Public asked to aid corella count

The World’s only population of Muir’s Corella (Cacatua pastinator pastinator) occurs in southwestern Australia from Boyup Brook and Qualeup south to the lower Perup River, Lake Muir, Frankland and Cambellup. Image by Eve ParryTHE Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC) is looking for volunteers and landholders to take part in the 2009 count of Muir’s corellas in the south-west.

Muir’s corella (Cacatua pastinator pastinator), an endangered and endemic bird, once inhabited most of the south-west of Western Australia from the Swan and Avon rivers in the north, south to Albany and Augusta and east to Broomehill and the Stirling and Porongurup Ranges.

They are now found in only one population near Lake Muir, Boyup Brook, Perup River, Frankland and Rocky Gully.

In the first corella count in 2007, about 9000 birds were counted during the survey of 22 properties by 55 landholders, volunteers, DEC and Southern Forests Landcare staff.

Last year a total of 11,200 birds were counted during the survey. The increase was thought to be the result of an increased survey effort rather than necessarily a real increase in population size.

About 60 people, including landholders, volunteers and DEC staff, surveyed 34 properties across Boyup Brook , Manjimup, Cranbrook, Plantag-enet, and Kojonup shires in 2008.

DEC Donnelly district fauna conservation officer Lawrence Currion said: “Annual surveys are required to provide accurate estimates of current population size. This information is used to assist with management decisions regarding these birds.”

This year’s corella count will be held tomorrow, between 5pm and 6.30pm.

Participants will meet at the Tonebridge Country Club at 3.30pm and there will be a barbecue afterwards.

Landholders who regularly see large flocks of corellas on their properties and people who are interested in taking part in this important bird count are asked to contact Lawrence Currion on 9771 7988 or you can email him at lawrence.currion@dec.wa.gov.au.