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Doctoral Thesis
Western Australia’s black cockatoos in a changing environment: Movement ecology and energetics of Carnaby’s cockatoo (Zanda latirostris) and Forest red-tailed black cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus banksii naso) in modified landscapes
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Murdoch University
2023
Abstract
The south-west of Western Australia (SWWA) is home to three species of threatened endemic black cockatoos. Anthropogenic activities including urbanisation and agriculture have led to the loss of at least 70% of pre-colonial native vegetation and much of what remains exists in a highly fragmented state within a matrix of human modified landscapes. The black cockatoos of SWWA interact in varying degrees with these modified landscapes, with consequences to fitness that are largely unknown.
In this project, I used modern tracking technologies to study the ecology of Carnaby’s cockatoo (CC) and the forest red-tailed black cockatoo (FRBC) in modified habitats. Using GPS units with integrated accelerometer devices, I gained insight into the fine-scale habitat use of these birds, as well as informing the interaction between habitat, behaviour, and energy expenditure. In addition, I analysed foraging resources for energetic content to further inform patterns of activity revealed by tracking data.
FRBC were tracked in both their natural forest habitat and the urban environment into which they have recently expanded. Urban birds were found to expend 25% more energy per day, with little evidence that this was adequately offset by foraging on exotic foods of higher calorific value. CC were also tracked in the urban area where birds spending more me utilising the smallest fragments of remnant vegetation were found to travel significantly further each day. Daily distance travelled was in turn associated with greater energetic expenditure. Breeding CCs were tracked in the wheatbelt where the recent introduction of canola to the diet has been associated with improved reproductive outcomes. The existence of an upper limit to canola foraging was discovered, even when high temperatures reduced time available for foraging on native vegetation.
The research undertaken for this thesis has added to our understanding of the ecology of both species and the fitness consequences imposed on each by interaction with modified landscapes. The information herein will contribute to the conservation of Carnaby’s cockatoos and forest red-tailed black cockatoos by directly informing their respective Recovery Plans.
Details
- Title
- Western Australia’s black cockatoos in a changing environment: Movement ecology and energetics of Carnaby’s cockatoo (Zanda latirostris) and Forest red-tailed black cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus banksii naso) in modified landscapes
- Authors/Creators
- Karen J Riley
- Contributors
- Kristin Warren (Supervisor) - Murdoch University, Centre for Terrestrial Ecosystem Science and SustainabilityJill Shephard (Supervisor) - Murdoch University, Centre for Terrestrial Ecosystem Science and Sustainability
- Awarding Institution
- Murdoch University; Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
- Identifiers
- 991005753935507891
- Murdoch Affiliation
- Centre for Terrestrial Ecosystem Science and Sustainability
- Resource Type
- Doctoral Thesis
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