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The Forest Red-tailed Black Cockatoo Calyptorhynchus banksii naso (FRTBC) is a large, iconic forest cockatoo, endemic to the south-west corner of Western Australia. It is currently listed as Vulnerable under the State Western Australian Wildlife Conservation Act and under the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act. In this paper, we provide details of nest tree and nest hollow requirements based on details of hollows in 128 nest trees studied over 17 years. FRTBC are monogamous and pairs nest in tree hollows from 6.5–33 m above ground. Most nests are in very large and very old, mature Marri Corymbia calophylla, a long-lived endemic tree species, which is the most important nesting tree throughout the FRTBC range. Nest trees of all species had a mean circumference at breast height of 2.79 m, a mean estimated age of 222 years and a mean overall height of 20.24 m. Marri nest trees had an mean circumference at breast height of 2.76 m, a mean estimated age of 220 years (95% confidence limit 209–231 years) and an average overall height of 20.04 m. The rate of fall or loss of nest trees was high, c. 16.6% per decade. A wide range of hollow types, defined by position of the hollow in the tree, were found. Hollow aspects were also diverse. The mean height to a hollow was 14.49 m. Mean hollow depth was 1.44 m, mean floor space (the longest linear distance across the bottom of the hollow) was 33.2 cm and the mean hollow entrance area was 30 x 34 cm. FRTBC nests are typically, but not always, clustered in the landscape and social interactions within the flock are likely to play a part in the clustering of nests. Nest competitors, including feral European Honey Bee Apis mellifera, Carnaby’s Cockatoo Calyptorhynchus latirostris, Baudin’s Cockatoo C. baudinii and the Regent Parrot Polytelis anthopeplus were recorded using nest hollows once used by FRTBC. In the past Marri was harvested commercially, especially the largest and oldest trees, for timber and woodchips. In recent times the volume of Marri logs has been reduced due to a decline in markets e.g. between 2004 and 2010 a total of 95,436 m³ was harvested (K. Whitford, pers. comm.). Given the importance of large, old trees for FRTBC breeding habitat, conservation of these trees

Little is known of the breeding behaviour of the Forest Red-tailed Black Cockatoo Calyptorhynchus banksii naso (FRTBC), a large, iconic forest cockatoo, endemic to the south-west corner of Western Australia, currently listed as Vulnerable under the State Western Australian Wildlife Conservation Act and under the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act. In this paper, we provide details of breeding behaviour of FRTBC based on observations throughout the year over 17 years, together with observations of diet and feeding behaviour over the same period. FRTBC are monogamous hollow-nesters. Breeding was recorded in all months, with peaks in autumn-winter (April– June) and spring (August–October), with few records in January and February. Breeding also varied between years, with little breeding in 1999, 2001 and 2008, but many observations in 2006 and 2009. Breeding occurred at times of fruiting of either of the principal feed trees, Jarrah Eucalyptus marginata or Marri Corymbia calophylla, so it does not depend solely on one or the other of these species. Courtship displays were noted at all times of the day, from before dawn at roost sites to dusk. In total, 205 breeding events were recorded, of which 69 (93%) of 72 nests had breeding confirmed on a second visit. Use of particular nest hollows varied considerably, with some used only once and some up to seven times. Only one egg is laid, which the female incubates for 29 to 31 days, before a nestling hatches weighing between 27 and 32 g. The female remains in the hollow during incubation and only leaves for a short period in the evening to be fed by the male, usually at dusk. The chicks are brooded for up to 10 days, after which the female leaves the nest between dawn and dusk. Pairs of birds appear to recognise each other by calls, not responding to calls by others in the area. Chicks only respond when the parent is heard. Chicks are fully feathered at 48 days. Fledgling success was estimated at 60%. Juveniles remain dependent on the adults 18 months to 2 years. Thirty-seven chicks were banded between 1997 and 2011. Juvenile-immature birds moved on average less than 3 km from their natal tree and older birds were observed moving up to 19 km. This suggests that FRTBC are generally sedentary. Immature birds took up to three times as long as their parents to open Jarrah or Marri nuts and eat the seeds. In recent years there has been an interesting change in foraging behaviour of birds in the northern Darling Range (adjacent to the Perth metropolitan area) with the FRTBC discovering and using a new food source, the introduced Cape Lilac Melia azedarach, and this species is of growing importance as food in the Perth region. In combination, the data on breeding biology and diet highlight the importance of identifying recruitment rates and food availability in managing populations of FRTBC.

Western Australia is home to more than one third of the known frog species in Australia and new ones are still being discovered.This guide presents up to date information on all species, including their distribution and habitat - including the cane toad, which has just arrived in the state.