The majesty of the palm cockatoo might live on thanks to a Cape York-based project recognised at the Australian Geographic Society (AGS) Awards for Nature. Photo: Christina Zdenek.
Australia’s largest parrot, the magnificent palm cockatoo, has been given a fighting chance thanks to a now award-winning homegrown project.
The endangered “palmy” – fewer than 3000 remain in the wild – is battling a critical shortage of old tree hollows needed for breeding.
Enter environmental conservation charity People For Wildlife and its Palm Cockatoo Breeding Habitat Restoration project.
Not only is the team offering hope future generations will see the majesty of this bird in flight and hear its almost-human squawk, the Cape York-based project has been awarded a prestigious national prize for its work.
One of five groundbreaking conservation programs recognised at the Australian Geographic Society (AGS) Awards for Nature, announced in Sydney today, Thursday 23 October, the People For Wildlife project won a Bronze Tier Award and $20,000.
The high-profile award marks fitting recognition for the group as it continues to work with Cape York rangers and expert arborists to create artificial hollows, secure firebreaks and monitor nests with cameras and acoustic recorders.
With AGS support, the team will double available hollows by 2027, giving palmies an opportunity to replenish their numbers.
People For Wildlife restores biodiverse habitats around the globe by creating nature-based economic opportunities for the communities that live in them.
“We use the best available science, work with Indigenous peoples and local communities, and connect them to people and organisations wanting to invest in nature,” the organisation says.
Officially announced at a public ceremony at the Australian Museum, Sydney, the annual Awards for Nature highlight projects of genuine hope.
“The awards are an acknowledgement of past success and a vote of confidence in the future,” says Chrissie Goldrick, chair of the Australian Geographic Society.
Twenty-one projects were shortlisted from the 71 expressions of interest received, before the final five were chosen.
“From suburban bug hunts to Arnhem Land stewardship, from saving helmeted honeyeaters and palm cockatoos to restoring oyster reefs, every award supports a brighter ecological future,” Ms Goldrick says.
Watch this video to better understand the award-winning Palm Cockatoo Breeding Habitat Restoration project in our own backyard.
