Building back habitat for 'Glossies'

Help us save the Glossy Black-Cockatoo

Glossy Black-Cockatoo [Calyptorhynchus lathami], or ‘Glossies’ as they are affectionately known, are the smallest, quietest and one of Australia’s more threatened cockatoos. It is listed as nationally Vulnerable, with declining distribution and population caused by habitat loss and the 2019/2020 bushfires. 

The Glossy Black-Cockatoo occurs across eastern Australia, with a small population to be found on Kangaroo Island, 

Unfortunately, they face increasing threats to their survival. 

Bushfires, droughts, climate change and habitat clearing are some of the major threats facing Glossy Black-Cockatoos. Another risk factor for their survival is their naturally low reproduction rate: they lay only one egg per clutch and only breed every second year. 

However, there is a lot than can be done to save this species from extinction and Conservation Volunteers Australia is working collaboratively with partners across Australia to help restore this cockatoo’s natural habitat. 

Protecting the Glossy Black-Cockatoo through habitat restoration

The devastating impact of Australia’s 2019/20 bushfires on the Glossy Black-Cockatoo and its habitat, prompted immediate conservation efforts. 

Conservation Volunteers Australia has made significant strides in reversing this impact and thanks to a generous support from local landholder Mark Tidswell, we’ve been able to collaborate with over 75 dedicated volunteers to plant over 3,000 trees across six locations in the Tweed, Byron and Ballina shires. These trees will provide important future habitat: a source of food and breeding hollows for the cockatoos while helping to restore native biodiversity. 

🌱 But there’s more to be done 🌱

We’re working together with organisations like Brunswick Valley Landcare, Tweed Shire Council, Byron Shire Council, the Glossy Black Conservancy, Glossy Squad Northern Rivers and others to make sure we protect and enhance for the habitat of these beautiful animals. 

 

Trialling artificial breeding hollows for Glossies

The Glossy Black-Cockatoo’s low reproductive rate means that it is challenging to maintain or increase species numbers, given the increasing magnitude of threats such as bushfires. 

To support breeding efforts, artificial breeding hollows may assist in boosting species numbers.  Since 2021, a number and variety of artificial hollows have been installed in mature eucalyptus trees in the Byron hinterland. 

These artificial hollows have been optimally located within large existing stands of feeding habitat and within commuting distance to water.  These artificial hollows are continually monitored to study uptake and usage. 

Using data to protect the Glossy Black-Cockatoo’s habitat

Collecting data on vegetation, soil type, fire history, and land use change can help to inform conservation planning.  Likewise, monitoring the number and distribution of Glossy Black-Cockatoos can provide valuable insights used to inform better species management and to motivate for increased protection. 

Threats to biodiversity in Australia, including species like the Glossy Black-Cockatoo, include a myriad of interrelated factors such as habitat fragmentation, urban sprawl, diminishing sources of food, climate change and extreme weather events. 

Our partners have conducted spatial mapping of vegetation, fire history, and land use which will inform a comprehensive assessment of the current distribution of Allocasuarina (She-oak) and Casuarina (Coastal She-oak) tree species – staple food sources of the Glossy Black Cockatoo.

This data collection and mapping will help us to identify strategic opportunities for habitat restoration and expansion, helping to ensure that habitat restoration efforts are located in the most optimal sites.

Relying on science-based conservation, we’ll then be able to produce guidance for revegetation plantings across the area, so that high quality habitat for the Glossy Black-Cockatoo increases, and that fragmentation of food sources is reduced. The ultimate goal is to enhance the resilience of this vulnerable species and their habitats to future fires.

Our ultimate goal is to enhance the resilience of this vulnerable species and its habitat. 

What you can do to help save the Glossy Black Cockatoo

Conservation Volunteers Australia and our partners regularly organise conservation volunteering events and programs that contribute towards maintaining and improving the habitats of the Glossy Black-Cockatoos.

Download our CVA App to find out more about joining these conservation volunteering events across Australia. Or click here to find new events.

You can also make a significant difference by donating to CVA, to help support the work we do to protect animals like the Glossy Black-Cockatoo and the environments they call home. Every contribution is a step towards a more biodiverse and resilient Australia.

Donate directly to the Glossy Black-Cockatoo Campaign here.

We also welcome new corporate partners to help us fulfil our mission of empowering another million actions for nature by 2030.

We are grateful to work with the following partners

Brunswick Valley Landcare, National Parks & Wildlife Service, Tweed Byron Local Aboriginal Land Council, Tweed Shire Council, the Glossy Black Conservancy, Wildbnb/WWF Glossy Black-Cockatoo Project Glossy Squad Northern Rivers, WIRES/BVL Top–of–the–Range Glossy Black-Cockatoo/Greater Glider Nest Hollow Project and the BVL Glossy Black-Cockatoo ‘Food for the Future’ Project.