Typical surveys rely on following auditory (vocalisations) and visual (sightings) cues to determine the presence of birds or nests. Surveys for these trees are crucial for management purposes. Within Australia, the iconic Palm Cockatoo Probosciger arterrimus macgillivrayi occurs only on the Cape York Peninsula, Queensland, has recently been listed as Endangered, and requires large, old hollow-bearing trees for nesting.

I've partnered with a non-profit called People For Wildlife to make this happen. You can help me save Palm Cockatoos by donating to this cause. Given the lack of funding for annual fire management in the region, I've resorted to making firebreaks around Palmy nest trees. More recently, after witnessing relentless destruction of their ancient (300+ years old) nesting trees by unnaturally large fires, I've turned my efforts to protecting individual nesting trees. Our dedicated efforts have resulted in research outputs which indicate that Palm Cockatoos 1) are in steep decline, 2) possess individually unique vocalisations, 3) mix and match vocal syllables like Passerine birds do (unusual for a parrot), 4) have different vocal dialects across their range, with Lockhart River being particularly unique in this regard, and 5) are the only non-human animal to produce rhythmic sound with a tool. This Project promotes the preservation and better understanding of Palm Cockatoos in Australia. This Project, which I started in 2009, involving 33 months of remote fieldwork (as of May 2023), 6 scientific papers published (more in preparation), and myriad public engagement activities to increase the public profile of these magnificent birds. Australia's largest parrot by weight, Palm Cockatoos are sadly Endangered, and they need our help.

Great palm cockatoo