The Carnaby’s Black-Cockatoo is classified as Endangered under the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. Their population has declined greatly in recent decades, due mostly to the loss and fragmentation of their preferred habitats. They need the support of conservation programs to ensure their survival. There are many places you may spot the Carnaby’s Cockatoo throughout the Northern Agricultural Region. One great option is to follow the Carnaby’s Cockatoo Interpretive Walk Trail through and around the town of Moora. The interpretive signage provides information about the conservation of the birds as well as other information about Moora’s local flora, fauna and history.
The Cockatoos breed in the hollows of old Salmon Gums and Wandoo trees, and more recently have been successfully using artificial nesting hollows placed around the town of Moora. Generally, the best time to spot the birds in Moora is between July and February.
The walk trail itself meanders along the banks of the Moore River, through Eucalypt woodland remnants. It is an easy walk which will take you on a scenic trail around Moora. The walk is 3.4km in one direction, and for the keen walkers, you can complete a loop that will take you through Candy’s Bush Reserve, making it a 7km walk in total.
Candy’s Bush Reserve is a haven for wildflowers. The reserve was fenced to prevent vehicle access in 2013. A walk trail and interpretive signage was installed in 2015. 11 species of orchid have been recorded here. You can find more information on the signs as you walk through the reserve. You can also pick up a copy of the Candy’s Walk Trail Companion Booklet from the Moora Community Resource Centre.
Information sourced from the Shire of Moora, Moore Catchment Council’s “Eco Trails” booklet and Birdlife Australia
For more information on the Carnaby’s Black Cockatoo, please refer to NACC Notes article: http://www.nacc.com.au/threatenedspecies-week-carnabys-black-cockatoo/
For more information about local conservation efforts in Moora, you can visit Wally Kerkhof at the Moora Community Resource Centre.
