PROJECTS
Bioacoustics monitoring of Glossy Black-Cockatoo nesting sites for habitat conservation in the Noosa Biosphere Reserve.
About the project
The Glossy Black-Cockatoo Calyptorhynchus lathami is a rare and threatened species, listed as vulnerable in Queensland. The Noosa Biosphere Reserve is considered a significant habitat of this black cockatoo with up to one third of the entire known population located in the region.
Glossy Black-Cockatoos are extremely loyal to their habitat and stay within their family groups. There are currently no known active or recorded, natural or artificial nesting sites in the Noosa Shire or Sunshine Coast. Thanks to citizen science observations achieved by the dedicated community at Sunrise Beach, we do know Glossies are breeding.
A key challenge in their recovery is breeding success. Pressures have been put on these large hollow dependant species by land clearing, logging, bush fires and fragmentation. The 2019 and 2020 bushfires in Peregian Springs and Cooroibah impacted feed tree sites and habitat trees in the Noosa Shire.
This project will utilise bioacoustic sound recorders with software to monitor and analyse calls of the Glossy Black-Cockatoo. Identifying successful nesting sites will enable better support and conservation management for local Glossy populations. This research can inform feed tree revegetation, watering hole rehabilitation, habitat protection and further nesting box installation in identified Glossy Black Cockatoo critical zones. Bioacoustic sound recording software was developed by Dr Daniella Teixeira and has been successfully used in other parts of the country, in particular on Kangaroo Island.
Project outcomes
- Identify key Glossy Black-Cockatoo nesting sites in the Noosa Biosphere Reserve.
- New data on viable populations and key habitats in the Noosa Biosphere Reserve.
- Data collection of significant flora and fauna will be recorded within the reference zones.
- Document colonies from the hinterland to the coast. Identify family groups.
- Improve our knowledge of behavioural interactions between the Glossy Black-Cockatoos, the environment and key threatening processes
- Inform and support the Glossy Black-Cockatoo Resilience Action Plan in the Noosa Biosphere.
- Develop a new research technology and methodology that has potential to be replicated across species.
How can you get involved?
- Learn more about how to identify a Glossy Black-Cockatoo
- Submit a sighting by emailing info@bushlandconservation.com.au
- Follow the research progress on the GBC project Facebook page
- Donate to our Glossy Black-Cockatoo campaign to directly support further research and action.
Timeline
This project is complete. Monitoring took place during the breeding season between January to June 2022.
Proponent
Bushland Conservation Management
Project Partners
Dr Daniella Teixeira, Noosa Shire Council, Sunshine Coast Council, University of the Sunshine Coast, Noosa and District Landcare, Glossy Black Conservancy, various Noosa Shire community conservation groups.
Project Value
Project News
13 September 2021 – Noosa Today, Research to provide missing data
10 November 2020 – Noosa Today, Gala a Cracker Event