Australia: Local population of endangered bird cut by half

In Australasia, News Headlines, Rising Temperatures

Researchers say extreme heat has wiped out half a local population of endangered birds on WA’s South Coast.

More than 170 birds have been found dead in Hopetoun.

150 of those are the endangered white-tailed black cockatoo, known as the Carnaby’s Cockatoo.

The Department of Environment and Conservation says they probably perished on Wednesday when temperatures in the region reached as high as 53 degrees.

Raana Scott from Birds Australia says it will have a significant impact on the local population, which was believed to number about 250.

“Very few chicks actually survive to breed themselves, so it’s going to take a very long time for this population to recover, if it can recover,” she said.

Rob Pridham from the Department of Environment and Conservation says it appears Wednesday’s record heat was the main cause of the deaths but investigations are continuing.

“All indications so far is that the deaths have occurred because of the extreme heat and winds that have been prevalent in the last couple of days” he said.

“Speaking to witnesses they’ve actually watched the birds come in for water and virtually die in front of them.”

You may also read!

Millions In China Face Arsenic Poisoning

Nearly 20 million people in China live in areas at high risk of arsenic contamination in their water supplies,

Read More...

Biblical Wormwood Arrives In India

Tubewells in seven wards of Chittagong City Corporation are pumping water with arsenic contamination 10 times higher than the

Read More...

34 Meter Tsunami Could Hit Japan

TOKYO (AP)—Much of Japan's Pacific coast could be inundated by a tsunami more than 34 meters (112 feet) high

Read More...

Mobile Sliding Menu