Launch: MAPPING GLOSSY BLACKS
Announcing a new 'SPECIAL PROJECT'
We are launching a new, ongoing initiative to help save the
Glossy Black-Cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus lathami).
The region covered
The Project encompasses the Atlas of Life: Coastal Wilderness, Atlas of Life: Budawang Coast, and Canberra Nature Map regions. This maps to the southern distribution of Glossy Blacks, and will provide valuable data for conservation of the species.
Surveys of Glossy Black-Cockatoos are challenging, as the birds are often in forested and remote areas. This is where citizen science can help. The more people out there, keeping an eye out and then reporting their sightings, the better!
The data
We are asking people to report:
- sightings of the Glossy Black-Cockatoos;
- evidence of their feeding; and
- the location of any potential nest hollows.
Just as important as knowing where the birds are, is knowing the location of potential nest sites.
Glossy Blacks nest in tree hollows - but not just any hollow! Breeding birds require 'spout' hollows, high in dead or damaged eucalypts. Such trees are well over 100 years old! And nest trees need to be within range of suitable feed trees. Research has shown that one of the key threats to the survival of Glossy Blacks is the loss of suitable nesting sites.
Mapping the location of such trees will help ensure their preservation for the use of breeding Glossies into the future.
The data from this project will assist various agencies in their efforts, including the OEH Threatened Species unit with their Saving Our Species program.
The time frame
This is a long-term, ongoing project. It will continue for years. The OEH and other relevant agencies will receive regular, collated reports. They are also able to view all sightings data 'live', on the various NatureMapr sites, at any time.
