‘Flamin’ cockatoos’ have lost much of their habitat to bushfires. Can the species survive?
Summary
The habitat of the endangered pink cockatoos, also called Major Mitchell’s cockatoos, has been severely damaged by wildfires in Victoria, Australia. The loss of old native pine trees, which the birds need for nesting and food, threatens the survival of the species.Key Facts
- The cockatoos live in Wyperfeld National Park in north-west Victoria, Australia.
- In January 2025-26, bushfires burned 70% of their main habitat called “pine plains.”
- The birds depend on old native cypress pines (at least 85-125 years old) to make nests.
- Previous fires in 2014 had already destroyed 60% of the pine plains and nearly all old nesting trees.
- Between 2014 and 2025, the available nesting trees for cockatoos became extremely rare.
- Other endangered birds in the region also lost large portions of their habitats to fires.
- Competition for nesting holes is high, with other birds and invasive bees taking the spaces.
- Conservationists are working to help by monitoring the birds and creating artificial nest hollows.
Read the Full Article
This is a fact-based summary from The Actual News. Click below to read the complete story directly from the original source.