Gippsland Environment Group Inc
Lobbying against environmental threats on the unceded lands of the GunaiKurnai, Yaitmathang, Ngarigo and Bidwell Peoples
Glossy Black Cockatoos
New research by Arthur Rylah Institute (DEECA)
April 2024
Authors: Peter Menkhorst, Martin Schulz, and Kasey Stamation
(Australian Field Ornithology, 30 April 2024)
This research, undertaken since 2019 (pre and post-bushfires) shows the Glossy Black Cockatoo population in East Gippsland is continuing to decline. The population halved following the bushfires but has halved again since, possibly due to lack of food supply. No feeding sign was recorded at any of Black she-oak survey sites that were burnt by FFMV post-bushfires.
The authors stated that burning of unburnt stands of Black She-oak in the decade following the bushfires is highly undesirable. They make it clear that it is essential that she-oak stands are mapped and accorded extra protection during planned fires and if possible during bushfires.
The report suggests that if the results of the East Gippsland research can be extrapolated across the southeast Australian distribution of the Glossy Black Cockatoo population, then the species’ post bushfire classification as Vulnerable may underestimate the risk of extinction.
Download full paper here:
FFMV has repeatedly stated to GEG that they will not exclude all she-oaks from planned burn operations and in fact FFMV intend to target i.e. ‘fuel reduce’ she-oak stands. FFMV planned burns pose a serious threat to the recovery of the Glossy Black Cockatoo population post the 2019-20 bushfires.
More information
Biodiversity response and
recovery supplementary report:
bushfire impacts on species
in Victoria. Menkhorst, P., Schulz, M. & Stamation, K. 2022, DELWP (now DEECA)
Peter Menkhorst, Martin Schulz, and Kasey Stamation (Australian Field Ornithology, 30 April 2024)
Take Action
Contact the state and federal ministers, Conservation Regulator and FFMV staff below. Demand FFMV stop burning the habitat of critically endangered Glossy Black Cockatoos in East Gippsland. Use info above for your email.
Steve Dimopoulos MP – State Min for Environment
Email: reception.dimopoulos@ecodev.vic.gov.au
Phone: 03 862 43101
Jacinta Allan – Premier of Victoria
Email: jacinta.allan@parliament.vic.gov.au
Phone: 03 9651 5000
Tanya Plibersek – Federal Min for Environment
Email: Minister.Plibersek@dcceew.gov.au
Phone: 02 6277 7920
Office of Conservation Regulator – Kate Gavens
Email: conservationregulator@delwp.vic.gov.au
Deputy Chief Fire Officer, Gippsland
Email: sam.quigley@delwp.vic.gov.au
Tambo District Forest Fire Management Officer – Mick Beckers
Mick.Beckers@delwp.vic.gov.au
For forest fuel management enquires within the Tambo District please contact
Forest Fire Management Officer Brett Walker on 0439 187 348
