Conservation Volunteers Australia Plants 2000 Trees for Glossy Black Cockatoos

25 September 2023 Actions for Biodiversity & Threatened Species CVA Updates

Conservation Volunteers Australia Plants 2000 Trees for Glossy Black Cockatoos

Photo credit: Brayden Stanford

Rejuvenating habitats for Australia’s unique biodiversity after the devastating bushfires

Conservation Volunteers Australia (CVA) has made significant strides in the last 12 months to reverse the impact of the 2019/20 bushfires on the Glossy Black Cockatoo. The bird, known scientifically as Calyptorhynchus lathami, faced significant habitat loss due to the fires, prompting immediate conservation efforts.

Thanks to a generous donation from local philanthropist Mark Tidswell, CVA has been able to collaborate with over 25 dedicated volunteers. Together, they have planted over 2000 habitat and food trees across six locations in the Tweed, Byron, and Brunswick shires.

Mark Tidswell remarked, “From raising birds in my childhood to working on rural lands, I’ve seen firsthand how essential birds are to a healthy ecosystem. Many Australian birds play profound roles as ‘ecosystem engineers’. However, with the significant loss of habitat, we must maintain what’s left and create new corridors for seed dispersion and pollination. Given that 45% of the 830 bird species in Australia are unique to our lands, we must act now. Otherwise, species like the GBC risk extinction.”

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Mark Tidswell getting his hands dirty for the Black Glossies

Conservation Volunteers Australia remains dedicated to its vision of empowering every Australian to take simple yet powerful actions for nature. The commitment is clear in their efforts to conserve the Glossy Black Cockatoos of SEQ and the Northern Rivers, ensuring these remarkable birds have a fighting chance of survival.

The Glossy Black Cockatoo, distinguished by its browner shade and unique tail feather patterns, plays a crucial role in Australia’s ecosystem. Its reliance on specific food trees like the black she-oak (Allocasuarina littoralis) and forest she-oak (Allocasuarina torulosa) has made habitat conservation even more critical.

The devastation from the 2019-20 bushfires was a stark reminder of the threats faced by our unique wildlife. However, every tree planted and every habitat restored signifies hope. As CVA continues its mission, they not only bring back the Glossy Black Cockatoo but also create a more sustainable future for other threatened species across the Australian landscape.

The Glossy Black Cockatoo Project offers Australians an opportunity to get involved directly. Whether through donations or volunteering for planting events, every contribution is a step towards a more biodiverse and resilient Australia.

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