Importantly, we found parts of the pink cockatoo range which had lower genetic diversity. However, we found that the genetic differences between the two pink cockatoo subspecies were relatively minor. When gene flow is obstructed, genetic differences accumulate in the isolated groups, which can lead to the formation of different subspecies, and even species. The Eyrean Barrier has likely limited the movement of birds between the two areas, leading to reduced gene flow. This is seen in genetic differences between birds to the east and to the west/north of the ‘Eyrean Barrier’ region, which comprises the Flinders Ranges and Lake Eyre Basin. These genetic data support the presence of two pink cockatoo subspecies, as predicted from their morphology. We were able to generate genetic data from over 50 pink cockatoo specimens held in museum collections throughout Australia, including many from the Australian Museum and the Australian National Wildlife Collection, CSIRO, Canberra. To better understand the evolution of the pink cockatoo and help improve its conservation, we undertook a genetic study of the species across its entire range. The beauty and intelligence of this bird makes it sought after as a pet around the world. The species is also poached from the wild for the illegal wildlife trade. Additionally, the pink cockatoo is under threat in some parts of its range, largely due to the removal of hollow-bearing trees, upon which this species relies for nesting. There has been no genetic research to clarify the two currently recognised subspecies or to determine whether they are evolutionarily distinct. However, in the past, up to four different subspecies have been recognised.
These two groups have been recognised as subspecies for over two decades.
These two groups differ in their appearance – birds from the eastern group are slightly larger and have a more prominent yellow band in their crest. ‘subspecies’): one in the central/western part of its range ( L. The pink cockatoo is divided into two groups (i.e. Like some other parrot species, they are very long-lived – a captive pink cockatoo from Brookfield Zoo, USA, recently passed away at the age of 82! They eat seeds from a variety of plants, including some exotic agricultural and noxious species, and supplement their diet with insects. The estimates will be used to inform management of these species in Victoria.Pink cockatoos are found in low densities across the arid and semi-arid inland of Australia, surviving in some of Australia’s harshest habitats. The models also provide information on the changes in density of these species over the last ten years across the state. Scientists from ARI developed models using data collected by Birdlife Australia to estimate state-wide and regional abundance of Sulphur-crested Cockatoos, Long-billed Corellas, Little Corellas and Galahs in Victoria. The populations of all four species have either been stable or increased over the past ten years, although there has been a slight recent decline in abundance of Sulphur-crested Cockatoos. The Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research (ARI) estimates state-wide populations of 13.9 million Galahs, 7.7 million Sulphur-crested Cockatoos, 5.2 million Long-billed Corellas and 2.9 million Little Corellas. Guidelines for Reducing Cockatoo Damage (DOCX, 3.6 MB) Cockatoo, Corella and Galah abundance in Victoria Guidelines for Reducing Cockatoo Damage (PDF, 973.6 KB)
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