Carnaby's Black-Cockatoo 2013 Symposium

Carnaby's Black-Cockatoo 2013 Symposium Proceedings of the Carnaby's Black-Cockatoo 2013 Symposium WA Conservation and Science Centre, 19th February 2013 AUSTRALIA

2013 Carnaby s Black- Cockatoo Symposium 19 th February 2013 WA Conservation and Science Centre Department of Environment and Conservation, Kensington This event was supported by funding from the Western Australian Government State NRM program and contributions from the Department of Environment and Conservation Proceedings March 2013 Cover photograph: Keith Lightbody Female Carnaby s Black-Cockatoo in nesting hollow, Stirling Range National Park Other photographs: Amrit Kendrick

Contents Introduction... 1 Symposium Schedule... 2 Symposium Speakers & Poster Authors... 4 Dr Patrick Berry... 4 Counts of Carnaby s Cockatoo at Hollywood and Perry Lakes roost sites Phil Digney... 5 Black Cockatoo Bird Rescue and Rehabilitation Service Matt Fossey... 7 Carnaby s Black-Cockatoo Recovery Project Sandra Gilfillan... 10 Carnaby s Black-Cockatoo Recovery in a Globally Significant Important Bird Area Christine Groom... 12 Satellite tracking Carnaby s cockatoo Teagan Johnston... 14 Food resource availability for Carnaby s cockatoo on the Swan coastal plain Tamara Kabat & Katherine Sambrooks... 15 Choose For Black-Cockatoos nursery plant label Dr Anna Le Souëf... 16 A tool for the age estimation of black cockatoos (Calyptorhynchus spp.) Dr Martine Maron... 18 Research into offset policy effectiveness David Mitchell... 19 Carnaby s cockatoo and the Strategic Assessment of the Perth and Peel Regions Dr Manda Page... 21 Carnaby s Black-Cockatoo Recovery Plan Dr Denis Saunders... 22 Long-term population study of Carnaby s Cockatoo at Coomallo Creek Kayley Usher... 24 Home baked cockies Dr Kristin Warren... 25 Black Cockatoo Health and Ecology Project Dr Kristin Warren... 27 A Proof of Concept Trial Satellite Tracking of Baudin s Cockatoos (Calyptorhynchus baudinii) Renata Zelinova... 29 Perth Biodiversity Project

Introduction Symposia for practitioners working in the field of Carnaby s Black-Cockatoo conservation are important occasional events in the conservation calendar. They have been held in 2003 and 2008 to provide a forum in which practitioners could network and exchange thoughts and ideas. A 2010 event provided an open invitation opportunity for the broader community to hear practitioner s papers on black-cockatoo conservation issues and research. In February 2013, Western Australian State NRM funds allowed BirdLife Australia to organise a symposium and associated experts workshop for practitioners. This symposium, like those in 2003 and 2008, was supported by the Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC). The aim of the 2013 Symposium was to bring together professionals working to recover Carnaby s Black-Cockatoo to share current knowledge. A planning discussion with the Carnaby s Recovery Team indicated that the symposium would provide better value if it focussed on the top two or three threats to the species. As the Recovery Plan lists the most important threats as threats to breeding range and non-breeding range habitat, it was agreed that the symposium and the follow up practitioners workshop would focus on these threats. Invited symposium presenters included staff from government agencies, non-government organisations, researchers and the community. Presenters were asked to identify the threats to habitat in the breeding and non-breeding range, consider the most important recovery actions, and the monitoring and evaluation of those actions. They were also asked to consider the effectiveness of recovery actions. Presentations included policy and planning initiatives and onground actions and research addressing threats to habitat in the breeding and non-breeding range. Researcher Dr Denis Saunders delivered the keynote presentation, a background paper in which he described the trajectory of range retraction and decline for the species and called for more intensive work, greater collaboration and improved prioritisation of recovery actions. He also noted the changes over the last decade in the public profile of the cockatoo, and the number of agencies, organisations, groups and individuals involved in conservation. The symposium was followed by an experts workshop for a necessarily reduced number of participants. Symposium delegates were however asked to contribute their ideas and provide input through sticky notes on butchers paper around the walls of the symposium venue. Delegates were asked to consider four questions: the identification of critical habitats and key threats; the conservation actions most likely to deliver benefit to the species; the conservation outcomes to be measured/monitored; and how those outcomes might be measured. At least 110 people accepted invitations to attend the symposium. People or groups or researchers undertaking work not being presented at the symposium were provided with the opportunity to display posters describing their work. Eleven people and groups took up this opportunity. The symposium proceedings provide short summaries of most presentations and posters, including contact details of speakers and poster authors. Importantly, the proceedings entries also list those resources published papers, unpublished reports, data and other resources that researchers, practitioners and others may be willing to share with the broader conservation community. BirdLife Australia acknowledges and thanks the many presenters and poster authors whose work was represented at the symposium, the people who attended, and those people who provided input on the program development. We also acknowledge the Western Australian Government State NRM Office for the funding that supported this event, and DEC for additional resources. The excellent venue was also made available by DEC. To all, our thanks. 1

Symposium Schedule Session Presentation Presenter Time Welcome and introduction Barbara Morell, State NRM Office Cheryl Gole, BirdLife Australia 9.00-9.10 Keynote address: Carnaby s Cockatoo: what of the future? Denis Saunders, CSIRO Ecosystem Sciences 9.10-9.50 Session 1: key threats to nonbreeding range habitat: policy and planning initiatives Session introduction Session Chair: David Mitchell, DEC 9.50-9.55 Clearing on the Swan Coastal Plain and the Strategic Assessment of the Perth & Peel Regions David Mitchell, DEC 9.55-10.15 Morning tea 10.15-10.40 Carnaby s in the Commonwealth Government context Nicole Mathews, DSEWPaC 10.40-11.00 Biodiversity offsets: greening or greenwashing? Martine Maron, University of Queensland 11.00-11.20 Local planning challenges to conserving Carnaby's Cockatoo habitat in Perth and Peel Andrew Del Marco, Ironbark Environmental & Renata Zelinova, WALGA 11.20-11.40 Session 1 summary and questions to panel Chair: David Mitchell 11.40-11.55 Session 2: key threats to nonbreeding range habitat: on-ground initiatives and relevant research Session introduction Session Chair: Denis Saunders 11.55-12.00 Swan Coastal Plain: mitigating loss of vegetation through onground revegetation Mark Brundrett, DEC 12.00-12.20 Lunch 12.20-1.00 Session 2 cont d Pine as fast food: foraging ecology of an endangered cockatoo in a forestry landscape William Stock, ECU 1.00-1.20 2

Session Presentation Presenter Time Habitat loss in south west forests Hugh Finn, Murdoch University 1.20-1.40 Session 2 summary and questions to panel Chair: Denis Saunders 1.40-1.55 Session 3: key threats to breeding range habitat Introduction Session Chair: Cheryl Gole, BirdLife Australia 1.55-2.00 Insight into some threats to Carnaby's Cockatoo from a long-term population study Denis Saunders, CSIRO Ecosystem Sciences 2.00-2.20 Threats and on-ground conservation: a farmer s perspective James Raffan, wheatbelt farmer 2.20-2.40 Threats and recovery actions in the wheatbelt: Carnaby s Black- Cockatoo Recovery Project Matt Fossey, BirdLife Australia 2.40-3.00 Session 4: recovery planning Developing a State and National Recovery Plan for Carnaby s Cockatoo Manda Page, DEC 3.00-3.20 Session 3 & 4 summary and questions to panel Chair: Cheryl Gole 3.20-3.35 Summary and close Symposium summary and discussion: how do we conserve Carnaby s Black-Cockatoo Denis Saunders, CSIRO Ecosystem Sciences 3.35-4.00 Close and thanks 4.00 pm Drinks and nibbles To 5.00 pm 3

Symposium Speakers & Poster Authors Dr Patrick Berry Project/Initiative/Research Details Project or initiative name Project leader(s) name and title Email address Other relevant team members, position & email Project duration (start and finish date) if relevant Counts of Carnaby s Cockatoo at Hollywood and Perry Lakes roost sites Dr Patrick F. Berry padberry1@westnet.com.au Ms Margaret Owen (goffmarg@bigpond.net.au) Started at Hollywood in August 2006 Started at Perry Lakes in February 2008 Project/initiative/research description, including objectives and results to date if applicable (word limit 300 words) Relevant publications (please include full reference) Record, on a daily basis, the numbers of Carnaby s Cockatoo roosting at the Hollywood and Perry Lakes roost sites over the long term. The objective is to determine its seasonal and longer term abundance in the Western Suburbs. BERRY, P.F. 2008. Counts of Carnaby s Cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus latirostris) and records of flock composition at an overnight roosting site in metropolitan Perth. Western Australian Naturalist 26: 1-11. BERRY, P.F. 2009a. More counts of Carnaby s Black-Cockatoo at two overnight roosts in Perth s western suburbs in 2007/2008. Carnaby s Black Cockatoo Symposium Proceedings 2008: 23-24. BERRY, P.F. and Owen, M. 2009b. Additional counts and records of flock composition of Carnaby s Cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus latirostris) at two overnight roosting sites in metropolitan Perth. Western Australian Naturalist 27: 27-38. Resources Database Copies of Publications Other resources (please describe) Brief description Stored as Word tables and Excel spreadsheets Can this be shared with other groups/researchers? Available Photographs of Carnaby s and Red-tail Cockatoos by M. Owen, on request Currently available? (If no, date available) Monthly records are published regularly, on request 4

Phil Digney Project/Initiative/Research Details Project or initiative name Organisation or affiliation Project leader(s) name and title Email address Other relevant team members, position & email Project duration (start and finish date) Black Cockatoo Bird Rescue and Rehabilitation Service The Black Cockatoo Conservation Centre Phil Digney General Manager phil@kaarakin.com Louise Hopper Veterinary Nurse (louise@kaarakin.com) Ongoing Project/initiative/research description, including objectives and results to date The Black Cockatoo Preservation Society is a not- for- profit Black Cockatoo Conservation Centre (BCCC) located in the Perth Hills, registered and operating since 2007. It is a unique 41 acre centre that is focused on the conservation of the three threatened or endangered species of Black Cockatoo found only in the south west corner of WA the Carnaby s, Baudin s and Forest Red Tail. Each year, hundreds of these charismatic, high profile birds are traumatised or injured across their range and flow through the Centre with a view to release back into the wild or to take part in breeding programs and community education programs. The Centre provides a unique bird rescue service across the State whereby injured birds at bought to the Centre for rehabilitation. The rehabilitated birds are released back into the wild flocks and the permanently damaged birds are placed within a captive breeding for release program. The Centre is allied to Government agencies such as the Department of Environment and Conservation, Perth Zoo and BirdLife Australia. While the BCCC is not the only true specialist Black Cockatoo rescue, rehabilitation and release organisation in Australia, but it is by far the most successful in release and associated monitoring by satellite tracking and tagging of rehabilitated cockatoos (in partnership with Murdoch University and Perth Zoo). Resources Brief description Can this be shared with other groups/researchers? Currently available? Database Database of numbers and locations of birds rescued, rehabilitated and released in WA over the past 3 years 5

Resources Other resources Staff with skills, experience and expertise in captive management of birds including handling, transportation, hand rearing, incubation and release techniques Willingness to assist other groups 6

Matt Fossey Project/Initiative/Research Details Project or initiative name Organisation or affiliation Project leader(s) name and title Email address Other relevant team members, position & email Project duration (start and finish date) Carnaby s Black-Cockatoo Recovery Project BirdLife Australia Matt Fossey, Threatened Cockatoos Project Manager matt.fossey@birdlife.org.au Cheryl Gole, WA Program Manager (cheryl.gole@birdlife.org.au) Sandra Gilfillan, Senior Conservation Officer (sandra.gilfillan@birdlife.org.au) Tamara Kabat, Black-Cockatoo Conservation Officer (tamara.kabat@birdlife.org.au) Deb Sullivan, Carnaby s Black-Cockatoo Conservation Officer (deb.sullivan@birdlife.org.au) Ongoing (since 2000) Project/initiative/research description, including objectives and results to date BirdLife Australia s Carnaby s Black-Cockatoo Recovery Project is the longest-running, continuous community-based conservation program for any cockatoo in south-west Australia. Most of the early efforts of the Recovery Project were in the wheatbelt, where it established an understanding of the breeding range of the species, and identified some landholders with breeding Carnaby s Black-Cockatoo. Direction for the Recovery Project since then has primarily come from the Carnaby s Recovery Plan. Many of the Recovery Project s conservation outcomes relate to the management of priority habitat on private land. Specific recovery actions include protection known breeding and feeding sites, usually by fencing or excluding stock; revegetation with proteaceous species; controlling nest competitors; repairing damaged or unused hollows; and increasing hollow availability. At some breeding sites, habitat protection has been achieved through the brokering of voluntary management agreements and conservation covenants with landholders, as well as the development of management plans for individual properties. Approximately 2100 hectares of habitat on private property have been enhanced or managed to date through the Recovery Project this figure will more than double by the time two of the currently funded initiatives are completed in June 2013. This work complements that undertaken by DEC in managing the formal conservation estate. 7

The achievements of the Recovery Project are a result of successful engagement and working relationships developed with a landholders, Landcare and community groups, shires and local government, government agencies, particularly DEC, regional NRM bodies diverse range of stakeholders including individual and NGOs. A large number of volunteers, many non-birdlife Australia members, have also contributed to project activities. Relevant publications (please include full reference) Shah, B. 2006. Conservation of Carnaby s Black-Cockatoo on the Swan Coastal Plain,Western Australia. Report to Birds Australia. Perth, Western Australia. Available at: http://birdlife.org.au/projects/carnabys-black-cockatoorecovery/ecology-research-cbc Burnham, Q., Barrett, G., Blythman, M. and Scott, R. 2010. Carnaby s Cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus latirostris) identification of nocturnal roost sites and the 2010 Great Cocky Count. Report prepared for the WA Department of Environment and Conservation. Perth, Australia. Available from: http://birdlife.org.au/projects/carnabys-blackcockatoo-recovery/great-cocky-count Kabat, A.P., Scott, R., Kabat, T.J. and Barrett, G. 2012. 2011 Great Cocky Count: Population estimates and identification of roost sites for the Carnaby s Cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus latirostris). Report prepared by BirdLife Australia for the WA Department of Environment and Conservation. BirdLife Australia, Perth, Western Australia. Available from: http://birdlife.org.au/projects/carnabysblack-cockatoo-recovery/great-cocky-count Kabat, T.J., Barrett, G. and Kabat, A.P. 2012. 2012 Great Cocky Count: Identification of roost sites for Carnaby s Black-Cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus latirostris) and population count for the DEC Swan Region. BirdLife Australia, Perth, Western Australia. Available from: http://birdlife.org.au/projects/carnabys-black-cockatoorecovery/great-cocky-count 8

Resources Brief description Can this be shared with other groups/researchers? Currently available? (If no, include date available) Database Carnaby s roost sites (Great Cocky Count surveys) On request Carnaby s nesting sites On request No, later in 2013 (not available to the public) On-ground works On request No, later in 2013 Spatial Data Carnaby s roost sites On request Copies of Publications Several technical reports, including a 2006 study on the Swan Coastal Plain, and 2010, 2011 and 2012 Great Cocky Counts. (Visit http://birdlife.org.au/) Other resources (please describe) The Recovery Project commissioned a research project by a University of Sydney Masters student that aimed to assess levels of canola crop damage by Carnaby s and determine factors that may increase the chance of a crop being damaged. A brochure outlining key findings was also produced. (Thesis available from: http://birdlife.org.au/proj ects/carnabys-blackcockatoorecovery/ecologyresearch-cbc) Project newsletter Cocky Notes distributed since 2000. Provides updates on project activities, results of nesting surveys and contributions by other organizations and individuals involved in Carnaby s research and conservation. (Recent issues available from: http://birdlife.org.au/proj ects/carnabys-blackcockatoorecovery/publicationscbc) DVD Steps to Recovery is the story of the Carnaby s Black- Cockatoo Recovery Project., contact BirdLife Australia 9

Sandra Gilfillan Project/Initiative/Research Details Project or initiative name Organisation or affiliation Project leader(s) name and title Email address Other relevant team members, position & email Carnaby s Black-Cockatoo Recovery in a Globally Significant Important Bird Area BirdLife Australia Sandra Gilfillan (Senior Conservation Officer) Sandra.Gilfillan@birdlife.org.au Debbie Sullivan (Conservation Officer) Deb.Sullivan@birdlife.org.au Matt Fossey (Threatened Cockatoos Project Manager) Matt.Fossey@birdlife.org.au Cheryl Gole (WA Program Manager) Cheryl.Gole@birdlife.org.au Project duration (start and finish date) February 2012 to June 2013 Project/initiative/research description, including objectives and results to date Four globally significant Important Bird Areas (IBAs) occur at the boundaries of the project area ( Lake Magenta, Dragon Rocks, Dunn Rock & Lake King, and Fitzgerald River). The landscapes between these IBAs support breeding populations of Carnaby s Black-Cockatoo on private land, local government reserves and in the conservation estate. The project engages landholders, community members, shires and agencies to increase and manage native habitat and deliver landscapescale conservation outcomes across landscapes of the project region. Specifically the objectives are to: Manage 1500 ha of native habitat and vegetation to reduce critical threats to biodiversity and enhance the condition, connectivity and resilience of habitats and landscapes. Increase landscape scale conservation through 18 farmers adopting activities across 700ha that contribute to the ongoing conservation and protection of biodiversity. Progress to date includes: Engagement of local landholders, community members and shires with regard to issues affecting Carnaby s within the project area via networks, flyers, landholder information sheets, direct contact and attendence at Newdegate Field Days. Completion of a nesting survey within one breeding season at currently known breeding sites and identification of three new breeding sites. 10

Identification of priority breeding and feeding sites through a prioritisation and ranking process. Identification of the priority recovery actions required at known breeding sites as: o o o Competitor (galah) control; Fencing of breeding sites; Increase in feeding habitat through revegetation at sites where potential feeding habitat within 12km of each breeding site is low. Competitor control (galah) in 2012 on seven properties surrounding a high priority breeding resulting in 620 galahs being eradicated, equating to approximately 1500 hectares of remnant vegetation better managed for nest hollow competitors. It is proposed that this be repeated in the 2013 nesting season to ensure ongoing control. Resources Brief description Can this be shared with other groups/researchers? Currently available? (If no, include date available) Database Breeding and feeding sites in the SE IBA project area. In future: date unknown Spatial Data Breeding and feeding sites in the SE IBA project area. In future: date unknown Potential feeding and breeding habitat in the SE IBA project area 11

Christine Groom Project/Initiative/Research Details Project or initiative name Organisation or affiliation Project leader(s) name and title Email address Other relevant team members, position & email Project duration (start and finish date) if relevant Satellite tracking Carnaby s cockatoo University of Western Australia and Department of Environment and Conservation Christine Groom christine.groom@dec.wa.gov.au Supervisors: Professor Dale Roberts (UWA), Assistant Professor Nicola Mitchell (UWA) and Dr Kristin Warren (Murdoch University) January 2012 to January 2015 (3 years) Project/initiative/research description, including objectives and results to date Satellite tracking of Carnaby s cockatoos is being undertaken to investigate roost site fidelity and resource use by Carnaby s cockatoos on the Swan Coastal Plain. The project began in January 2012 and in its first year has trialled tail feather marking techniques on 20 released rehabilitated Carnaby s cockatoos. Of these, 11 were also fitted with satellite tracking devices. The markings and tracking devices have enabled reporting of sightings and assisted undertaking flock follows. The rehabilitated cockatoos have demonstrated a high survival rate during their first year since release. Preliminary data on roost site fidelity, foraging area used around roosts and seasonal movements has been obtained. Ultimately the results of the project will provide information that could be used to identify conservation strategies to promote long-term persistence, help assess the potential impacts of proposed development on the cockatoos and to make urban planning decisions that consider the needs of the cockatoos. Relevant publications (please include full reference) A blog about the project is available at the following link: www.carnabyscockatoo.blogspot.com.au 12

Resources Brief description Can this be shared with other groups/researchers? Currently available? (If no, include date available) Database Feeding observations, being incorporated into DEC s Threatened and Priority Fauna Database. Requests can be made to fauna.data@dec.wa.gov.au Public sightings, observations etc, being incorporated into DEC s Threatened and Priority Fauna Database. Requests can be made to fauna.data@dec.wa.gov.au Spatial Data Satellite tracking data No, after completion of PhD Flock follow data No, after completion of PhD 13

Teagan Johnston Project/Initiative/Research Details Project or initiative name Organisation or affiliation Project leader(s) name and title Email address Other relevant team members, position & email Food resource availability for Carnaby s cockatoo on the Swan coastal plain Department of Environment and Conservation Teagan Johnston teagan.johnston@dec.wa.gov.au Supervisors: Prof. Will Stock, ECU and Dr Peter Mawson, Perth Zoo Project duration (start and finish date) 2010-2013 Project/initiative/research description, including objectives and results to date Masters by research Edith Cowan University Managing anthropocentric values to achieve an acceptable balance between conservation and socioeconomic objectives is often complex and a challenge for conservation agencies and managers. A case example is Carnaby s cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus latirostris) which over the last 60 years has seen a population decline associated with the loss of feeding habitat in non-breeding areas due to extensive land clearing for agriculture and urban development. To conserve the Carnaby s cockatoo informed decisions about future development need to consider the importance of each habitat site (known and potential). Understanding the availability of food resources in relation to the population size is critical for future planning and management of the species. This project is quantifying food resource availability of native Banksia species for Carnaby s cockatoo on the Swan Coastal Plain and to examine how threatening processes (e.g. fire, Phytophthora cinnamomi) influence the availability of these resources. Information will be used to determine the number of birds that current resources can support and to provide critical information to guide the future management and conservation of Carnaby s cockatoo when prioritising habitat for conservation and acquisition on the Swan Coastal Plain. 14

Tamara Kabat & Katherine Sambrooks Project/Initiative/Research Details Project or initiative name Organisation or affiliation Project leader(s) name and title Choose For Black-Cockatoos nursery plant label BirdLife Australia and Dieback Working Group Tamara Kabat, Black-Cockatoo Conservation Officer Katherine Sambrooks, Dieback Working Group Coordinator Email address Project duration (start and finish date) if relevant tamara.kabat@birdlife.org.au; kat.sambrooks@gmail.com To be launched March 2013 Project/initiative/research description, including objectives and results to date The Choose for Black-Cockatoos plant label is being developed to encourage people to plant suitable food and roosting plants for Carnaby s in the Perth Region. The pilot project is working with selected retail native plant nurseries with NIASAaccreditation. NIASA ensures best management practices are used, including Phytophthora dieback hygiene. Phytophthora dieback has serious impacts on Carnaby s habitat, including Banksia woodland and Jarrah forests. The label will be launched in March 2013. Resources Brief description Can this be shared with other groups/researchers? Currently available? (If no, include date available) Other resources List of plants recommended for the Peth region for Carnaby s Black- Cockatoos, for gardens and revegetation areas Revegetation lists available at www.birdlife.org.au/carnabys/plantsfor-carnabys - one for Perth region, one for all WA; information for Perth gardens from March 2013. 15

Dr Anna Le Souëf Project/Initiative/Research Details Project or initiative name Organisation or affiliation (if relevant Project leader(s) name and title Email address Other relevant team members, position & email A tool for the age estimation of black cockatoos (Calyptorhynchus spp.) Murdoch University Dr Anna Le Souëf Research Fellow, Conservation Medicine Program College of Veterinary Medicine, School of Veterinary and Life Sciences a.lesouef@murdoch.edu.au Dr Kristin Warren and Dr Carly Holyoake Murdoch University; Dr Simone Vitali Perth Zoo Project duration (start and finish date) 2007 2012 Project/initiative/research description, including objectives and results to date This poster presents the findings of a study (Le Souëf et al, in press) aimed to create an aging tool for black cockatoos using pentosidine analysis. Prior to this study it was not possible to estimate the age of black cockatoos past juvenile stages, however, recently age estimation of several avian species has been achieved using pentosidine measurement. Pentosidine, an advanced glycation end-product (AGE), accumulates in the skin of birds over time and can be used as a biomarker of aging (Iqbal et al. 1999). Skin samples were collected from 51 black cockatoos of known age from the genus Calyptorhynchus and analysed for pentosidine concentration using high performance liquid chromatography. The plot of Ps against age was found to have a curvilinear relationship with a significant statistical association (R 2 = 0.86). This study offers the most accurate (within approximately two years (Fallon 2009)) model of age prediction in these birds past juvenile stages. This age tool will be used in ongoing demographic research in the Black Cockatoo Health and Ecology project at Murdoch University. The method will enable the estimation of age of black cockatoos entering rehabilitation programs, providing valuable data on the life histories of injured and debilitated wild birds. It is also being used to study the age demographics of wild populations, including cockatoos that were killed during a heat event in Hopetoun and Munglinup in 2010, providing further insight into the current status of these endangered birds. 16

Relevant publications (please include full reference) Fallon J. 2009. A new technique for avian age estimation. In 'Proceedings of the Association of Avian Veterinarians'. (Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA.) Iqbal M, Probert LL, Alhumadi NH, Klandorf H. 1999. Protein glycosylation and advanced glycosylated endproducts (AGEs) accumulation: an avian solution? Journal of Gerontology Series A: Biological Sciences and Medical Sciences. 54:B171-176. Le Souëf A, Holyoake C, Vitali S, Warren K. 2013. Age is only skin deep: pentosidine measurement as a method for age estimation in black cockatoos (Calyptorhynchus spp.) (in press). Resources Brief description Can this be shared with other groups/researchers? Currently available? (If no, include date available) Copies of Publications Copies of scientific reports and reports 17

Dr Martine Maron Project/Initiative/Research Details Project or initiative name Organisation or affiliation Project leader(s) name and title Email address Research into offset policy effectiveness The University of Queensland Dr Martine Maron m.maron@uq.edu.au Project/initiative/research description, including objectives and results to date Relevant publications (please include full reference) A recent focus of my research has been to examine biodiversity offset policies and approaches and evaluate their likelihood of success. In particular, I have focussed on the challenge of achieving offsets through restoration and protection measures, and approaches for calculating offset credits. I have worked on these problems with a large number of collaborators from Australia and overseas. Most recently I worked with DSEWPaC to help develop the new EPBC Act Environmental Offsets Policy. Maron, M., Rhodes, J. R., Gibbons, P. (In press, accepted 3 Dec 2012). Calculating the benefit of conservation actions. Conservation Letters Maron, M., Hobbs, R., Moilanen, A., Matthews, JW., Christie, K., Gardner, T. A., Keith, D. A., Lindenmayer, D. B., McAlpine, C. A. 2012. Are restoration offsets Faustian bargains? Restoration realities in the context of biodiversity offset policies. Biological Conservation 155:141-148 Maron, M., Dunn, P. K., McAlpine, C. A. and Apan, A. 2010. Can habitat offsets really compensate for habitat loss? The case of the red-tailed black-cockatoo. Journal of Applied Ecology 47: 348 355 18

David Mitchell Project/Initiative/Research Details Project or initiative name Organisation or affiliation (if relevant) Project leader(s) name and title Email address Other relevant team members, position & email Project duration (start and finish date) if relevant Carnaby s cockatoo and the Strategic Assessment of the Perth and Peel Regions Department of Environment and Conservation David Mitchell Project/initiative/rese arch description, including objectives and results to date if applicable (word limit 300 words) David.Mitchell@dec.wa.gov.au The Strategic Assessment is being led by the Department of the Premier and Cabinet (DPC) in partnership with the Commonwealth Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities (SEWPaC). At a State level, the DPC is working with the Department of Planning (DoP), the Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC), the Office of the Environmental Protection Authority (OEPA), the Department of Water (DOW) and the Department of Mines and Petroleum (DMP). More information on the Strategic Assessment of the Perth and Peel Regions is available on the following website: http://www.dpc.wa.gov.au/consultation/strategicassessment/pages/defa ult.aspx In July 2011, the Western Australian and the Commonwealth governments agreed to undertake a Strategic Assessment of the Perth and Peel regions. It is expected that drafts of the key policy and assessment documents will be released for a three month public comment period in mid to late 2013. The Strategic Assessment will assess the impact of future development proposed under Directions 2031 and Beyond and other state land use plans. The Strategic Assessment will consider all matters of national environmental significance (MNES) listed under the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) as well as factors normally considered under the Western Australian Environmental Protection Act 1986. Of particular significance will be the potential impact on Carnaby s cockatoo which requires a specific approach to incorporate a highly mobile and migratory species that utilises a large proportion of the remaining vegetation as feeding habitat. Approximately 112,700 ha of potential Carnaby s cockatoo feeding habitat remains in the Swan Coastal Plain part of the Perth-Peel Region (approximately 25% of the pre-european extent in this area). 51% (57,400 ha) of this is within DEC managed lands and a further 17% (19,600 ha) is in non-dec managed Regional Park or Bush Forever sites. Potential feeding habitat occurs in areas that have some form of development zoning. For example, there are 8,800 ha in areas zoned for urban or industrial purposes, much of which was zoned before Carnaby s cockatoo was listed as threatened. This existing zoned land poses the greatest challenge to providing conservation outcomes for Carnaby s cockatoo and other biodiversity values. The 26,000 ha of potential feeding habitat within rural zoned areas provides both a risk to some of that habitat, as well as providing opportunity for improved protection and management. Directions 2031 identified areas for investigation for possible future rezoning to urban and industrial. It should be possible to avoid impact on feeding habitat within these investigation areas as less than 2% of the 19

9,900 ha identified for possible urban and 14,000 ha as possible industrial area is potential feeding habitat. Removal of the 23,000 ha of Gnangara, Pinjar and Yanchep pine plantations is included in the Strategic Assessment. It is probable that pine plantations provide a greater amount of food per hectare than does banksia woodland (Will Stock s talk later in the symposium suggests four times the amount). Compared with the maximum area of native vegetation feeding habitat in the Strategic Assessment area that is identified for potential future development (approximately 15,000 ha) the loss of 23,000 ha of pine plantations is significant. To date 9,600 ha have been removed. The Strategic Assessment can achieve conservation outcomes for Carnaby s cockatoo by: Mitigation of impact (avoidance, minimisation, rectification, reduction and offsets) Implementation of active conservation programs or actions (such as recovery and research, and could consider actions across the species range) Relevant publications (please include full reference) The Strategic Assessment is making use of existing and available publications and data including those identified by other presenters. It is expected that drafts of the key policy and assessment documents will be released for a three month public comment period in mid to late 2013. More information on the Strategic Assessment of the Perth and Peel Regions is available on the following website: http://www.dpc.wa.gov.au/consultation/strategicassessment/pages/default.aspx The calculations of potential feeding habitat above are based on the methodology in Glossop, B., Clarke, K., Mitchell, D. and Barrett, G. (2011) Methods for mapping of Carnaby s cockatoo habitat. Unpublished report for the Department of Environment and Conservation Resources It would be useful if you would make available all information that might be shared with other people working in Carnaby s Black-Cockatoo recovery and research. Brief description (1-2 sentences) Can this be shared with other groups/researchers? Currently available? (If no, include date available) Database Spatial Data Copies of Publications Other resources (please describe) The Strategic Assessment is making use of existing publications and data. See above See above See above These will not necessarily be available through the Strategic Assessment, but most are available from the original sources. 20

Dr Manda Page Project/Initiative/Research Details Project or initiative name Organisation or affiliation Project leader(s) name and title Email address Other relevant team members, position & email Carnaby s Black-Cockatoo Recovery Plan DEC Dr Manda Page Manda.Page@dec.wa.gov.au Carnaby s cockatoo recovery team Project/initiative/research description, including objectives and results to date Development of a national recovery plan for Carnaby s cockatoo. The plan has been drafted and endorsed at a State level (WA) and is undergoing the review/endorsement process at a National level. Relevant publications (please include full reference) Department of Environment and Conservation (2012). Carnaby s cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus latirostris) Recovery Plan. Department of Environment and Conservation, Perth, Western Australia. Resources Brief description Can this be shared with other groups/researchers? Currently available? (If no, include date available) Copies of Publications Recovery Plan WA endorsed Recovery Plan: http://www.dec.wa.gov.au/news/archives/774- community-updates/7138- carnaby%e2%80%99s-cockatoo-recovery-plan- 2012-2022.html 21

Dr Denis Saunders Project/Initiative/Research Details Project or initiative name Organisation or affiliation Project leader(s) name and title Email address Other relevant team members, position & email Project duration (start and finish date) Long-term population study of Carnaby s Cockatoo at Coomallo Creek DEC/Perth Zoo/Denis Saunders Dr Denis Saunders Denis.saunders@csiro.au Rick Dawson (DEC) Dr Peter Mawson (Perth Zoo) 1969 to present and continuing Project/initiative/research description, including objectives and results to date Selected relevant publications Long-term monitoring of breeding Carnaby s Cockatoo and their habitat Saunders, D. A. (1979). The biology of the short-billed form of the White-tailed Black Cockatoo, Calyptorhynchus funereus latirostris Carnaby. PhD Thesis. University of Western Australia. http://www.birdsaustralia.com.au/images/stories/currentprojects/cbc/saunders1967phd_smlr.pdf Saunders, D. A. (1979). The availability of tree hollows for use as nest sites by White-tailed Black Cockatoos. Aust. Wildl. Res. 6: 205-16. Saunders, D. A. (1979). Distribution and taxonomy of the White-tailed and Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoos Calyptorhynchus spp. Emu 79: 215-27. Saunders, D. A. (1980). Food and movements of the shortbilled form of the White-tailed Black Cockatoo. Aust. Wildl. Res. 7: 257-69. Rowley, I. and Saunders, D. A. (1980). Rigid wing-tags for cockatoos. Corella 4: 1-7. Saunders, D. A. and Smith, G. T. (1981). Egg dimensions and egg weight loss during incubation in five species of cockatoo and the use of measurements to determine the stage of incubation of birds eggs. Aust. Wildl. Res. 8: 411-9. Saunders, D. A. (1982). The breeding behaviour and biology of the short-billed form of the White-tailed Black Cockatoo Calyptorhynchus funereus latirostris Carnaby. Ibis 124: 422-55. 22

Saunders, D. A. (1983). Vocal repertoire and individual vocal recognition in the short-billed form of the White-tailed Back Cockatoo Calyptorhynchus funereus Carnaby. Aust. Wildl. Res. 10: 527-36. Saunders, D. A. (1986). Breeding season, nesting success and nestling growth in the Carnaby's cockatoo Calyptorhynchus funereus latirostris over 16 years at Coomallo Creek and a method for assessing the viability of populations in other areas. Aust. Wildl. Res. 13: 261-73. Saunders, D. A. (1990). Problems of survival in an extensively cultivated landscape: the case of Carnaby's cockatoo Calytorhynchus funereus latirostris. Biol. Conserv. 54: 277-290. Saunders, D. A. and Ingram, J. A. (1998). Twenty-eight years of monitoring a breeding population of Carnaby s Cockatoo. Pac. Cons. Biol. 4: 261-270. Saunders, D. A., Smith, G. T., Ingram, J. A. and Forrester, R. I. (2003). Changes in a remnant of salmon gum Eucalyptus salmonophloia and York gum E. loxophleba woodland, 1978 to 1997. Implications for woodland conservation in the wheat-sheep regions of Australia. Biological Conservation 110: 245-256. Saunders, D. A., Mawson, P. and Dawson, R. (2011). The impact of two extreme weather events and other causes of death on Carnaby's Black Cockatoo: a promise of things to come for a threatened species? Pacific Conservation Biology 17: 141-148. Dawson, R., Saunders, D. A. and Mawson, P. (2011) The vulnerable and the endangered: Carpet Python predation on a breeding female Carnaby s Black Cockatoo Australian Zoologist.35: 679-680. Saunders, D. A., Dawson, R. and Mawson, P. (2011). Photographic identification of bands confirms age of breeding Carnaby s Black Cockatoo. Corella.35: 52-54. Saunders, D. A., Wintle, B. A., Mawson, P. R. and Dawson, R., (2013). Egg-laying and rainfall synchrony in an endangered bird species; implications for conservation in a changing climate. Biological Conservation (in press). Resources Brief description Can this be shared with other groups/researchers? Currently available? (If no, include date available) Resources (please describe) Contact Denis Saunders if you feel he may have information relevant to any project being undertaken 23

Kayley Usher Project/Initiative/Research Details Project or initiative name Project leader(s) name and title Email address Other relevant team members, position & email Home baked cockies Kayley Usher, maître d' Kayley.usher@uwa.edu.au Rodney Boyle, head chef (and nest builder) Andrew Usher, kitchen hand Project duration (start and finish date) Start Oct 2007 (ongoing) Project/initiative/research description, including objectives and results to date Our aim is to assist Carnaby s and other black cockies to breed successfully by providing nest boxes, providing water and planting food plants. We have a large bush property in the hills of Perth (metro area), that is frequented by Carnaby s. However, good nest hollows appear to be in short supply. To date we have installed 6 wooden nest boxes, 4 of which have been occupied, and the final 2 only recently installed. 2 male Carnaby s and one Redtail chick have fledged successfully, with fledging observed. The fledged (banded) Carnaby chicks were seen returning with their parents. 2 other Carnaby chicks suffered mishaps, and the egg in one nest failed to hatch. We are planning to install more nest boxes, and are looking forward to a good breading season in 2013. 24

Dr Kristin Warren Project/Initiative/Research Details Project or initiative name Organisation or affiliation Project leader(s) name and title Email address Other relevant team members, position & email Project duration (start and finish date) Black Cockatoo Health and Ecology Project Murdoch University, Perth Zoo, DEC, CSIRO Dr Kristin Warren Senior Lecturer in Wildlife and Zoo Medicine Academic Chair, Postgraduate Studies in Conservation Medicine Conservation Medicine Program, College of Veterinary Medicine, School of Veterinary and Life Sciences k.warren@murdoch.edu.au Associate Professor Mike Calver, Dr Anna Le Souëf, Dr Hugh Finn, and Dr Jill Shephard Murdoch University; Dr Peter Mawson and Dr Simone Vitali Perth Zoo; Rick Dawson and Christine Groom DEC; Dr Denis Saunders CSIRO 2007 on-going Project/initiative/research description, including objectives and results to date This project provides important information on the health and ecology of black cockatoos in southwest Western Australia, including Carnaby s Cockatoos. Aims of the health component include: determining the epidemiology of potentially significant diseases; healthscreening rehabilitated cockatoos prior to release to ensure no introduction of key diseases to wild populations; determining blood reference range values for chicks; assessing nestling body condition; analysing blood parameters to check nutritional status of nestlings and to check for chronic stress indicators; investigating nest history, with viral prevalence in nests guiding management guidelines for artificial hollows/nests; and comparing all health findings across different geographical regions. An on-going aging study has used innovative pentosidine analyses to develop a black cockatoo age curve. This information allows us to age mature birds accurately for the first time, and thus to investigate concerns about the demographic structure of populations and potential declining recruitment. Finally, a satellite tracking program is developing the techniques to monitor black cockatoos during daily and seasonal movements over small and large spatial scales, and thereby identifying critical feeding and breeding areas. Our tracking program will use the optimal transmitter design developed based on previous work undertaken by Le Souef et al. (in press) and used in Christine Groom s current tracking study of rehabilitated Carnaby s cockatoos on the Swan Coastal Plain and our 2012 Proof of Concept tracking trial for Baudin s cockatoos. Both these studies demonstrate the success of our transmitter attachment protocols, and show that birds can be. 25

tracked both on the Swan Coastal Plain and in the forests, confirming the validity of this method Relevant publications (please include full reference) Lee, J., Finn, H., and Calver, M. 2010. Mine-site revegetation monitoring detects feeding by threatened black-cockatoos within 8 years. Ecological Management and Restoration 11: 141-3. Biggs, E.K., Finn, H., Taplin, R.H., and Calver, M.C. 2011. Landscape position predicts distribution of eucalypt feed trees for threatened black-cockatoos in the northern jarrah forest, Western Australia. Journal of Royal Society of Western Australia 94: 541-548. Lee, J.G.H., Finn, H.C., and M.C. Calver. (in press) Ecology of black cockatoos at a mine-site in the eastern Jarrah-Marri forest, Western Australia. Pacific Conservation Biology. Le Souef, A., Stojanovic, D., Burbidge, A., Dawson, R., Heinsohn, R., Vitali, S., Warren, K. (in press) Retention of transmitter attachments on black cockatoos (Calyptorhynchus spp.). Pacific Conservation Biology. Resources Brief description Can this be shared with other groups/researchers? Currently available? (If no, include date available) Database Sightings of Carnaby s Cockatoos in Gnangara region (2009) and Boddington area (2007-2010) Spatial Data GPS locations of sightings, flock follows, and locations of probable nest hollows with adequate safeguards for nest hollow locations Copies of Publications Copies of scientific reports and reports 26

Dr Kristin Warren Project/Initiative/Research Details Project or initiative name Organisation or affiliation Project leader(s) name and title Email address Other relevant team members, position & email Project duration (start and finish date) A Proof of Concept Trial Satellite Tracking of Baudin s Cockatoos (Calyptorhynchus baudinii) Murdoch University Dr Kristin Warren Senior Lecturer in Wildlife and Zoo Medicine Academic Chair, Postgraduate Studies in Conservation Medicine Conservation Medicine Program, College of Veterinary Medicine, School of Veterinary and Life Sciences k.warren@murdoch.edu.au Associate Professor Mike Calver, Dr Anna Le Souëf, Dr Hugh Finn, Dr Jill Shephard, Dr Carly Holyoake, Dr Lian Yeap Murdoch University; Dr Peter Mawson and Dr Simone Vitali Perth Zoo; Rick Dawson and Christine Groom DEC; Tony Kirkby WA Museum 2012-ongoing Project/initiative/research description, including objectives and results to date This poster presents preliminary findings from a proof of concept trial for satellite tracking of Baudin s cockatoos. The study follows the work by Christine Groom, which is successfully demonstrating that Carnaby s cockatoos can be tracked using satellite transmitters, and a trial which involved attaching transmitter devices to captive black cockatoos of all three species (Le Souef et al. 2013, in press). Two rehabilitated adult female Baudin s cockatoos were anaesthetised and fitted with tail-mounted satellite trackers and released in Kelmscott in September 2012. Prior to release, both birds were health checked and flight tested to demonstrate fitness for release. The movements of the cockatoos were monitored according to Argos satellite transmissions, as well as ground truthing using flock sightings and reception of VHF signals from the satellite units using a radio telemetry antenna. According to their transmissions, the birds initially stayed in the Kelmscott area in close proximity to one another and other groups of Baudin s cockatoos in the area. However, after several days, one of the cockatoos flew south and joined a flock of Baudin s cockatoos migrating further south. Interestingly, during this migration, this bird returned to the Serpentine area from which she was originally found injured. This bird currently remains in the Beela area, 140km southeast of Perth, with other Baudin s cockatoos. The second cockatoo remained in the release area for several weeks before also moving south to Cardup, 33km southeast of Perth, where her transmitter was found two months later, still attached to the tail feathers which had possibly moulted out. 27