Corella at Blackpool Zoo, UK. Photo: Steve Wilson
Volunteers are being urged to take part in a count of the endangered Muir’s Corella in the state’s Southwest.
Department of Environment and Conservation team leader Brad Barton said the survey would aim to provide an accurate estimate of the numbers of the endangered, endemic parrot.
“Muir’s corella (Cacatua pastinator pastinator) once inhabited most of WA’s south-west from the Swan and Avon rivers, south to Albany and Augusta and east to Broomehill and the Stirling and Porongurup ranges,” Mr Barton said.
“They are now found in only one population near Lake Muir, Boyup Brook, Perup River, Frankland and Rocky Gully.
“The information gained from the surveys is used to assist with management decisions regarding these birds.”
Muir’s Corella should not be confused with the Long-Billed Corella (Cacatua tenuirostris) – introduced from eastern Australia and for which a controversial DEC cull in suburban Maylands has been planned.
In the first corella count in 2007, about 9000 birds were tallied during the survey of 22 properties by 55 landholders, volunteers and government staff.
During the last count in 2009, 57 people surveyed 38 properties across Manjimup, Cranbrook, Plantagenet, Boyup Brook and Kojonup shires and counted 12,947 corellas.
Mr Barton said volunteers in the upcoming fourth annual count need not have bird counting experience.
“The resounding success of previous surveys is thanks to the assistance of the many people who have given their time to take part in the count,” he said.
The 2011 Muirs Corella count will be held on Wednesday, March 9 between 6PM and 6.30PM. Participants will meet at Tonebridge Country Club at 4PM and there will be a barbecue afterwards.
Interested people should contact Julia Wayne on 9771 7910 or at Julia.wayne@dec.wa.gov.au.