Plastic artificial hollows save plunging red-tailed black cockatoos population in urban Perth

Recycled poly pipe is proving the key to saving Perth’s declining population of red-tail cockatoos, which have been suffering without suitable places to nest.

Three forest red-tailed black cockatoos were found using the plastic artificial hollows in Armadale bushland during monitoring by Landcare SJ and the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA).

The discovery was considered proof existing populations of the vulnerable species have adapted to the city’s increasing urbanisation.

Two nestlings found last month were between four and seven weeks old, and a third was about 11 weeks old, weighing 630g.

Plastic artificial hollows were typically thought to be minimally successful with forest red-tailed black cockatoos because they were rarely seen using them, despite vast availability.

DBCA Research Associate and volunteer Rick Dawson said the latest findings were a sign that the location of hollows was more important than what they were made of.

“This discovery of three nestlings in one season suggests successful breeding is less about the material of an artificial hollow and more about where it is placed, particularly within established breeding areas with reliable food and habitat nearby,” Mr Dawson said.

“Artificial hollows don’t create breeding populations; they support existing ones.

“Installing artificial hollows within, or close to, established breeding areas where birds already forage and nest, greatly increases the likelihood they will eventually be used.”

The hollows, which last about 75 years, should become a mainstay in long-term conservation infrastructure, Mr Dawson added.

“With regular maintenance they will provide nesting opportunities for generations of black cockatoos when conditions are right.

“The success of an artificial hollow isn’t measured by how quickly it is occupied, but by whether it is available when the birds need it most.”