Cockatoo crisis
Tuesday, October 5, 2010 at 13:48 
Bird man... Glenn Dewhurst and Harmony, a Carnaby’s black cockatoo.BLACK COCKATOOS in Cockburn are in peril, as loss of habitat from development in the area takes its toll.
But crusaders from the Cockatoo Coalition are encouraging all West Australians to take action with them through the website cockatoosneedyou.org.au, where bird-lovers can send a message to WA Premier Colin Barnett and Federal Environment Minister Tony Burke.
The site, which was launched last week, aims to protect the popular habitats of the Carnaby’s, Baudin’s and the forest red-tailed black cockatoos.
All three of these species are facing extinction.
Beeliar Wetlands and Jandakot Airport’s bushland are two of the four listed WA cockatoo habitats that are under threat because of development.
The future of Beeliar Wetlands is uncertain because of the proposed Roe 8 Highway extension.
Clearing has already started at Jandakot, where a new runway and commercial area are being built.
Save Beeliar Wetlands convener Felicity McGeorge said a “great deal” of WA bushland had been lost in the past 10 years.
“For instance, earlier this year the area of Fiona Stanley Hospital was cleared, and we had reports of cockatoos moving into Murdoch University and North Lake bushlands,” Ms McGeorge said.
“Which is a particular concern because the Roe Highway extension is meant to go through the North Lake bushland reserve.
“One of the critical things for the cockatoos is the loss of habitat; every bit of bushland that isn’t locked down as conservation estate is being cleared for development.”
Black Cockatoo Rehabilitation Centre manager Glenn Dewhurst said displaced cockatoos had trouble finding water and enough food.
“We have been finding cockatoos in areas they shouldn’t be in,” Mr Dewhurst said.
He said nine cockatoos had recently been found dead in Spearwood after they accidentally poisoned themselves by eating unfamiliar plants.
Cockatoos can live for 50 years, and Mr Dewhurst said increased sightings of solo cockatoos was a particular concern, as they were flock birds that partner for life.
If a cockatoo’s partner dies it will live out the rest of its life alone.
“We are losing these birds,” he said.
“We need to act now, and take the whole cockatoo thing seriously.”