Carnaby Crusaders is a small Not For Profit Charity  headed up by Dean Arthurell. Dean will enlighten us as to the very parlous state that this iconic and endangered species, the Carnaby Cockato is currently facing.

Dean may well bring along a Carnaby Cockatoo so members can experience these magnificent birds up close and personal. He will also bring an example of an artifical nesting box which our Shed might be able to assist in constructing more of should the members be interested. So come along and show your interest.

Further details are set out below.

Carnaby’s Crusaders LTD are a Registered Not For Profit Charity. We are an enterprise dedicated to supporting the recovery, breeding and preservation of habitat that supports Western Australia’s native Black Cockatoo species.

Artificial Cockatoo Hollows & Tubes

Over the past 200+ years mankind has left its mark on Western Australia, today only around 10% of the original habitat suitable for our Black Cockatoos still exists. Consequently, there is thought to be around 10% of the original population of the 3 species of Black Cockatoos left in Southern Western Australia. As the remaining suitable habitat dwindles and fractures, it becomes more difficult for each species to exist and retain population numbers. Large areas of habitat become smaller, and other areas of habitat become separated by more clearing, Black Cockatoo’s therefore face more hurdles to find breeding habitat within range of feeding habitat. The average Eucalyptus tree takes a minimum of 150 years to reach a size where a Natural Hollow can begin to form. Black Cockatoos require the largest of natural hollows further limiting their ability to breed.

Artificial Cockatoo Hollows & Tubes are essentially a man-made vessel designed to mimic the internal hollow of a Eucalyptus tree. An Artificial Hollow can be made from a variety of materials, each having different properties, therefore advantages and disadvantages with each design. There is however a design criterion that will enhance success, and reduce the use by competitor species. The major design principle of an Artificial Cockatoo Hollow is the open top entrance. Black cockatoos have evolved to tolerate the elements, the majority of natural hollows large enough to accommodate Black Cockatoo breeding, are upright and have large openings.

This tolerance of the elements has allowed Artificial Cockatoo Tube design to capitalize on this feature as few other competitor species are able to do the same. Black Cockatoo’s constantly face pressure from competition species such as Gallah’s, Corella’s, 28’s and feral bees. Despite their size, all these competitors will often use and take over the few remaining natural hollows suitable for Black Cockatoos. Well placed and designed artificial hollows eliminate the majority of competition species by design, allowing Black Cockatoos access to a viable breeding site without intense competition.

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If there is enough interest from our members, then the Shed may well undertake the construction of a number of boxes as a shed project which will greatly enhance the community benefit of assisiting to help protect these magnificent birds.