira, an ecologist studying the glossy black cockatoo, asserted that any sheoak fire should be meticulously planned to avoid harming nests and feeding areas. She remarked on the birds’ specific food preferences, stressing their vulnerability given their slow reproduction rate.

Mandy Bamford, president of Birdlife Australia, indicated that the population of the glossy black cockatoo is relatively small. These birds need sheoak trees for nourishment and safe nesting sites, and Birdlife is collaborating with authorities to safeguard priority areas.

She pointed out that the planned burn windows coincide with the birds’ breeding season, which could further threaten their young, especially if nests are compromised.

Concerns have escalated following the discovery of an endangered greater glider dead next to logging activities in Yarrarangues National Park last May. The glider narrowly escaped a burn planned in October, prompted by local environmental groups threatening legal action to avert loss of habitat.

Jordan Crook, an activist with the Victoria National Parks Association, asserted that it is crucial to protect threatened species and their habitats. He criticized the lack of independent oversight in the ongoing fire management planning, calling for a fundamental change in how fire is used and managed in the landscape.

“The current methods are damaging biodiversity and wildlife habitat,” he concluded.