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Environmental advocates have issued a urgent alert that continued clearing of WA’s northern jarrah forests for bauxite mining will push the endangered rare cockatoo species "to the edge of survival."

Clear Choice for Survival

Mark Henryon, who has spent years promoting enhanced conservation of what he calls the state’s "forgotten" black cockatoo, said there is a clear choice that will determine the bird’s future. "Baudin’s or bauxite – we can’t have both," he remarked.

The dark-feathered, pale-faced bird, known for its distinctive vocalization, is endemic to the south-west of the state.

Distinct Characteristics

In contrast to the higher profile related species, the Baudin’s has a more slender beak, which functions like a surgical tool to extract seeds from marri nuts leaving intact the whole seed casing.

In recent years, local bird conservationists proposed the cockatoo for uplisting to highest threat level under state legislation, after studies indicated the number of birds had dropped dramatically over the past 40 years.

Although international bodies like the International Union for Conservation of Nature classify the Baudin’s as critically endangered, the local experts declined the nomination, citing insufficient data.

Mining Expansion Threats

Advocates now warn the species is under increased threat than ever due to planned expansions of ore extraction in the northern jarrah forests.

Mining corporation Alcoa has two proposals that would destroy more than 11,000 hectares of the long-exploited forest—comparable to repeatedly clearing a landmark area.

Another metals company, South32, has also been given the green light by authorities to clear over 9,400 acres for the expansion of its Worsley Alumina bauxite mine.

Essential Environment

The birds rely on old trees and hollows in the Darling Range habitat south-east of Perth as their primary winter habitat.

The majority of these cockatoos nest in the far south-west and travel seasonally to feed in the woodland region between March and September each year.

Mining companies in the area have a long history of what the Conservation Council of WA describes as "strip mining"—clearing entire sections to access the ore below.

"I’ve seen images of vast cleared areas, and there will be one tree left," said the council’s executive director.

Roberts emphasized that to ensure the species’ survival, "it’s vital to stop mining in forests and habitat destruction for resources."

"Natural cavities can take hundreds of years to form. They’re in ancient specimens. They can’t be rehabilitated or brought back at the speed that the cockatoo needs them to be."

Public Response

The state’s Environmental Protection Authority recently initiated the mining plans for community consultation—marking the initial occasion in 60 years that the community has had the chance to scrutinize the mining activities in the region.

The feedback process received more than an unprecedented number of responses—the highest number ever in such a process. The vast majority were template responses from an coordinated effort, and the EPA stated that the record volume highlighted significant public interest in the assessment.

Irreversible Consequences

In its formal response to the authority, BirdLife WA said additional extraction in the ecologically rich zone would have "permanent and devastating" consequences for Western Australia’s birds, including the Baudin’s, Carnaby’s and forest red-tailed black cockatoo.

The group warned that the Baudin’s would become ecologically obsolete within 50 years or even earlier if the mining projects move forward.

Much of the planned deforestation is in the highest quality habitat, which include ancient forest stands.

Company Response

An company representative said the firm believes ecological considerations should be "carefully evaluated and handled with care in alongside industrial operations necessary to produce aluminum, largely driven by climate goals."

"In both our current mining areas, we have protective steps in place to safeguard ecologically sensitive zones," they added.

The representative said proposed mitigation measures include protecting nesting sites and establishing buffer zones around them.

Cultural Significance

Henryon reflected that Baudin’s are so integral to locals, "they’re part of everyday life."

"They’re a common sight; they are part of the south-west’s identity. Can we accept their disappearance?" he asked.

"To ensure their survival, we need to look after their homes. If we’re truly committed, we actually have to do something."