Adopt a Cocky Nest Project
June 11, 2021
The Carnaby Black-Cockatoo is a Western Australian icon, but over the last decade there has been estimated 35 per cent decline in population numbers across the Swan Coastal District.
Our connection with cockatoos and BirdLife Australia started at the Roe Highway Logistics Park (ROE) estate where we realised the plight of the birds and partnered with BirdLife Australia to protect and improve a cockatoo roost. The advice of BirdLife has been important in making sure the roost continues to attract cockatoos, while also driving the company to realise a wider opportunity to help protect cockatoos and their habitats for future generations.
Hesperia now works with BirdLife on a number of projects, including the ‘Adopt a Cocky Nest’ initiative, which will see the installation of artificial nests in known breeding areas to help grow the bird population.
Hesperia managing director Ben Lisle is a passionate supporter of the program, stating programs like this are part of Hesperia’s responsibility in contributing to local communities.
“We have a responsibility to protect the environment through our developments and should always try to leave the environment better off than it was beforehand. Improving the protection of black cockatoos is part of this,” Ben stated.
“We believe that Hesperia can make a real difference to the future for cockatoos through our sophisticated approach to development that continually improves tree canopy cover, supports local tree species, and expands bird habitat.”
To date, the project has been met with overwhelming success.
BridLife’s Black Cockatoo Project Officer, Merryn Pryor stated “we have already received a huge amount of support for the Cocky Nest project. This highlights the importance Western Australians place on protect cockatoos. We have more commitments to help than we need and are delighted by this result.”
Hesperia supports leading research by the WA Museum and Murdoch University to better understand the movements of cockatoos on the Swan Coastal Plain.
“While we all see the cockatoos in our environment, we need to know much more about where they travel, when and why the move, and the best tree species to preserve for their foraging,” stated Glenn Coffey, development manager at Hesperia.
“The more we know about cockatoos, the more that BirdLife Australia, Hesperia and other organisations can work together to protect these beautiful birds.”
We will be continuing to work with BirdLife Australia and other organisations to help protect black cockatoos through practical activities like Adopt a Cocky Nest, tree planting and new studies and research.
