Peter R. Mawson

Application of STR markers in wildlife forensic casework involving Australian black-cockatoos (Calyptorhynchus spp.)

Parrots and cockatoos are highly prized aviary birds and the demands for such species has fuelled their illegal trade and harvest from the wild. Here we report on three forensic case studies involving black-cockatoos (Calyptorhynchus spp.) endemic to Australia. These cases involve suspected poaching and illegal killing of endangered red- and white-tailed black-cockatoos. Through the prior development of 20 polymorphic microsatellite loci and population databases for white- and red-tailed black-cockatoos, the tools are available to conduct high-resolution paternity and individual identity testing. In one case, we matched a red-tailed black-cockatoo nestling to a tree hollow from which it was poached through the use of DNA from eggshell recovered from the nest. For the second case, we utilized our provenance population database (nest sites), and identified the kinship and geographic origin of a white-tailed black-cockatoo, which was illegally harvested from the wild. The third case determined the number individual white-tailed black-cockatoos allegedly shot at a fruit growers orchard from body part remains. These genetic investigations highlight the significance and statistical confidence of DNA profiling and associated databases for endangered taxa, such as exotic birds. Our cockatoo population databases are the first of their kind in Australia, and demonstrate the efficacy of such approaches to identify such illegal activity. With a robust set of genetic markers and methodologies in place, we aim to broaden our population databases to include other cockatoo species of conservation concern.

One fledgling or two in the endangered Carnaby's Cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus latirostris): a strategy for survival or legacy from a bygone era?

Carnabys Cockatoo is an endangered cockatoo endemic to Southwestern Australia. It normally lays two eggs with a median interval between them of eight days, but usually only fledges one nestling. Older, more experienced females are capable of fledging both young under conditions when food is not limiting. This can result in an increase in annual fledgling production. Predicted changes in climate of SW Australia may have major adverse consequences on breeding in the species.

Characterisation and cross-species utility of 20 microsatellite markers for population and forensic applications in the endangered Carnaby’s Black-cockatoo, Calyptorhynchus latirostris

We characterise 20 microsatellite loci identified from the endangered Carnaby’s Black-cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus latirostris). The primers were tested across 40 individuals from the southwest of Western Australia and displayed between 4 and 11 alleles per locus with expected heterozygosities ranging from 53 to 87% and exclusion probabilities of ≥0.999. These loci will be useful in population genetic studies to facilitate conservation management decisions in addition to wildlife enforcement applications for the endangered Carnaby’s Black-cockatoo. We also tested the markers in 12 high profile and smuggled species from five genera, Cacatua, Callocephalon, Calyptorhynchus, Nymphicus and Probosciger. These species detected between 2 and 19 alleles per locus with 50–100% amplification success.

Meeting an expanding human population's needs whilst conserving a threatened parrot species in an urban environment

The human population of Perth, Western Australia is currently 1.9 million and is predicted to more than double by 2061. The increased housing and infrastructure required to support this population will conflict with the habitat requirements of the Carnaby’s cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus latirostris), a threatened parrot that inhabits the suburbs of Perth outside its breeding season. To understand how this species uses the landscape and identify possible ways to mitigate the impact of future development, we undertook flock follows, assisted by satellite telemetry of 23 birds. The cockatoos have adapted to urban living by using non-native trees for communal night roosting, using artificial water sources, and by relying heavily on exotic food sources. By developing a better understanding of how these cockatoos have adapted to urban habitats we can use a suite of innovative conservation strategies to complement traditional habitat conservation measures. These strategies include urban and landscape planning decisions that consider the specific needs of cockatoos and that involve the community in the conservation of a threatened species.

Survival and reintegration of rehabilitated Carnaby’s cockatoos Zanda latirostris into wild flocks.

Release into the wild is the preferred outcome for rehabilitated animals, but often little is known about what happens to individuals following their release. Increased knowledge of post-release survival and reintegration into the wild could improve release and rehabilitation strategies. To assess the survival and reintegration of rehabilitated Endangered Carnaby’s Cockatoos Zanda latirostris into wild flocks we studied the movements and behaviour of 23 birds fitted with satellite tracking devices. We assessed longer term survival by collating records of leg-banded birds over eight years. Rehabilitated birds had an estimated annual survival rate of 0.73. The band recovery rate for all rehabilitated Carnaby’s Cockatoos banded between 2005 and 2013 was not significantly different to those fitted with tracking devices (10.3% versus 13.0% respectively, P = 1). Physical, social and behavioural indicators of fitness were used to assess the success of the reintegration of rehabilitated birds. Released birds flew, roosted and foraged with wild birds. Whilst pair bond formation and breeding of study birds could not be confirmed during this study, behaviours associated with pair bonding were observed, including allo-preening and male courtship displays. The rehabilitation process and pre-release procedure for identifying individuals ready for release was effective at selecting suitable release candidates.