Is it too late to save our iconic black cockatoos, or is there still time to act and protect these majestic birds? 

With their distinctive call and striking feathers, black cockatoos are beloved by many Australians. But some species of black cockatoo will be extinct by 2050 due to major habitat loss.

In this episode, Sarah is joined by wildlife biologist Associate Professor Bill Bateman and filmmaker Jane Hammond to discuss the decline in WA’s three species of black cockatoo, and what needs to be done to halt their spiral towards extinction. 

• Meet WA’s black cockatoos [04:28]
• Land clearing the death knell of cockatoos [06:03]
• EPA’s review too little too late [08:04]
• Adaptability a necessity for survival [08:37]
• Doco evokes action [10:23]
• “But I see cockatoos all the time” [15:55]
• What we can do differently [19:18]
• Policy and legislation must change [28:35]
• Cultural significance of black cockatoos [29:26]
• Contributing to conservation [30:13]

Learn more

• Black Cockatoo Crisis documentary
• Take action to save the black cockatoos
• Pine tree removal threatening WA’s endangered black cockatoos
• Watchdog call on Gnangara pines could strike ‘killer blow’ to cockatoos

Connect with our guests

Associate Professor Bill Bateman, School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin University

Bill Bateman is wildlife biologist who researches animal behaviour, conservation and ecophysiology. He has published over 85 papers and book chapters, with research spanning invertebrates through to large mammals. 

Bill’s research interests include investigating mating selection, species’ survival tactics and the ability of birds and animals to survive in urban environments. 

He is a regular media commentator on animal behaviour, wildlife biology, urban ecology and conservation. 

Twitter profile

Staff profile

Jane Hammond, freelance journalist and filmmaker

Jane Hammond is a Perth-based documentary filmmaker who has worked for more than 25 years as a journalist. She writes, directs and shoots documentaries on environmental issues, social affairs, science and politics. 

Her latest documentary, Black Cockatoo Crisis, captures the plight of WA’s black cockatoo species and has so far won five international awards. 

Twitter profile

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Transcript

Read the transcript.

Behind the scenes

Host: Sarah Taillier
Content creator: Zoe Taylor
Recordist: Jayden Mclean 
Producer: Emilia Jolakoska

First Nations Acknowledgement

Curtin University acknowledges the traditional owners of the land on which Curtin Perth is located, the Whadjuk people of the Nyungar Nation, and on Curtin Kalgoorlie, the Wongutha people of the North-Eastern Goldfields; and the First Nations peoples on all Curtin locations.

Music

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Curtin University supports academic freedom of speech. The views expressed in The Future Of podcast may not reflect those of Curtin University.