Listening for Glossies in Gympie

We know raising awareness about Glossy Black-Cockatoos is crucial to their survival. And while the Glossy Black Conservancy is focussed on applied research and recovery planning, we can’t forget that people and their passion for wildlife and conservation are ultimately what drive outcomes on the ground. 

Which is why Conservancy members Kim and Joel Morris spent last weekend at the vibrant Goomeri Pumpkin Festival, connecting with locals and visitors to share stories of the black cockatoos found across the Gympie Region. Over the two-day festival, they reached thousands of people, sparking conversations about Glossy Black-Cockatoos, answering curious questions, and raising awareness of the important conservation work underway.

Festival-goers didn’t just leave with new knowledge — Kim and Joel also gave away Glossy habitat trees and field guides, helping people better recognise and support these vulnerable birds in their own backyards. Many visitors were keen to learn more about the Listening for Glossies project currently happening across the region and how acoustic technology is helping uncover the hidden lives of these elusive cockatoos.

Late last year, Kim and Joel began a two-year population monitoring project focused on the Vulnerable Glossy Black-Cockatoo.“By using acoustic monitoring technology, we’re hoping to better understand where these birds are feeding and breeding in the Gympie Region,” Kim explained. “This information is essential if we’re to protect the key habitats they rely on for survival.”

If you think you’ve spotted Glossy Black-Cockatoos in the Gympie Region recently, the Conservancy would love to hear from you. Please get in touch at info@glossyblack.org.au so sightings can be followed up and investigated further.Every report helps build a clearer picture of the local population — and the stronger our data, the greater our ability to influence decision-makers and implement effective conservation measures for the future of Glossies.