On Monday 20 March, the Year 12 ATAR Geography class explored the Kaarakin Black Cockatoo Conservation Centre, which is dedicated to the rescue and rehabilitation of sick and injured native animals.

This excursion allowed us to deeply understand the impacts of land cover change on the population of black cockatoos. We learnt about different species of black cockatoos and the different threats that have led to their endangerment. The three different species: Carnaby, Baudin and Forest red-tailed black cockatoos are all endemic. We heard about some of the specific threats to the species’ population including illegal shootings in the Wheatbelt, vehicle strikes, raven mobbing and spraying of canola crops with organophosphate. There are fewer than 15,000 Baudin black cockatoos left in the wild, the Carnaby’s population has decreased by 50% in the last 45 years and there are fewer than 15,000 red tails left in the wild.

Not only did we get to see the black cockatoos but we also fed them and were able to take photos with them. It was a positive experience acknowledging the results of land cover change to our environment.

Cassie Ryan 12P3