Why in news?
Conservationists in Hong Kong installed nest boxes for the critically endangered yellow‑crested cockatoo, as natural tree hollows have been lost due to typhoons and urban pruning.
About the species
- Scientific name: Cacatua sulphurea. This small white cockatoo has a bright yellow crest and a strong curved beak.
- Native range: Endemic to Indonesia and Timor‑Leste, with small populations on Komodo, Flores, Sumbawa, Timor and the Sulawesi islands.
- Population status: The global population is estimated at only 1,200–2,000 birds. Around one‑tenth of the wild population survives in Hong Kong’s Causeway Bay district, making it an important stronghold.
- Behaviour: These cockatoos are gregarious and usually monogamous. They nest in tree cavities and lay two to three eggs per clutch, with both parents sharing incubation.
Threats
- Habitat loss: Deforestation and typhoons have destroyed large trees that provide nesting hollows. Government trimming of urban trees further reduces available sites.
- Illegal trade: The species is targeted for the pet bird trade, despite strict protection under CITES and national laws.
- Small population size: Small, scattered populations are vulnerable to genetic bottlenecks and random events.
Conservation efforts
- Nest box programme: Researchers are installing artificial nest boxes to provide secure breeding sites and monitor breeding success.
- Legal protection: The cockatoo is listed as critically endangered by the IUCN and trade is regulated through CITES Appendix I.
- Community engagement: Birdwatchers and local residents help monitor nests, report illegal trade and participate in habitat restoration.
Conclusion
Saving the yellow‑crested cockatoo requires habitat restoration, strict enforcement against trafficking and public awareness. Hong Kong’s nest box initiative offers hope for this charismatic species.