Discovery of cockatoo chicks alive positive sign after Fitzgerald River National Park habitat devastation

Black cockatoo chicks have been found alive sheltering in tree hollows in the Fitzgerald River National Park, a rare bright spot among the habitat devastation caused by the recent bushfire. The Fitzgerald River National Park bushfire was ignited on January 16 and went on to burn more than 170,000ha across the park and surrounding areas. In the days following the fire, conservationists, ecologists and regional Parks and Wildlife Service staff began assessing the burnt landscape, marking the start of what authorities say will be a long-term recovery effort. During these assessments, teams discovered black cockatoo chicks sheltering in tree hollows that had survived the fire. They also witnessed an adult pair of black cockatoos returning to known nesting hollows, suggesting ongoing use of the habitat despite the damage. Parks and Wildlife Service planning officer Chris Rumenos said it had been amazing to be part of the recovery effort. “It’s just been amazing to be part of that rapid assessment team where we’ve been going out and surveying previously surveyed cockatoo habitat trees for the Carnaby,” he said. “It’s amazing to find two alive and healthy chicks within the fire ground within hollows. “These plants and animals are resilient to fire to a degree and we’re gonna see some good recovery and it’s gonna be an amazing thing to watch.” While some pockets of habitat were spared, large areas known to support Carnaby’s black cockatoo nesting and foraging sites as well as sites containing rare native flora were badly affected. Cocanarup Conservation Alliance member Chris Biddulph said a lot of cockatoos were known to live in the area and it was encouraging to see a few alive and well. “Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions have been in and checked several of those trees and they still have chicks in them which is a promising sign,” he said. “Just on 300 trees that have been known to have a nest in them and they are all GPS and tagged numbered. “We’ve done this in conjunction with Bird Life Australia.” DBCA are working alongside traditional owners, environmental groups and other stakeholders to continue assessing the impacts of the fire on wildlife, ecosystems, cultural sites and visitors.