Bird Conservation & Concerns
Bird Conservation & Concerns
Marcus Mark Independent Research & Advisory endorses the organisations below that do tremendous work in helping much of Australia's threatened and endangered bird species recover.
Eagles, black cockatoos and all Australian parrots and raptors, in general, are part of a unique family of important birds, culturally and for our ecosystem.
Eagles Heritage is a dedicated sanctuary and rehabilitation centre located in Margaret River, Western Australia, focused on conserving birds of prey. The centre plays a vital role in rescuing and rehabilitating injured or orphaned raptors, with the goal of returning them to their natural habitats. In addition to its rehabilitation efforts, Eagles Heritage is committed to public education, offering visitors a chance to learn about the importance of raptor conservation. Through bird demonstrations and interactive displays, the centre raises awareness about the need to protect these majestic creatures. The sanctuary also contributes to ongoing research into raptor species and their environments, supporting efforts to ensure the long-term survival of these iconic birds.
Website: Eagles Heritage
Location: Margaret River, Western Australia
Other Raptor Conservation Organisations:
Australian Raptor Care and Conservation Inc.
Focuses on the rehabilitation and release of Australian birds of prey, aiming to advance knowledge for their successful return to the wild.
ARCC Inc.
BirdLife Australia Raptor Group
Formerly known as the Australasian Raptor Association, this group promotes the study, conservation, and management of diurnal and nocturnal birds of prey in the Australasian region.
Ausraptor Group
Kaarakin Black Cockatoo Conservation Centre
Rescues and rehabilitates wild black cockatoos in distress, aiming to release them back into the wild.
Black Cockatoo Recovery
Save The Black Cockatoos
Focuses on emergency action plans to prevent the extinction of South West Black Cockatoo species in Western Australia.
Save the Black Cockatoos
Glossy Black Conservancy
An independent conservation and research association providing resources, training, and support to help identify and learn about the Glossy Black-Cockatoo.
Glossy Black
Nature Foundation - Glossy Black Cockatoo Recovery Program
Works to save and protect the Kangaroo Island Glossy Black-Cockatoo population through various conservation efforts.
Nature Foundation
Black Cockatoo Conservation WA
Dedicated to the conservation of all three black cockatoo species in the south-west of Western Australia, focusing on habitat preservation and management.
Black Cockatoo Conservation WA
Black Cockatoo Preservation Society of Australia
Rescues rehabilitates, and releases black cockatoos back into their native habitats, also providing education on animal welfare and conservation.
ACNC
Torbay Catchment Group - Black Cockatoo Conservation
Undertakes conservation efforts to manage threats and improve habitat for the three species of black cockatoo in their region.
Torbay Catchment
Australian Conservation Foundation - Black Cockatoos
Advocates for the protection of black cockatoos, highlighting the threats they face and promoting conservation initiatives.
Over a hundred cockatoos and various other bird species have been found dead near the southern coastal mining town of Hopetoun. Wildlife rangers discovered more than 100 white-tailed black cockatoos near a local golf course. Wildlife officers reported recovering additional birds near Munglinup, located 75 kilometres east of Hopetoun. Among them were 37 more white-tailed black cockatoos, six regent parrots, two galahs, three mudlarks, three ravens, four yellow-throated miners, and a kestrel.
At the time of the discovery, it remains uncertain whether the deceased cockatoos were Carnaby's black cockatoos, a critically endangered species, or Baudin’s cockatoos, according to the Department of Environment. However, Raana Scott, the recovery manager for Carnaby's black cockatoos, speculated that the birds were likely of this threatened species.
Investigators believe the deaths were caused by extreme heat, with temperatures reaching 47°C and strong northerly winds sweeping through the area. However, they have not ruled out the possibility of poisoning. The deaths have raised alarms for the Carnaby's black cockatoo population, which is already under pressure due to habitat loss.
Ms Scott expressed her concerns, noting that the event could have wiped out as much as half of the Carnaby’s black cockatoo population in Munglinup, a region just 50 kilometres from Hopetoun. Given the bird's long lifespan (up to 50 years), late breeding age (around four years old), and low reproduction rate (one chick per year), the population may take a significant amount of time to recover, if at all.
The Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC) is actively investigating the cause of the deaths. Cockatoos have been sent to Perth for further analysis. DEC’s Nature Protection Branch manager, Kevin Morrison, confirmed that the department would conduct a thorough investigation, including autopsies, lab tests, and site inspections.“At this stage, heat stress seems to be a likely contributor, given the extreme temperatures and intense northerly winds on Wednesday, along with reports of temperatures exceeding 50°C in Munglinup,” Morrison said. “However, we are also looking into other potential causes, such as poisoning, and we will conduct a full examination of the birds, along with soil and vegetation samples, for further analysis.”
Soil, water, and vegetation samples have been collected and will be sent to the WA Chemistry Centre for testing
Lloyd Marshall, editor of Talking Birds magazine, has raised doubts about the role of extreme heat in the deaths. He argues that Australian parrots and cockatoos are well-adapted to high temperatures, typically coping with conditions up to 50°C by seeking shade and conserving energy. Marshall suggested that poisoning, particularly from contaminated water near the golf course, was a more likely cause of death. He also noted that unripe macadamia nuts, which contain high levels of arsenic, could have been a contributing factor, citing a similar incident involving black cockatoos in Wattle Grove in 2009.
Carnaby's black cockatoos, native to Western Australia, are found in regions stretching from Geraldton to Esperance. The recent deaths are a significant blow to the ongoing conservation efforts for this iconic species.
Source of information: Narelle Towie, Environment Reporter, January 8 2010 2:55 PM
Animal welfare advocates have expressed strong criticism over the leniency of a two-week jail sentence handed to a man who illegally killed 406 wedge-tailed eagles in Victoria.
Murray James Silvester, a farmhand, faced the Sale Magistrates' Court after pleading guilty to poisoning the eagles and concealing their bodies over two years while working on a property in Tubbut, East Gippsland. In addition to the 14-day jail term, he was fined $2,500 for destroying protected wildlife. This marked the first instance of someone being jailed for this type of offence in Victoria.
However, the sentence has sparked outrage among conservation groups. Humane Society International criticized the punishment as grossly insufficient, given the gravity of the crime. Spokesperson Evan Quartermaine pointed out that the penalty effectively equates to less than an hour of jail time and just $6 per eagle killed.
“This sentence is utterly inadequate. Until penalties align with the severity of crimes against wildlife, those who disregard the value of nature will remain undeterred,” Quartermaine stated.
Under Victoria’s Wildlife Act, the maximum penalty for hunting, destroying, or taking notable wildlife is six months imprisonment and an $8,000 fine, with an additional $800 per animal killed. For this case, the theoretical maximum fine could have exceeded $330,000. Wedge-tailed eagles have been classified as notable wildlife in Victoria since 1998, with harsher penalties applicable for their deliberate destruction.
The Department of Environment, Land, Water, and Planning (DELWP) launched a criminal investigation after discovering over 100 wedge-tailed eagle carcasses on a property near the Snowy River National Park in East Gippsland. Allegations suggest the birds, along with four other protected species, were poisoned.
While some farmers may target wedge-tailed eagles due to concerns about the safety of newborn lambs, experts contend that these fears are largely unfounded. DELWP’s Dave Skelton explained, “Wedge-tailed eagles are far more likely to scavenge roadkill or prey on other species than to harm lambs.”
Despite the conviction of Silvester, the owner of the property where the killings occurred, John Auer, has faced no charges. This has added to public frustration, with many calling for stricter enforcement of wildlife protection laws and greater accountability for all involved.
The Victorian Wildlife Act, enacted in 1975, includes penalties of up to six months imprisonment or fines of $8,000 for killing protected species, plus additional penalties for each animal harmed. Conservationists argue that unless these laws are enforced more rigorously, the slaughter of iconic species like the wedge-tailed eagle will continue unchecked.
Source of information: Calla Wahlquist Tue 25 Sep 2018 17.12 AEST
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