Calyptorhynchus Banksii Research Articles

Application of STR markers in wildlife forensic casework involving Australian black-cockatoos (Calyptorhynchus spp.)

Parrots and cockatoos are highly prized aviary birds and the demands for such species has fuelled their illegal trade and harvest from the wild. Here we report on three forensic case studies involving black-cockatoos (Calyptorhynchus spp.) endemic to Australia. These cases involve suspected poaching and illegal killing of endangered red- and white-tailed black-cockatoos. Through the prior development of 20 polymorphic microsatellite loci and population databases for white- and red-tailed black-cockatoos, the tools are available to conduct high-resolution paternity and individual identity testing. In one case, we matched a red-tailed black-cockatoo nestling to a tree hollow from which it was poached through the use of DNA from eggshell recovered from the nest. For the second case, we utilized our provenance population database (nest sites), and identified the kinship and geographic origin of a white-tailed black-cockatoo, which was illegally harvested from the wild. The third case determined the number individual white-tailed black-cockatoos allegedly shot at a fruit grower's orchard from body part remains. These genetic investigations highlight the significance and statistical confidence of DNA profiling and associated databases for endangered taxa, such as exotic birds. Our cockatoo population databases are the first of their kind in Australia, and demonstrate the efficacy of such approaches to identify such illegal activity. With a robust set of genetic markers and methodologies in place, we aim to broaden our population databases to include other cockatoo species of conservation concern.

Sex discrimination of Buloke (Allocasuarina luehmannii) for selective revegetation

Allocasuarina luehmannii (Buloke) is a slow-growing dioecious species occurring primarily in south-eastern Australia. Larger seed-bearing female trees, at least 100 yrs old, are an essential food source for the threatened Calyptorhynchus banksii graptogyne (Karak). Sex-discrimination in Buloke was investigated utilising Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) and Inter-Simple Sequence Repeat (ISSR) techniques. While described as a dioecious species, 18% of the plants sampled were monoecious suggesting that this is in fact a subdioecious species. Stem material from 55 paddock trees was collected to identify genetic differences between female, male and monoecious plants. An initial screening of 56 primers, on a subset of five female, five male and five monoecious samples, identified 21 RAPD and 21 ISSR primers with clear scorable bands, but no unique female bands were amplified. Investigation into the sex determination mechanism of this species and the possible effect of environmental factors on sex expression is recommended before further sex-specific marker research is undertaken.

Tracheal resection and anastomosis in a red‐tailed black cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus banksii banksii)

Tracheal stricture is an uncommon sequel to tracheitis in birds. We describe a case in a red-tailed black cockatoo that was attributed to a bacterial tracheitis associated with inhaled plant material and was successfully resolved by surgical resection and anastomosis of the trachea.

Can offsets really compensate for habitat removal? The case of the endangered red-tailed black-cockatoo

1. Habitat offsets are increasingly used in attempts to avoid the impacts of permitted habitat removal on biodiversity, but their ability to achieve a genuine compensatory effect is a matter of debate. Approaches to offsetting typically aim to achieve 'no net loss' of habitat over time, yet few evaluations exist of whether this outcome is feasible. 2. We investigated the potential of offsets to mitigate the impacts of habitat removal in the long term using a case study of future scenarios of habitat availability for an endangered bird, the south-eastern red-tailed black-cockatoo Calyptorhynchus banksii graptogyne. Important food resources for this species include scattered large buloke Allocasuarina luehmannii trees which are under threat of removal for agricultural intensification. We projected availability of large buloke trees over a 150-year period, initially using recent rates of decline to inform a 'business as usual' scenario, then examining alternative scenarios reflecting different offset strategies. 3. All scenarios suggested that numbers of large trees will continue to decline for at least 100 years. Because of time lags in resource maturation, offsets were unable to achieve no net loss in the medium-term, and the most plausible offset scenarios were inadequate to compensate for habitat loss at year-100, when resource availability was lowest. 4. To minimize the temporal extent and severity of this future resource bottleneck, offsets must include both replanting and protection of other large, at-risk trees, with a high ratio of protected trees to trees cleared. 5. Synthesis and applications. The success of habitat offsets in cases where there is a significant lag between habitat loss and replacement of resources for a threatened species is likely to be low, because resource bottlenecks become a significant threat to the persistence of the species. In order to identify habitat protection options that will genuinely offset habitat removal, it is essential to estimate explicitly the 'avoided loss' of habitat attributable to its protection.

Red-tailed Black Cockatoo

Red-tailed Black Cockatoo

Economic Incentives to Conserve Wildlife on Private Lands: Analysis and Policy

Some believe that provision of private property rights in wildlife on private land provides a powerful economic incentive for nature conservation because it enables property owners to market such wildlife or its attributes. If such marketing is profitable, private landholders will conserve the wildlife concerned and its required habitat. But land is not always most profitably used for exploitation of wildlife, and many economic values of wildlife (such as non-use economic values) cannot be marketed. The mobility of some wildlife adds to the limitations of the private-property approach. While some species may be conserved by this approach, it is suboptimal as a single policy approach to nature conservation. Nevertheless, it is being experimented with, in the Northern Territory of Australia where landholders had a possibility of harvesting on their properties a quota of eggs and chicks of red-tailed black cockatoos for commercial sale. This scheme was expected to provide an incentive to private landholders to retain hollow trees essential for the nesting of these birds but failed. This case and others are analysed. Despite private-property failures, the long-term survival of some wildlife species depends on their ability to use private lands without severe harassment, either for their migration or to supplement their available resources, for example, the Asian elephant. Nature conservation on private land is often a useful, if not essential, supplement to conservation on public lands. Community and public incentives for such conservation are outlined.

Haematological characteristics of response to inflammation or traumatic injury in two species of black cockatoos: Calyptorhynchus magnificus and C. funereus

A retrospective study of the haematological response to inflammation and/or traumatic injury was performed in two species of black cockatoos, namely white-tailed black cockatoos (WTBCs) (Calyptorhynchus funereus) and red-tailed black cockatoos (RTBCs) (C. magnificus). Evaluation of haematological data collected from 28 predominantly free-living birds was undertaken. The most consistent findings associated with inflammation or traumatic injury were mild to moderate anaemia, heterophilia and monocytosis. Changes in heterophil morphology were a relatively uncommon finding.

Hollows in jarrah ( Eucalyptus marginata) and marri ( Corymbiacalophylla) trees : II. Selecting trees to retain for hollow dependent fauna

From a sample of 665 hollows found in 154 jarrah ( Eucalyptus marginata) and 85 marri ( Corymbia calophylla), we identified 204 hollows in 84 trees that were potentially suited to one or more of 10 species of hollow using birds and mammals. Occurrence of these hollows increased with tree age, tree size, and species (marri bore more usable hollows than jarrah) and increased amounts of dead wood in tree crowns. Hollow occurrence was most likely in trees with moderately senescent crowns with damage to intermediate sized branches, and the largest hollows were more likely to occur in more highly senescent crowns. Evidence of termite invasion at the tree butt was not related to occurrence of hollows. For all but one of the birds and mammals we considered, dead trees were no more likely than live trees to contain hollows. Our study indicates that for the purpose of forest management planning, 130 years can be taken as the typical minimum age for the formation of usable hollows in jarrah and marri. The current minimum prescribed diameter for “habitat trees” (trees retained in logged areas to supplement existing hollows), which corresponds to a mean age of 171 years, is thus a realistic minimum size for these retained trees. We recommend raising the prescribed range of crown senescence for retained habitat trees to increase the probability of providing large hollows suited to large species such as red-tailed black cockatoo, and common brushtail possum, and maternal hollows used by smaller species. Retaining the largest trees with appropriate crown attributes will substantially increase the probability that these trees will bear usable hollows.

Metabolic ecology of cockatoos in the south-west of Western Australia

This study examined the metabolic ecology of six cockatoo taxa endemic to the south-west of Western Australia. As the availability of food is one factor that may influence the abundance and distribution of these cockatoos, we document here their baseline energy requirements and feeding patterns. Evaporative waterloss was also measured as this may correlate with the aridity of the species’ environment. Basal metabolic rate was significantly lower at 0.62 ± 0.13 mL O2 g–1 h–1 for the inland red-tailed black cockatoo than 1.11 ± 0.16 mL O2 g–1 h–1 for the forest red-tailed black cockatoo, but there was no significant difference in metabolic rate between the two white-tailed black cockatoos (0.86 ± 0.18 for Carnaby’s and 0.81 ± 0.11 mL O2 g–1 h–1 for Baudin’s) or the two corellas (0.95 ± 0.12 for Butler’s and 0.70 ± 0.04 mL O2 g–1 h–1 for Muir’s). There were no significant differences between the two white-tailed black cockatoos, and between the two corellas, with respect to evaporative water loss. The inland red-tailed black cockatoo had a significantly lower rate of evaporative water loss (0.44 ± 0.07 mg g–1 h–1) than the forest red-tailed black cockatoo (0.70 ± 0.06 mg g–1 h–1), which is presumably an adaptation to its more arid habitat. The total energy content of assorted native and introduced food items that form significant proportions of the diets for these cockatoos varied from only 0.17 kJ for a 9-mg Emex australis seed to 63.9 kJ for a 3-g Banksia attenuata nut. The energy content of each food item and the estimated daily energy requirements of the cockatoos enabled the calculation of the numbers of nuts/cones/seeds required by each species for a day, which ranged from 11 B. attenuata nuts for a Carnaby’s cockatoo to 3592 Persoonia longifolia seeds for a forest red-tailed black cockatoo.

The status of cockatoos in south-west Western Australia and conservation efforts by Perth Zoo

There are eight indigenous species (with two represented by two subspecies) and one introduced species of cockatoo in south-west Western Australia. Woodland clearance for agriculture has contracted the range of at least five species and fragmented the natural habitat across the region. Perth Zoo, in collaboration with the state conservation authority, private aviculturists and community groups, has developed a series of co-operative breeding programmes and education initiatives to protect local species of cockatoo and prevent further decline of wild populations. Detailed descriptions are given of the breeding requirements and threats which affect four species, Carnaby's cockatoo Calyptorhynchus latirostris, Baudin's cockatoo Calyptorhynchus baudinii, forest Red-tailed black cockatoo Calyptorhyn chus banksii naso and the southern subspecies of the Western long-billed corella Cacatua pastinator pas-tinator, and the contribution that the husbandry, education and captive-breeding activities at Perth Zoo make to the conservation of the species is described.

Conservation of the forest red-tailed black cockatoo, a hollow-dependent species, in the eucalypt forests of Western Australia

Surveys of the forest red-tailed black cockatoo (FRTBC), Calyptorhynchus banksii naso Gould, conducted in two consecutive breeding seasons, were used to examine the hypothesis that a shortage of suitable nest sites (hollows in standing trees) limits the distribution of the cockatoo. It was found that 36% of its original geographical range is currently unoccupied, presumably because of extensive clearance of woodland for agriculture. FRTBC were broadly distributed nearly all over the State Forest. Analysis of forest inventory data indicates that the supply of large trees (and hence suitable nesting hollows) is not limiting. The current population of FRTBC is estimated to be ca. 15 000 birds.

Presumptive Renesting of Red-tailed Black-Cockatoos in South-eastern Australia

(1995). Presumptive Renesting of Red-tailed Black-Cockatoos in South-eastern Australia. Emu - Austral Ornithology: Vol. 95, No. 2, pp. 141-144.

Critical assessment of the conservation status of red-tailed black-cockatoos in south-eastern Australia with special reference to nesting requirements: L. Joseph, W.B. Emison & W.M. Bren, Emu, 91(1), 1991, pp 46–50

Critical assessment of the conservation status of red-tailed black-cockatoos in south-eastern Australia with special reference to nesting requirements: L. Joseph, W.B. Emison & W.M. Bren, Emu, 91(1), 1991, pp 46–50

Critical Assessment of the Conservation Status of Red-tailed Black-Cockatoos in South-eastern Australia with Special Reference to Nesting Requirements

SummaryThe conservation status, with special reference to nesting requirements, of the Red-tailed Black-Cockatoo Calyptorhynchus banksii graptogyne in south-eastern Australia (specifically, south-western Victoria) was studied between December 1988 and April 1990. Though the total population size is uncertain, it seems that the subspecies numbers between 500 and 1000 birds with considerably fewer than 200 birds breeding. For feeding, nesting and roosting the birds use three distinct habitats each of which has declined and continues to be under some threat. Twenty-five nests were found in 22 hollows in 21 trees. Seventeen nests were in dead trees and we have stressed the apparent importance of dead trees to the birds' conservation needs. C. b. graptogyne is clearly endangered and in need of more detailed and long-term study of its ecology and demography.

Clutch Size and Productivity in 3 Sympatric Species of Cockatoo (Psittaciformes) in the Southwest of Western-Australia

The galah, long-billed corella and red-tailed black cockatoo coexist throughout much of the northern wheatbelt of Western Australia. Various aspects of the breeding biology of these species were studied at Burakin and Three Springs in 1979. Laying began at the same time of year in all three, although the peak was later and the length of the laying period longer for the red-tailed black cockatoo. Data are given on clutch size, hatching success, nestling mortality, nestling period, fledging weight and productivity for each species at both study sites. The only significant differences between study areas were that the fledging weight and productivity of the galah were greater at Burakin than at Three Springs. Productivity was severely reduced in the galah by an unidentified nestling disease, and in the red-tailed black cockatoo by high infertility and nestling mortality of unknown cause. Between the species, incubation period and fledging period increased with body size but clutch size decreased with body size.

The availability and dimensions of tree hollows that provide nest sites for cockatoos (Psittaciformes) in Western Australia

A 15-ha plot of salmon gum woodland contained 241 hollows with an entrance diameter and depth exceeding 90 mm, in 173 trees, the majority (95%) in salmon gums. Occupancy of these hollows during the spring of 1978 was 47%; eight species of bird (six Psittaciformes, one Anseriformes and one Falconiformes) were involved. Galahs, corellas, red-tailed black cockatoos and Port Lincoln parrots were the most numerous hollow-nesting birds in the area; there were differences in the sizes of hollows they used, which were separable on entrance size and on inside diameter of the hollow 0.5 m below the entrance. There was a trend for hollow size to decrease in the order: red-tailed black cockatoos, corellas, galahs and Port Lincoln parrots. Red-tailed black cockatoos nested in more dead trees, or trees which were lower and had smaller canopies, than did the other three species. The woodland contained few young trees, trees were dying rapidly and there was no regeneration. This situation is typical for woodland throughout the agricultural area, and future prospects are discussed.

The Red-Tailed Black-Cockatoo in South-Eastern Australia

A study was conducted into the conservation requirements of the isolated population of the Red-tailed Black-Cockatoo Calyptorhynchus rnagnificus in southeastern South Australia and south-western Victoria. The range and status of the population are clarified and earlier suggestions of the population's dependence on Brown Stringybark Eucalyptus baxteri are confirmed. An additional food source, Bulloak Casuarina luehmannii is reported. The population's breeding requirements are still poorly known, Clearing of E. baxteri is the main threat to the population's existence.

Egg Dimensions and Egg Weight Loss during Incubation in Five Species of Cockatoo, and the Use of Measurements to Determine the Stage o Incubation of Birds' Eggs

The linear dimensions are presented of 302 eggs of 5 species of cockatoo (Cacatuidae : Psittaciformes) occurring in the south-west of Western Australia: red-tailed black cockatoo, white-tailed black cockatoo, long-billed corella, little corella and galah. Forty-four of the eggs were weighed throughout incubation and, by means of the calculated regression lines for loss of weight on time of incubation, the weight at laying of each of these eggs was determined. The weight constant Kw, was determined for each egg by the formula: Kw= W/LB*2; its mean value was 0.554�0.015. Weights at laying of the entire sample of eggs were calculated by use of this value of Kw, the daily loss of weight during incubation was determined, and a general formula based on linear measurements and weight derived for determining the stage of incubation of birds' eggs. This is: T = [(KwLB*2) - Wt]/[a(KwLB*2)*b], where T is the number of days of incubation; Wt is the known weight of the egg at time T; L, B are the length and diameter of the egg in centimetres; and Kw, a and b are constants which may be determined for the species studied (alternatively, general values may be substituted).

Morphological and Ecological Divergence and Convergence in Isolated Populations of the Red-Tailed Black-Cockatoo

SUMMARYFord, J. 1980. Morphological and ecological divergence and convergence in isolated populations of the Red-tailed Black-Cockatoo. Emu 80: 103–120.The Red-tailed Black-Cockatoo Calyptorhynchus magnificus is essentially a Torresian species with six or seven isolated populations in the southern and central parts of the continent. Morphological relations between populations were analysed by univariate and multivariate statistics. Populations fall into three divisions: those in northern and north-eastern Australia consist of birds with long wings and large bills; that in the lower south-west consists of birds with short wings and large bills; those in central and remainder of southern Australia have short wings and small bills. Two distinct populations occur in south-western Australia: that in the lower south-west feeds arboreally on Marri Eucalyptus calophylla fruit and is large-billed and that in the upper south-west feeds terrestrially mainly on the introducted double-gee Emex australis and is small-billed. Divergence between the large-billed and small-billed populations in south-western Australia was probably made possible by an unsuitable belt of light woodland between their ranges. Similarities between some of the southern and central populations probably evolved convergently as they became adapted to similar sources of food. Southern and central Australia were probably invaded at least by a two-pronged movement from the north, one down the western part and the other down the inland-eastern part of the continent. The northern and north-eastern populations appear to be connected by a zone of hybridization in the Carpentarian lowlands. In Calyptorhynchus, the speciation of magnificus and funereus is considered to have preceded the splitting of lathami from magnificus.

Some ornithological results of Cook's third voyage

oceanic species and of those five one was a duck and three were land birds which were collected when they flew aboard the Endeavour at sea. Some bird specimens from the voyage did find their way back to England but available evidence indicates that the number of such specimens was by no means significant. It seems that the first published descriptions of only four species, viz. Trichoglossus moluccanus (Gmelin, 1788), Calyptorhynchus banksii (Latham, 1790), and Nymphicus hollandicus (Kerr, 1792), all from Australia, and Prosthemadera novaeseelandiae (Gmelin, 1788) from New Zealand, were based on first voyage specimens taken back to England. In addition, Parkinson (who was employed by Banks primarily as a botanical draughtsman) left thirty-five paintings of birds met with on the voyage, one of which (folio 13 of Pelagodroma marina marina (Latham, 1790)), is the type of the species depicted. These and other bird paintings from Cook's three voyages are identified and described in Lysaght's most valuable work (1959) on the bird paintings in the Library of Sir Joseph Banks. The naturalists on Cook's second voyage made a much more significant contribution to the ornithology of the regions visited. Anders Sparrman later published the descriptions of several new species from second voyage specimens several of which still survive. Unfortunately for J. R. Forster his detailed and accurate descriptions of newly-discovered bird species were not published until many years later. In the meantime most of the species he referred to had been validly described by Gmelin from Latham's descriptions based on specimens many of which must have been taken back to England on the second voyage ships. Several of these specimens still survive. The elder Forster's descriptions were most ably supplemented by invaluable paintings by his son, several of which now have type status, which, together with other second voyage bird paintings by an unknown artist, have also been identified by Lysaght. A further most significant addition to available materials relating to second voyage ornithology will be the forthcoming Hakluyt Society publication of J. R. Forster's Resolution journal, edited by Dr Michael E. Hoare, which contains numerous valuable ornithological observations.