Calyptorhynchus Lathami Lathami (South-Eastern Glossy Black-Cockatoo)

Consultation Document on Listing Eligibility and Conservation Actions

Calyptorhynchus lathami lathami (South-eastern Glossy Black-Cockatoo)

You are invited to provide your views and supporting reasons related to:

1) the eligibility of Calyptorhynchus lathami lathami (South-eastern Glossy Black-Cockatoo) for inclusion on the EPBC Act threatened species list in the Vulnerable category; and

2) the necessary conservation actions for the above species.

Evidence provided by experts, stakeholders and the general public are welcome. Responses can be provided by any interested person.

Anyone may nominate a native species, ecological community or threatening process for listing under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) or for a transfer of an item already on the list to a new listing category. The Threatened Species Scientific Committee (the Committee) undertakes the assessment of species to determine eligibility for inclusion in the list of threatened species and provides its recommendation to the Australian Government Minister for the Environment.

Responses are to be provided in writing either by email to: [email protected] or by mail to:

The Director Migratory Species Section Biodiversity Conservation Division Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment PO Box 858 Canberra ACT 2601

Responses are required to be submitted by 27 August 2021 Contents of this information package Page

General background information about listing threatened species 2

Information about this consultation process 3

Draft information about the South-eastern Glossy Black-Cockatoo and its eligibility for 4 listing

Conservation actions for the species 14

References cited 16

Collective list of questions – your views 28

Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment 1 Calyptorhynchus lathami lathami (South-eastern Glossy Black-Cockatoo) Consultation document

General background information about listing threatened species

The Australian Government helps protect species at risk of extinction by listing them as threatened under Part 13 of the EPBC Act. Once listed under the EPBC Act, the species becomes a Matter of National Environmental Significance (MNES) and must be protected from significant impacts through the assessment and approval provisions of the EPBC Act. More information about threatened species is available on the department’s website at: http://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/threatened/index.html.

Public nominations to list threatened species under the EPBC Act are received annually by the Department. In order to determine if a species is eligible for listing as threatened under the EPBC Act, the Threatened Species Scientific Committee (the Committee) undertakes a rigorous scientific assessment of its status to determine if the species is eligible for listing against a set of criteria. These criteria are available on the Department’s website at: http://www.environment.gov.au/system/files/pages/d72dfd1a-f0d8-4699-8d43- 5d95bbb02428/files/tssc-guidelines-assessing-species-2018.pdf.

As part of the assessment process, the Committee consults with the public and stakeholders to obtain specific details about the species, as well as advice on what conservation actions might be appropriate. Information provided through the consultation process is considered by the Committee in its assessment. The Committee provides its advice on the assessment (together with comments received) to the Minister regarding the eligibility of the species for listing under a particular category and what conservation actions might be appropriate. The Minister decides to add, or not to add, the species to the list of threatened species under the EPBC Act. More detailed information about the listing process is at: http://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/threatened/nominations.html.

To promote the recovery of listed threatened species and ecological communities, conservation advices and where required, recovery plans are made or adopted in accordance with Part 13 of the EPBC Act. Conservation advices provide guidance at the time of listing on known threats and priority recovery actions that can be undertaken at a local and regional level. Recovery plans describe key threats and identify specific recovery actions that can be undertaken to enable recovery activities to occur within a planned and logical national framework. Information about recovery plans is available on the department’s website at: http://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/threatened/recovery.html.

Privacy notice

The Department will collect, use, store and disclose the personal information you provide in a manner consistent with the Department’s obligations under the Privacy Act 1988 (Cwth) and the Department’s Privacy Policy.

Any personal information that you provide within, or in addition to, your comments in the threatened species assessment process may be used by the Department for the purposes of its functions relating to threatened species assessments, including contacting you if we have any questions about your comments in the future.

Further, the Commonwealth, State and Territory governments have agreed to share threatened species assessment documentation (including comments) to ensure that all States and Territories have access to the same documentation when making a decision on

Threatened Species Scientific Committee 2 Calyptorhynchus lathami lathami (South-eastern Glossy Black-Cockatoo) Consultation document the status of a potentially threatened species. This is also known as the ‘common assessment method’. As a result, any personal information that you have provided in connection with your comments may be shared between Commonwealth, State or Territory government entities to assist with their assessment processes.

The Department’s Privacy Policy contains details about how respondents may access and make corrections to personal information that the Department holds about the respondent, how respondents may make a complaint about a breach of an Australian Privacy Principle, and how the Department will deal with that complaint. A copy of the Department’s Privacy Policy is available at: http://environment.gov.au/privacy-policy.

Information about this consultation process

Responses to this consultation can be provided electronically or in hard copy to the contact addresses provided on Page 1. All responses received will be provided in full to the Committee and then to the Australian Government Minister for the Environment.

In providing comments, please provide references to published data where possible. Should the Committee use the information you provide in formulating its advice, the information will be attributed to you and referenced as a ‘personal communication’ unless you provide references or otherwise attribute this information (please specify if your organisation requires that this information is attributed to your organisation instead of yourself). The final advice by the Committee will be published on the department’s website following the listing decision by the Minister.

Information provided through consultation may be subject to freedom of information legislation and court processes. It is also important to note that under the EPBC Act, the deliberations and recommendations of the Committee are confidential until the Minister has made a final decision on the nomination, unless otherwise determined by the Minister.

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Consultation document for Calyptorhynchus lathami lathami (South-eastern Glossy Black-Cockatoo)

Adult Glossy Black-Cockatoo © Copyright, Brian Furby Collection Conservation status Calyptorhynchus lathami lathami is being assessed by the Threatened Species Scientific Committee to be eligible for listing under the EPBC Act. The Committee’s assessment is at Attachment A. The Committee preliminary assessment of the subspecies’ eligibility against each of the listing criteria is:

• Criterion 1: A2bc+3b+4bc: Vulnerable • Criterion 2: Not eligible • Criterion 3: C2a(ii): Vulnerable • Criterion 4: Not eligible • Criterion 5: Insufficient data The main factors that appear to make the subspecies eligible for listing in the Vulnerable category are declining population trend, extent of occurrence (EOO), area of occupancy (AOO), and the small population size. The subspecies has undergone a substantial reduction (30–50 percent) in the last three generations (35.7 years for this assessment; Cameron et al. 2021). This

Threatened Species Scientific Committee 4 Calyptorhynchus lathami lathami (South-eastern Glossy Black-Cockatoo) Consultation document reduction in population was mostly caused by the 2019/2020 bushfires. Both EOO and AOO are contracting, they are estimated as 470,000 km2 and 40,000 km2, respectively (Cameron et al. 2021). Furthermore, the estimated total number of mature individuals is 7500, with a substantial declining rate (Cameron et al. 2021).

Cameron et al. (2021) estimate that 34 percent of the AOO for the subspecies was burnt. An analysis done by the National Environmental Science Program (NESP) Threatened Species Recovery Hub shows that a large proportion of the range of South-eastern Glossy Black- Cockatoo was affected by the 2019/2020 fires: 10 percent was burnt in high to very high severity fire, and a further 15 percent was burnt in low to moderate severity fire (Legge et al. 2021). A structured expert elicitation process was used to estimate the proportional population change for this subspecies from pre-fire levels to immediately after the fire and then out to three generations after the fire, when exposed to fires of varying severity. These results, combined with the spatial analyses of fire overlap, suggest that one year after the fire, the subspecies has experienced an overall decline of 15 percent from pre-fire levels, but that the decline could be as large as 32 percent (bound of 80 percent confidence limits). After three generations, the estimate for the overall population decline relative to the pre-fire population is predicted to be 22 percent, but potentially as much as 46 percent (bound of 80 percent confidence limit) (Legge et al. 2021). For comparison, experts also estimated the population change over time in the absence of fire; by three generations, the overall population of South-eastern Glossy Black- Cockatoo after the fire was estimated to be 5 percent lower than it would have been, had the 2019/2020 fire not occurred (Legge et al. 2021).

Species can also be listed as threatened under state and territory legislation. For information on the current listing status of this species under relevant state or territory legislation, see the Species Profile and Threat Database. Species information Taxonomy Conventionally accepted as Calyptorhynchus lathami lathami (Temminck, 1807).

One of three recognised subspecies. C. l. halmaturinus restricted to Kangaroo Island, is Endangered. C. l. erebus found in central Queensland is Least Concern.

Description The smallest of the black cockatoos (Calyptorhynchus spp.), with a body length of around 48 cm and weight of 420 g. Plumage mostly dull black, with a blackish-brown head, an inconspicuous crest and a broad bulbous bill. Adult males have bright red panels in the tail. Adult females have yellowish-red panels in the tail, and variable yellow patches on their heads. Juveniles are similar to adult females but with spotted pale-yellow patches on their heads, lower breast, belly and flanks, and barred undertail (Higgins 1999; Menkhorst et al. 2017).

The three subspecies have identical plumage and differ mainly in size and shape of their bills. C. l. lathami have moderate sized bills in comparison to a disproportionately large bill in C. l. halmaturinus, and C. l. erebus exhibit disproportionately small bills (Schodde et al. 1993; Higgins 1999).

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Distribution South-eastern Glossy Black-Cockatoos are uncommon but widespread. They can be found from Mitchell, Queensland, through eastern New South Wales to Mallacoota, Victoria (Map 1). Their distribution is continuous through the forested parts of the Great Dividing Range but becomes scattered more inland, to as far west as the Riverina in New South Wales (Higgins 1999; Garnett et al. 2011).

Cameron et al. (2021) estimated that their extent of occurrence (EOO) is 470,000 km2 and their area of occupancy (AOO) is 40,000 km2. The number of mature individuals was estimated to be 7,500 with a declining trend. Birds in the Riverina region were previously thought to be isolated from the main population (Garnett et al. 2011), however, they are now considered to be connected to the main population (Cameron et al. 2021).

Map 1 Modelled distribution of South-eastern Glossy Black-Cockatoo

Source: Base map Geoscience Australia; species distribution data Species of National Environmental Significance database. Cultural and community significance Like other black cockatoos, the South-eastern Glossy Black-Cockatoo has a high public profile. The range of the subspecies occur through numerous Traditional Owner groups, including the lands of at least the following Indigenous Peoples: Anaiwan, Arakwal, Awabakal, Barrumgum, Bidawal, Bigambul, Birpai, Bundjalung, Butchulla, Darkinjung, Dharawal, Dharug, Dhudhuroa, Dunghutti, Euahlayi, Gamilaraay, Githabul, Gumbaynggirr, Gunaikurnai, Gundungurra, Jarowair, Jerrinja, Kabi Kabi, Kamilaroi, Mandandangi, Ngarigo, Ngunnawal, Nindi‐Ngudjam Ngarigu Monero, Quandamooka, Turrbal, Waka Waka, Walgal, Warrabinga, Waveroo, Wiradjuri, Wodi Wodi, Wonnarua, Worimi, Yaegl, Yugara, Yugambeh, Yuin and Yuwaalaraay. There is currently

Threatened Species Scientific Committee 6 Calyptorhynchus lathami lathami (South-eastern Glossy Black-Cockatoo) Consultation document no known cultural significance of the South-eastern Glossy Black-Cockatoo, however further research into the subject area may benefit conservation initiatives by providing insights about traditional land management.

Relevant biology and ecology The species usually occurs in pairs or in groups of three (made up of a breeding pair and their offspring), in woodlands (Higgins 1999; Garnett et al. 2011). South-eastern Glossy Black- Cockatoos feed almost exclusively on the seeds of She-oaks (Allocasuarina spp. and Casuarina spp.), usually relying on one or two species within a region (Higgins 1999). This preference may explain the patchy distribution of the subspecies in parts of its range. They extract the seeds from closed cones, leaving characteristic feeding litter under the feeding trees (Clout 1989). South-eastern Glossy Black-Cockatoos may spend up to 88 percent of their day foraging and feeding, suggesting that the rate of intake is likely to be critical (Clout 1989). They show preferences to particular feeding trees, with the nutritional value of trees being the main driver of preference (Clout 1989; Crowley & Garnett 2001; Cameron & Cunningham 2006; North et al. 2020).

South-eastern Glossy Black-Cockatoos are hollow nesters, utilising large hollows in both living and dead eucalypt trees (Higgins 1999). They have a clutch size of one, and eggs are incubated by the female parent only. Once hatched, the nestling is brooded and fed by the female only. Males are present throughout incubation and nestling period to feed the females. Fledglings becomes independent after around three months (Higgins 1999). More detailed studies have been conducted on the Endangered Kangaroo Island subspecies (C. l. halmaturinus), which is likely to have similar nesting habits as C. l. lathami (e.g., Garnett et al. 1999). They have an estimated generation length of 11.9 years (Bird et al. 2020).

The movement patterns and ranging behaviour of the South-eastern Glossy Black-Cockatoo are poorly understood (Glossy Black Conservancy 2010). It has been suggested that they are seasonal migrants in south-east Queensland, likely as a response to changing of resource availability or breeding requirements (Stock & Wild 2005). Cameron (2005) observed a correlation between group size and environmental conditions, where larger foraging groups were observed when food resources were limited (i.e., during drought periods). However, further research is required to understand the subspecies in more detail.

Habitat critical to the survival Foraging habitat South-eastern Glossy Black-Cockatoos rely on nine species of She-oaks (Allocasuarina spp. and Casuarina spp.) for feeding (Chapman 2007), with species used varying depending on the region. Birds often only feed on one or two species in one region (Higgins 1999). In south-east Queensland and north-east New South Wales, they show preference for Black She-oak (A. littoralis) and Forest She-oak (A. torulosa), although there are also records of them feeding on Coastal She-oak (C. equisetifolia), and to a lesser extent River She-oak (C. cunninghamiana) and Swamp She-oak (C. glauca) during limited times of the year. On the islands of Moreton Bay and coastal lowlands, they seem to favour the Black She-oak, whereas Forest She-oak is the preferred species along mountain ridges and slopes (Glossy Black Conservancy 2010). In the Australian Capital Territory region their food trees are mostly restricted to Drooping She-oak (A. verticillate) (ACT Government 2013).

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Breeding habitat Cameron (2006b) found that in central New South Wales, the majority of the nesting hollows were in Narrowed-leaved Ironbark (Eucalyptus crebra; 74 percent), other species of trees used were the Blue-leaved Ironbark (E. nubila; 16 percent) and Blakely's Red Gum (E. blakelyi; 10 percent). As a guide, potential nest hollows for the subspecies have the following traits (Cameron 2006b):

1) >8 m above ground; 2) Located in branches >30 cm in diameter; 3) Branch or stem no more than 45o from vertical; and 4) Minimum entrance diameter of >15 cm. Further research is needed to expand our knowledge on the nesting habits and habitat of the subspecies (i.e., nest tree species used in other regions of the subspecies range). Additionally, the Kangaroo Island subspecies (C. l. halmaturinus), may fly up to 14 km between feeding and nesting areas without adversely affecting breeding success, and most nests are within 1 km of their primary feed tree species, and 200 m of permanent water (Mooney & Pedler 2005).

Areas that are not currently occupied by the subspecies because they have been recently burnt but are capable of supporting cockatoo populations in the future, should also be considered as habitat critical for the survival of the South-eastern Glossy Black-Cockatoo.

Key considerations in environmental impact assessments Habitat critical to the survival of the South-eastern Glossy Black-Cockatoo occurs across a range of land tenures. Habitat critical to the survival of the subspecies should not be destroyed or modified. Actions that have indirect impacts on habitat critical to the survival should be minimised (e.g., noise and light pollution). Actions that compromise adult and juvenile survival should also be avoided, such as the introduction of new diseases, weeds or predators.

When considering habitat loss, alteration or significant impacts to habitat in any part of the South-eastern Glossy Black-Cockatoo’s range, including in areas where the species ‘may occur’, surveys for occupancy at the appropriate times of the year and identifying breeding sites and preferred foraging species remain an important tool in refining understanding of the area’s relative importance for the subspecies. Both recent survey data and historical records needs to be considered when assessing the relative importance of a region for the subspecies, as their seasonal movements is poorly understood, areas that constitute habitat critical to the survival might not have birds in any one given year.

Actions that remove habitat critical to the survival would interfere with the recovery of South- eastern Glossy Black-Cockatoos and reduce the area of occupancy of the subspecies. It is important to retain both breeding and foraging habitats described above. If removal of habitat critical to the survival cannot be avoided or mitigated, then an offset should be provided that benefits the subspecies in a similar timeframe to the impacts from the actions. Actions should not be assessed in isolation and consideration must be given to existing and future activities that may impact the subspecies to ensure conservation outcomes on a landscape scale are achieved.

Suitable offsets may include:

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• Inclusion of unprotected areas of habitat critical to the survival in permanent nature reserves and provision of funding for the management of these areas. • Restoration of quality and extent of feeding and breeding habitat. • Restoration of native forest and woodlands adjacent to habitat critical to the survival to reduce edge effects. • Management of threats (see Threats) in and adjacent to habitat critical to the survival. • Other compensatory measures that will help address knowledge gaps to improve and maximise efficiency of the recovery of the species. No Critical Habitat as defined under section 207A of the EPBC Act has been identified or included in the Register of Critical Habitat.

Threats The most important threat faced by South-eastern Glossy Black-Cockatoo currently is habitat loss, degradation, and fragmentation. Historic land clearance was the main cause of decline in the past, leading to the loss of both feeding and breeding habitats. Wildfires cause further habitat loss and degradation. The subspecies was severely affected by the 2019/2020 bushfires, with a significant portion of their known range burnt. They were identified as a priority species post 2019/2020 bushfires, requiring urgent management interventions (Legge et al 2020). Currently, the distribution of the subspecies is patchy and fragmented throughout its range, which could likely become problematic in the near future, if subpopulations become isolated (e.g., Riverina birds). Grazing and invasive weeds are currently minor threats to the habitat of South-eastern Glossy Black-Cockatoos.

A major aspect of habitat loss is the loss of large hollow-bearing trees (i.e., their nesting sites). There has been increasing awareness of the importance of these hollows in the past 20 years for hollow-dependant species all around Australia as these large hollows take centuries to form. With limited hollow availability, competition for hollows also increases, this may also amplify otherwise minor threats such as nest predation and the transmission of diseases.

Climate change in Australia will impact this subspecies in a number of ways. With more extreme conditions (i.e., more fires, drought, and heatwaves), it is expected that there will be significant impact on their breeding and foraging habitats. Resource availability may also be affected by the changing climate.

Table 1 Threats impacting South-eastern Glossy Black-Cockatoo

Threat Status and severity a Evidence Fire

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Threat Status and severity a Evidence Wildfire and inappropriate • Status: current & future Wildfire is a major on-going threat for South- fire regime • Confidence: known eastern Glossy Black-Cockatoos, which could affect both their habitats and the birds • Consequence: severe directly. • Trend: increasing The 2019/2020 bushfires impacted many • Extent: across the entire Australian fauna and flora species. Around 25 range percent of the overall distribution of the South-eastern Glossy Black-Cockatoo was burnt (Legge et al. 2021), and 34 percent of their area of occupancy (Cameron et al. 2021). Additionally, they were identified as a priority bird after the fires, requiring urgent management action in the next 12 months (Legge et al. 2020). Inappropriate fire regimes (i.e., too intense or too frequent) may significantly impact the subspecies’ feeding and breeding habitats (DEPI 2013). Burning of fire-sensitive species (e.g., A. littoralis and A. verticillata) may render feeding habitat unsuitable for a long time (Garnett & Crowley 2000; Garnett et al. 2011). Habitat loss, fragmentation, and degradation Land clearance • Status: historical Land clearance (e.g., for agriculture, urban • Confidence: known development, and logging) has been the main threat causing the decline of the subspecies • Consequence: severe (Garnett & Crowley 2000; NSW Scientific • Trend: static Committee 2008; Garnett et al. 2011). • Extent: across the entire The loss of feeding habitat and trees likely range contributed to the fragmented distribution of the subspecies (Clout 1989; also see Habitat fragmentation). The loss of large, hollow-bearing trees is another consequence of land clearance, which reduced nest site availability even in areas not extensively cleared. Habitat fragmentation • Status: current As a result of land clearance, habitat • Confidence: known fragmentation has become a threat and is potentially a major threat in the future if • Consequence: severe subpopulations become isolated, leading to the • Trend: increasing loss of genetic diversity. Wildfire may also • Extent: across the entire accelerate and increase the extent and degree range of fragmentation. With the increasing frequency and intensity of wildfires (see Climate change), more habitat may become unsuitable for both foraging and breeding, leading to further fragmenting of habitats and populations. Fragmented habitat may encourage competitors from more open habitat (e.g., Common Brushtail Possum (Trichosurus vulpecula); Downes et al. 1997), which is one of the main threats impacting the Kangaroo Island subspecies’ breeding success (Mooney & Pedler 2005).

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Threat Status and severity a Evidence Grazing • Status: current Grazing by Rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus; • Confidence: inferred Commonwealth of Australia 2016a), other feral herbivores and stock not only cause a • Consequence: moderate decline in extent and productivity of foraging • Trend: static habitat of the subspecies, but it also impedes • Extent: across part of its the regeneration ability of native vegetation, range including feed tree species for the subspecies, after bushfires (Garnett et al. 2011). This could become a serious threat (see Land clearance and Habitat fragmentation) and the increase the likelihood of wildfires (see Climate change). Invasive weeds • Status: current Invasive weeds have the ability to change the • Confidence: inferred floristic and structural characteristics of habitat, thereby changing resource availability • Consequence: moderate (French & Zubovic 1997). Furthermore, some • Trend: static weeds may increase the flammability of the • Extent: across part of its habitat, amplifying wildfire risks (Salvo Aires range 2014). More research is required to assess the specific species which may impact South- eastern Glossy Black-Cockatoo feeding and breeding habitats, and the extent of this threat (see Invasive Plants and Animals Committee (2016) and Graham & Taylor (2018) for potential weeds species impacting C. l. lathami habitat). Competition for resources Competition for nest • Status: current & future A large proportion of Australian bird species hollows • Confidence: known use tree hollows as nesting sites (Saunders et al. 1982; Newton 1994), and almost all • Consequence: moderate arboreal marsupials use tree hollows (e.g., • Trend: unknown breeding site or shelter; Lindenmayer et al. • Extent: across part of its 1991). As a result, inter-specific competition range may be a common occurrence. Some potential hollow competitors include Common Brushtail Possum, Galah (Eolophus roseicapillus), Little Corella (Cacatua sanguinea), Sulphur-crested Cockatoo (Cacatua galerita) and other South-eastern Glossy Black-Cockatoos (Mooney & Pedler 2005; Garnett et al. 2011). The loss of large hollow-bearing trees due to land clearance and deforestation is problematic as these large hollows take centuries to form in eucalypts (Gibbons & Lindenmayer 2002). Larger, older tree have a higher chance of bearing larger hollows (Gibbons et al. 2000), which is an important characteristic for C. lathami nest sites (see Relevant biology and ecology; and Garnett (1999) for hollow dimensions for Kangaroo Island subspecies). It is absolutely crucial to implement actions to prevent the loss of, and encourage the recruitment of, large hollow- bearing trees in order to minimise the lag effect and long-term risk of extinction of hollow-dependent species (Manning et al.

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Threat Status and severity a Evidence 2013; Le Roux et al. 2014) like the South- eastern Glossy Black-Cockatoo. Nest boxes and artificial hollows are becoming an increasingly common management intervention to minimise the impacts of loss of nest sites for hollow nesters (Griffith et al. 2008; Rueegger 2017; Fay et al. 2019). However, for birds with specific hollow- dimension preferences, such as South-eastern Glossy Black-Cockatoos, more research is needed to tailor artificial nest box programs to the subspecies needs. This is important as studies have shown that simply setting up nest boxes mostly only attracted pest species rather than targeted threatened species (Grarock et al. 2013; Lindenmayer et al. 2016, 2017). Furthermore, artificial nest sites cannot completely replicate resources that large, hollow-bearing trees provide (Le Roux et al. 2016). Climate change Increased likelihood of • Status: current & future Average temperatures in Australia have extreme events (i.e., fire, • Confidence: known increased by just over 1 degree Celsius in the heatwave, and drought) past century (BOM & CSIRO 2020), and • Consequence: severe globally it is expected to rise up to another 2 • Trend: increasing degrees Celsius by 2050 (IPCC 2018). As more • Extent: across the entire frequent and extreme heatwaves are expected range across Australia, rainfall patterns have also been affected, with lowest rainfall records in parts of south-eastern Australia (BOM & CSIRO 2020). The cumulative effect of the climate anomalies has led to, and will continue to increase the likelihood of extreme events such as wildfire, drought and heatwaves (BOM & CSIRO 2020), which may have detrimental impacts on South-eastern Glossy Black-Cockatoos and their habitat. Temporal or spatial shift of • Status: future As they have a very specialised diet and their resource availability as a • Confidence: inferred distribution appears to be associated with result of climate change resource availability (Clout 1989; Cameron • Consequence: moderate 2006b), changes in resource availability • Trend: unknown caused by climate change may impact the • Extent: across the entire subspecies’ distribution, breeding success and range survival. Cameron (2006a) found that cone production appeared to be linked to climate factors such as rainfall. This means that changing rainfall patterns and other climatic factors in Australia (Evans et al. 2017; Herold et al. 2018), future resource availability for the subspecies is of particular concern. Diseases and predation Psittacine Beak and Feather • Status: current & future PBFD is a potentially fatal disease caused by Disease (PBFD) • Confidence: inferred psittacine circovirus, typically transferring between adults, nestlings and contaminated • Consequence: moderate nest hollows (DEE 2016). • Trend: unknown Although South-eastern Glossy Black- • Extent: across the entire Cockatoos are susceptible to PBFD, the threat range

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Threat Status and severity a Evidence level is relatively low compared to other threats (Department of Environment 2015). With decreasing nesting hollows and intensified competition (see Competition for nest hollows), it is possible that the likelihood of disease transmission could be greater in the future. Predation • Status: current Based on studies of the Kangaroo Island • Confidence: inferred subspecies C. l. halmaturinus (Garnett et al. 1999; Mooney & Pedler 2005), nest predation • Consequence: moderate by Common Brushtail Possums may be a • Trend: static threat. Predation by introduced predators • Extent: across the entire such as Cats (Felis catus) and Foxes (Vulpes range vulpes) does not appear to be a major threat. Nevertheless, the subspecies does seem to benefit from the lack of predators (Mooney & Pedler 2005). Further research is required to fully understand the extent of the threat of predation on South-eastern Glossy Black- Cockatoos, including both native and introduced predators. Illegal avian trade Bird and egg collection • Status: current Like many other endangered parrots in • Confidence: suspected Australia, the illegal collection of adult birds and eggs is a potential threat (Mooney & • Consequence: severe Pedler 2005). The extent of this threat is • Trend: unknown unknown, but if active it may have detrimental • Extent: unknown impact on the subspecies reproductive success. Status—identify the temporal nature of the threat; Confidence—identify the extent to which we have confidence about the impact of the threat on the species; Consequence—identify the severity of the threat; Trend—identify the extent to which it will continue to operate on the species; Extent—identify its spatial content in terms of the range of the species.

Each threat has been described in Table 1 in terms of the extent that it is operating on the species. The risk matrix (Table 3) provides a visual depiction of the level of risk being imposed by a threat and supports the prioritisation of subsequent management and conservation actions. In preparing a risk matrix, several factors have been taken into consideration, they are: the life stage they affect; the duration of the impact; and the efficacy of current management regimes, assuming that management will continue to be applied appropriately (Table 2). The risk matrix and ranking of threats has been developed in consultation with list experts/community consultation and in-house expertise using available literature.

Table 2 Risk prioritisation

Likelihood Consequences Not significant Minor Moderate Major Catastrophic Almost certain Low risk Moderate risk Very high risk Very high risk Very high risk Likely Low risk Moderate risk High risk Very high risk Very high risk Possible Low risk Moderate risk High risk Very high risk Very high risk Unlikely Low risk Low risk Moderate risk High risk Very high risk

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Likelihood Consequences Not significant Minor Moderate Major Catastrophic Unknown Low risk Low risk Moderate risk High risk Very high risk

Categories for likelihood are defined as follows: Almost certain – expected to occur every year Likely – expected to occur at least once every five years Possible – might occur at some time Unlikely – such events are known to have occurred on a worldwide basis but only a few times Rare or Unknown – may occur only in exceptional circumstances; OR it is currently unknown how often the incident will occur Categories for consequences are defined as follows: Not significant – no long-term effect on individuals or populations Minor – individuals are adversely affected but no effect at population level Moderate – population recovery stalls or reduces Major – population decreases Catastrophic – population extinction

Table 3 South-eastern Glossy Black-Cockatoo risk matrix

Likelihood Consequences Not significant Minor Moderate Major Catastrophic Almost certain Habitat Climate change fragmentation - increased likelihood of extreme events - shift in resource availability Wildfire and inappropriate fire regime Likely Predation Competition for nest hollows Possible Grazing Invasive weeds Unlikely Diseases Unknown Bird and egg Land clearance collection (historical)

Priority actions have then been developed to manage the threat particularly where the risk was deemed to be ‘very high’ or ‘high’. For those threats with an unknown or low risk outcome it may be more appropriate to identify further research or maintain a watching brief. Conservation and recovery actions Primary conservation outcome Long-term objectives (10+ years) • The subspecies’ population is stable, such that it no longer qualifies for listing as threatened under the EPBC Act listing criteria.

Threatened Species Scientific Committee 14 Calyptorhynchus lathami lathami (South-eastern Glossy Black-Cockatoo) Consultation document

Short-term objectives (5-10 years) • Enhance extent and quality of habitat. Conservation and management priorities Land clearance and habitat fragmentation • Protect and enhance quality of known suitable habitat (both breeding and foraging) for South-eastern Glossy Black-Cockatoo. • Establish buffer zones (e.g., 1 km) of native forests or woodlands around important nesting areas to minimise incursions by competitors. Wildfire and inappropriate fire regimes • Develop a site-based fire management strategy (for both prescribed burning and fire suppression activities) with local authorities which considers the ecological needs of the subspecies. • Protect unburnt areas within or adjacent to recently burnt ground that may provide refuge areas. Grazing and invasive weeds • Consult with local authorities to determine the appropriate methods and the effectiveness of weed control and introduced herbivore management, and implement recommendations. Competition for nest hollows • Identify sites where hollows are limiting and develop and implement management strategies with local authorities and potentially the local community. Illegal bird and egg collection • Liaise with local authorities and continue to monitor for cases of illegal collection. Stakeholder engagement/community engagement • Raise the profile of the subspecies and its important habitats with landholders and generate awareness of impacts of inappropriate grazing regimes. • Raise awareness with the public and encourage submission of sightings to publicly available platforms (e.g. Atlas of Living Australia). • Raise awareness with landholders and the public on the importance of large hollow-bearing trees. Survey and monitoring priorities • Assess the impact of 2019/2020 bushfires on the subspecies and their habitat. • Monitor population trends at key sites throughout the distribution, in order to track overall population trends, document the effectiveness of management actions, and identify sites requiring further management action. • Monitor bushfire-affected areas to assess the impact of wildfire on the subspecies and their habitats.

Threatened Species Scientific Committee 15 Calyptorhynchus lathami lathami (South-eastern Glossy Black-Cockatoo) Consultation document

• Monitor for cases of PBFD. If active, work with local authorities and develop site-based management strategies. Information and research priorities • Improve understanding of population structure across range, patterns of dispersal and connectivity across subpopulations, in order to design management to retain and support landscape connectivity. • Improve knowledge of the impact of wildfire on the subspecies and their habitat, and their ability to re-colonise recently burnt areas. • Increase knowledge of their feeding and breeding ecology (e.g., the reliance on particular trees species for feeding and as nest sites in different regions throughout the distribution of their range) and incorporate new knowledge into management. • Conduct further research and design a tailored nest box/artificial hollow program for the subspecies. • Use climate modelling techniques to investigate the potential impact of climate change on the subspecies, habitats critical for survival, and the availability of key resources. • Conduct further research to examine the competition with other species (in particular introduced species), and the impacts on South-eastern Glossy Black-Cockatoo. • Undertake further research to determine the level of threat posed by feral predators. Recovery plan decision A decision about whether there should be a recovery plan for this species has not yet been determined. The purpose of this consultation document is to elicit additional information to help inform this decision. Links to relevant implementation documents • Threat Abatement Advice for the key threatening process 'Psittacine Circoviral (beak and feather) Disease affecting endangered psittacine species' (DEE 2016). • Threat abatement plan for competition and land degradation by rabbits (Commonwealth of Australia 2016b). • Australian Weeds Strategy 2017-2027 (Invasive Plants and Animals Committee 2016). Conservation Advice and Listing Assessment references ACT Government (2013) Glossy Black-Cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus lathami) Action Plan No. 33. ACT Government, Canberra.

Bird JP, Martin R, Akçakaya HR, Gilroy J, Burfield IJ, Garnett ST, Symes A, Taylor J, Şekercioğlu ÇH, Butchart SHM (2020) Generation lengths of the world's birds and their implications for extinction risk. Conservation Biology 34, 1252–1261.

Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) & CSIRO (2020) State of the Climate 2020. CSIRO, Acton.

Cameron M (2005) Group size and feeding rates of Glossy Black-Cockatoos in central New South Wales. Emu 105, 4, 299-304.

Threatened Species Scientific Committee 16 Calyptorhynchus lathami lathami (South-eastern Glossy Black-Cockatoo) Consultation document

Cameron M (2006a) Distribution and cone production and Allocasuarina diminuta and A. gymnathera (Casuarinaceae) in central New South Wales. The Rangeland Journal 28, 2, 153-161.

Cameron M (2006b) Nesting habitat of the glossy black-cockatoo in central New South Wales. Biological Conservation 127, 4, 402-410.

Cameron M, Castley G, Teixiera D, Menkhorst PW & Garnett ST (2021) South‐eastern Glossy Black‐Cockatoo Calyptorhynchus lathami lathami. In The Action Plan for Australian Birds 2020. (Eds ST Garnett and GB Baker) pp. XXX–XXX. CSIRO Publishing, Melbourne.

Cameron M & Cunningham RB (2006) Habitat selection at multiple spatial scales by foraging Glossy Black-cockatoos. Austral Ecology 31, 5, 597-607.

Chapman TF (2007) Foods of the Glossy Black-Cockatoo, Calyptorhynchus lathami. Australian Field Ornithology 24, 1, 30-36.

Clout MN (1989) Foraging Behaviour of Glossy Black-Cockatoos. Wildlife Research 16, 4, 467- 473.

Commonwealth of Australia (2016a). Background document to the Threat abatement plan for competition and land degradation by rabbits. Department of Environment and Energy, Canberra.

Commonwealth of Australia (2016b). Threat abatement plan for competition and land degradation by rabbits. Department of Environment and Energy, Canberra.

Crowley GM & Garnett ST (2001) Food Value and tree selection by Glossy Black-Cockatoos Calyptorhynchus lathami. Austral Ecology 26, 1, 116-126.

Department of Environment and Energy (DEE) (2016) Threat Abatement Advice for the key threatening process 'Psittacine Circoviral (beak and feather) Disease affecting endangered psittacine species'. Department of Environment and Energy, Canberra.

Department of Environment and Primary Industries (DEPI) (2013) Action Statement No. 253: Glossy Black-Cockatoo Calyptorhynchus lathami Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988. DEPI, Victoria.

Department of the Environment (2015) Psittacine Beak and Feather Disease and other identified Threats to Australian threatened Parrots. Prepared for the Threatened Species Scientific Committee, Canberra.

Downes SJ, Handasyde KA & Elgar MA (1997) The Use of Corridors by Mammals in Fragmented Australian Eucalypt Forests. Conservation Biology 11, 3, 718-726.

Evans JP, Argueso D, Olson R & Di Luca A (2017) Bias-corrected regional climate projections of extreme rainfall in south-east Australia. Theoretical and Applied Climatology, 130, 3, 1085-1098.

Fay R, Michler S, Laesser J & Schaub M (2019) Integrated population model reveals that kestrels breeding in nest boxes operate as a source population. Ecography 42, 12, 2122-2131.

French K & Zubovic A (1997) Effect of the Weed Chrysanthemoides monilifera (Bitou Bush) on Bird Communities. Wildlife Research 24, 6, 727-735.

Threatened Species Scientific Committee 17 Calyptorhynchus lathami lathami (South-eastern Glossy Black-Cockatoo) Consultation document

Garnett ST & Crowley GM (2000) The Action Plan for Australian Birds 2000. Environment Australia, Canberra.

Garnett ST, Pedler LP & Crowley GM (1999) The Breeding Biology of the Glossy Black-Cockatoo Calyptorhynchus lathami on Kangaroo Island, South Australia. Emu 99, 4, 262-279.

Garnett ST, Szabo JK, & Dutson G (2011) The Action Plan for Australian Birds 2010. CSIRO Publishing, Collingwood.

Gibbons P & Lindenmayer DB (2002) Tree Hollows and Wildlife Conservation in Australia. CSIRO Publishing, Collingwood.

Gibbons P, Lindenmayer DB, Barry SC & Tanton MT (2000) Hollow formation in eucalypts from temperate forests in southeastern Australia. Pacific Conservation Biology 6, 3, 218-228.

Glossy Black Conservancy (2010) Glossy Black-Cockatoo Conservation Guidelines: For South- Eastern Queensland and far North-Eastern New South Wales. Glossy Black Conservancy, Queensland.

Graham M & Taylor K (2018) Fire, Weeds and the Native Vegetation of New South Wales. Hotspots Fire Project, NSW Rural Fire Service & Nature Conservation Council of NSW, New South Wales.

Grarock K, Lindenmayer DB, Wood JT & Tidemann CR (2013) Does Human-Induced habitat Modification influence the Impact of Introduced Species? A Case Study on Cavity-Nesting by the introduced Common myna (Acridotheres tristis) and Two Australian Native Parrots. Environmental management 52, 4, 958-970.

Griffith SC, Pryke SR & Mariette M (2008). Use of nest-boxes by the Zebra Finch (Taeniopygia guttata): implications for reproductive success and research. Emu 108, 4, 311-319.

Herold N, Ekström M, Kala J, Goldie J & Evans JP (2018) Australian climate extremes in the 21st century according to a regional climate model ensemble: Implications for health and agriculture. Weather and Climate Extremes, 20, C, 54-68.

Higgins PJ (Ed) (1999) Handbook of Australian, New Zealand and Antarctic Birds. Volume 4: Parrots to Dollarbird. Oxford University Press, Melbourne.

Invasive Plants and Animals Committee (2016) Australian Weeds Strategy 2017-2027. Department of Agriculture and Water Resources, Canberra.

IPCC (2018) Summary for Policymakers. In: Global Warming of 1.5°C. An IPCC Special Report on the impacts of global warming of 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels and related global greenhouse gas emission pathways, in the context of strengthening the global response to the threat of climate change, sustainable development, and efforts to eradicate poverty. World Meteorological Organization, Geneva.

Legge S, Woinarski J, Garnett S, Geyle H, Lintermans M, Nimmo D, Rumpff L, Scheele B, Southwell D, Ward M & Whiterod N (2021) Estimation of population declines caused by the 2019-20 fires, for conservation status assessment. Unpublished report prepared for the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment, Canberra.

Threatened Species Scientific Committee 18 Calyptorhynchus lathami lathami (South-eastern Glossy Black-Cockatoo) Consultation document

Legge S, Woinarski J, Garnett S, Nimmo D, Scheele B, Lintermans M, Mitchell N, Whiterod N & Ferris J (2020). Rapid analysis of impacts of the 2019-20 fires on animals species, and prioritisation of species for management response. Report prepared for the Wildlife and Threatened Species Bushfire Recovery Expert Panel, Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment, Canberra.

Le Roux DS, Ikin K, Lindenmayer DB, Bistricer G, Manning AD & Gibbons P (2016) Enriching small trees with artificial nest boxes cannot mimic the value of large trees for hollow-nesting birds. Restoration Ecology 24, 2, 252-258.

Le Roux DS, Ikin K, Lindenmayer DB, Manning AD & Gibbons P (2014) The Future of Large Old Trees in Urban Landscapes. PLoS One 9, 6, e99403.

Lindenmayer DB, Crane M, Blanchard W, Okada S & Montague-Drake R (2016) Do nest boxes in restored woodlands promote the conservation of hollow-dependent fauna?. Restoration Ecology 24, 2, 244-251.

Lindenmayer DB, Crane M, Evans MC, Maron M, Gibbons P, Bekessy S & Blanchard W (2017) The anatomy of a failed offset. Biological Conservation 210, A, 286-292.

Lindenmayer DB, Cunningham RB, Nix HA, Tanton MT & Smith AP (1991) Predicting the abundance of hollow-bearing trees in montane forests of southeastern Australia. Australian Journal of Ecology 16, 1, 91-98.

Manning AD, Gibbons P, Fischer J, Oliver DL & Lindenmayer DB (2013) Hollow futures? Tree decline, lag effects and hollow-dependent species. Animal Conservation 16, 4, 395-403.

Menkhorst P, Rogers D, Clarke R, Davies J, Marsack P & Franklin K (2017) The Australian Bird Guide. CSIRO Publishing, Clayton South.

Mooney PA & Pedler LP (2005) Recovery plan for the South Australian subspecies of the Glossy Black-Cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus lathami halmaturinus): 2005-2010. Department for Environment and Heritage, South Australia.

Newton I (1994) The role of nest sites in limiting the numbers of hole-nesting birds: A review. Biological Conservation 70, 3, 265-276.

NSW Scientific Committee (2008) Glossy Black-Cockatoo Calyptorhynchus lathami. Review of current information in NSW. September 2008. Unpublished report for the Review of the Schedules of the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995. NSW Scientific Committee, Hurstville.

North HM, Lamont RW, Ogbourne SM & Conroy GC (2020) Feeding profitability is associated with Glossy Black-cockatoo (Calyptohynchus lathami ssp. lathami) feed tree selection. Emu. DOI:10.1080/01584197.2020.1812405

Rueegger N (2017) Artificial tree hollow creation for cavity-using wildlife - Trialling an alternative method to that of nest boxes. Forest Ecology and Management 405, 404-412.

Salvo Aires F (2014) Effects of woody weeds on fels and fire behaviour in Eastern Australian forests and woodlands. PhD thesis, University of Sydney, Sydney.

Threatened Species Scientific Committee 19 Calyptorhynchus lathami lathami (South-eastern Glossy Black-Cockatoo) Consultation document

Saunders DA, Smith GT & Rowley I (1982) The availability and dimensions of tree hollows that provide nest sites for cockatoos (Psittaciformes) in Western Australia. Australian Wildlife Research 9, 3, 541-556.

Schodde R, Mason IJ & Wood JT (1993) Geographical Differentiation in the Glossy Black- Cockatoo Calyptorhynchus lathami (Temminck) and its History. Emu 93, 3, 156-166.

Stock MJ & Wild CH (2005) Seasonal Variation in Glossy Black-cockatoo Calyptorhynchus lathami Sighting on the Gold Coast, Queensland. Corella 29, 4, 88-90.

Todd S & Maurer G (2020) Bushfire recovery where it matters most. Impacts and actions in Key Biodiversity Areas affected by the 2019/20 Bushfire Crisis. BirdLife Australia, Melbourne.

Threatened Species Scientific Committee 20 THREATENED SPECIES SCIENTIFIC COMMITTEE

Established under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999

The Threatened Species Scientific Committee finalised this assessment on DD Month Year. Attachment A: Listing Assessment for Calyptorhynchus lathami lathami Reason for assessment This assessment follows prioritisation of a nomination from the TSSC.

Assessment of eligibility for listing This assessment uses the criteria set out in the EPBC Regulations. The thresholds used correspond with those in the IUCN Red List criteria except where noted in criterion 4, sub- criterion D2. The IUCN criteria are used by Australian jurisdictions to achieve consistent listing assessments through the Common Assessment Method (CAM).

Key assessment parameters Table 4 includes the key assessment parameters used in the assessment of eligibility for listing against the criteria.

Table 4 Key assessment parameters

Metric Estimate used Minimum Maximum Justification in the plausible plausible assessment value value Number of mature 7,500 6,000 10,500 The population estimate is based on individuals the following assumptions: • AOO is twice that recorded; • Density of one mature bird per 200 ha of ideal habitat (Cameron 2009); • 50 percent of occupied grid cells include ideal habitat; and • The 2019/2020 fire season rendered 30 percent of the habitat unsuitable for cockatoos for at least ten years, with high percentages in parts of the range (e.g., 55 percent in Victoria east of Lake Tyers; P Menkhorst unpublished data). Trend Decreasing Cameron et al. (2021). Generation time 11.9 11.3 13.2 Bird et al. (2020). (years) Extent of 470,000 km2 447,000 km2 493,500 km2 EOO is based on all observation since occurrence 1990 (Cameron et al. 2021). Trend Contracting Cameron et al. (2021).

Threatened Species Scientific Committee 21 Calyptorhynchus lathami lathami (South-eastern Glossy Black-Cockatoo) Consultation document

Metric Estimate used Minimum Maximum Justification in the plausible plausible assessment value value Area of 40,000 km2 21,000 km2 80,000 km2 The minimum AOO is the number of Occupancy 2x2 km squares within which they have been recorded since 1990 but, given the remoteness of much of the distribution, the real AOO is assumed to be at least twice that and probably substantially greater. In 2019/2020, 34 percent of all 1x1 km squares from which birds have been recorded since 1990 were burnt (Cameron et al. 2021), and 25 percent of its overall distribution was burnt (Legge et al. 2020). Trend Contracting Cameron et al. (2021). Number of 1 1 2 Cameron et al. (2021). subpopulations Trend Stable Cameron et al. (2021). Basis of Birds in the Riverina in NSW were previously thought to be isolated from the main assessment of population, but they are now considered to be connected. subpopulation number No. locations >10 >10 >10 Cameron et al. (2021). Trend Not calculated Cameron et al. (2021). Basis of The spatial nature of the threats, although stochastic in space and time, is such that there are assessment of >10 geographically or ecologically distinct areas where a single fire could affect all location number individuals of the subspecies present within a period of three years. The geographic position of unburnt locations will vary between fires, but there are always likely to be >10 (Cameron et al. 2021). Fragmentation Not severely fragmented (Cameron et al. 2021).

Fluctuations No extreme fluctuation in any of the following: i) EOO; ii) AOO; iii) number of locations or subpopulations; and/or iv) number of mature individuals (Cameron et al. 2021).

Threatened Species Scientific Committee 22 Calyptorhynchus lathami lathami (South-eastern Glossy Black-Cockatoo) Consultation document

Criterion 1 Population size reduction

Reduction in total numbers (measured over the longer of 10 years or 3 generations) based on any of A1 to A4

– Critically Endangered Endangered Vulnerable Very severe reduction Severe reduction Substantial reduction

A1 ≥ 90% ≥ 70% ≥ 50%

A2, A3, A4 ≥ 80% ≥ 50% ≥ 30%

A1 Population reduction observed, estimated, inferred or suspected in the (a) direct observation [except past and the causes of the reduction are clearly reversible AND A3] understood AND ceased. (b) an index of abundance appropriate to the taxon A2 Population reduction observed, estimated, inferred or suspected in the (c) a decline in area of past where the causes of the reduction may not have ceased OR may not occupancy, extent of be understood OR may not be reversible. occurrence and/or quality of habitat A3 Population reduction, projected or suspected to be met in the future (up Based on (d) actual or potential levels of any of the to a maximum of 100 years) [(a) cannot be used for A3] exploitation following (e) the effects of introduced A4 An observed, estimated, inferred, projected or suspected population taxa, hybridization, reduction where the time period must include both the past and the pathogens, pollutants, future (up to a max. of 100 years in future), and where the causes of competitors or parasites reduction may not have ceased OR may not be understood OR may not be reversible.

Criterion 1 evidence Eligible under Criterion 1 A2bc+3b+4bc for listing as Vulnerable

South-eastern Glossy Black-Cockatoo occur from Bundaberg in Queensland through eastern New South Wales to eastern Gippsland in Victoria. They have a continuous distribution through the forested parts of the Great Dividing Range but are more scattered inland where thy occur as far west as the Riverina and Pilliga Scrub in New South Wales, and St George in Queensland (Cameron et al. 2021).

The subspecies has been identified as a priority bird after the 2019/2020 bushfires, requiring urgent management interventions (Legge et al. 2020); Over 30 percent of the subspecies AOO was burnt (Todd & Maurer 2020; Cameron et al. 2021). Both the EOO and AOO are contracting, and a population decline of greater than 30 percent has been estimated (Cameron et al. 2021).

Trend data derived from surveys up to 2019 are not consistent and vary greatly between regions. Reporting rates from 500 m radius area searches across their range from 1999 to 2019 showed a 59 percent decline of the population (Cameron et al. 2021). However, no significant change in reporting rates were detected between 1977 – 1981 and 1998 – 2001 (Barrett et al. 2002 cited in Cameron et al. 2021), and the 2 ha 20 minutes survey data from 1999 to 2019 was too variable to provide a reliable trend (Cameron et al. 2021). Annual Glossy Black Cockatoo birding day event held since 2010 across south eastern Queensland and far north eastern New South Wales showed that these populations are stable with no significant decline over from 2010 to 2017 (G Castley unpublished data cited in Cameron et al. 2021).

Threatened Species Scientific Committee 23 Calyptorhynchus lathami lathami (South-eastern Glossy Black-Cockatoo) Consultation document

An analysis by a team from the National Environmental Science Program (NESP) Threatened Species Recovery Hub, using a structured expert elicitation process to estimate the proportional population change for this subspecies from pre-fire levels to immediately after the fire and then out to three generations after the fire, when exposed to fires of varying severity. These results, combined with the spatial analyses of fire overlap, suggest that one year after the fire, the subspecies has experienced an overall decline of 15 percent from pre-fire levels, but that the decline could be as large as 32 percent (bound of 80 percent confidence limits). After three generations, the estimate for the overall population decline relative to the pre-fire population is predicted to be 22 to 46 percent (bound of 80 percent confidence limit) (Legge et al. 2021). For comparison, experts also estimated the population change over time in the absence of fire; by three generations, the overall population of South-eastern Glossy Black-Cockatoo after the fire was estimated to be 5 percent lower than it would have been, had the 2019/2020 fire not occurred (Legge et al. 2021). These predictions assume no further extreme drought or extensive fire events, however such events are likely to reoccur over the assessment period of 35.7 years.

Therefore, the subspecies has presumably undergone a population decline of greater than 30 percent over three generations (35.7 years for this assessment), based on the expert panel estimates of 22 to 46 percent decline and the survey data, and the reduction and the cause of reduction has not ceased. Therefore, the subspecies has met the relevant elements of criterion 1 to make it eligible for listing as Vulnerable. However, the purpose of this consultation document is to elicit additional information to better understand the subspecies’ status. This conclusion should therefore be considered to be tentative at this stage, as it may be changed as a result of responses to this consultation process.

Criterion 2 Geographic distribution as indicators for either extent of occurrence AND/OR area of occupancy

– Critically Endangered Vulnerable Endangered Restricted Limited Very restricted

B1. Extent of occurrence (EOO) < 100 km2 < 5,000 km2 < 20,000 km2

B2. Area of occupancy (AOO) < 10 km2 < 500 km2 < 2,000 km2

AND at least 2 of the following 3 conditions:

(a) Severely fragmented OR Number = 1 ≤ 5 ≤ 10 of locations

(b) Continuing decline observed, estimated, inferred or projected in any of: (i) extent of occurrence; (ii) area of occupancy; (iii) area, extent and/or quality of habitat; (iv) number of locations or subpopulations; (v) number of mature individuals

(c) Extreme fluctuations in any of: (i) extent of occurrence; (ii) area of occupancy; (iii) number of locations or subpopulations; (iv) number of mature individuals

Criterion 2 evidence Not eligible

Threatened Species Scientific Committee 24 Calyptorhynchus lathami lathami (South-eastern Glossy Black-Cockatoo) Consultation document

The EOO and AOO for the subspecies are 470,000 km2 (range 447,000–493,500 km2) and 40,000 km2 (range 21000–80 000 km2), respectively (Cameron et al. 2021). The EOO is based on all observance records since 1990. The minimum AOO is the number of 2x2 km squares within which thy have been record since 1990, but given the remoteness of much of the distribution, the real AOO is assumed to be at least doubled (Cameron et al. 2021). Around 34 percent of the 1x1 km squares from which birds have been record since 1990 were burnt (G Ehmke unpublished data cited in Cameron et al. 2021), but this impact is not enough to reduce the AOO below the threshold for consideration as Vulnerable.

The data presented above appear to demonstrate the subspecies is not eligible for listing under this criterion. Although greatly impacted by the 2019/2020 bushfires, the EOO and AOO for the subspecies are not considered limited. However, the purpose of this consultation document is to elicit additional information to better understand the subspecies’ status. This conclusion should therefore be considered to be tentative at this state, as it may be changed as a result of responses to this consultation process.

Criterion 3 Population size and decline

– Critically Endangered Vulnerable Endangered Low Limited Very low

Estimated number of mature individuals < 250 < 2,500 < 10,000

AND either (C1) or (C2) is true

C1. An observed, estimated or projected Very high rate High rate Substantial rate continuing decline of at least (up to a 25% in 3 years or 1 20% in 5 years or 2 10% in 10 years or max. of 100 years in future) generation generation 3 generations (whichever is (whichever is (whichever is longer) longer) longer)

C2. An observed, estimated, projected or inferred continuing decline AND its geographic distribution is precarious for its survival based on at least 1 of the following 3 conditions:

(i) Number of mature individuals ≤ 50 ≤ 250 ≤ 1,000 in each subpopulation (a) (ii) % of mature individuals in one 90 – 100% 95 – 100% 100% subpopulation =

(b) Extreme fluctuations in the number of mature individuals

Criterion 3 evidence Eligible under Criterion 3 C2a(ii) for listing as Vulnerable

The estimated total number of mature individuals of this subspecies is limited at 7,500 (range 6,000–10,500) mature individuals. An estimated decline is ongoing at a substantial rate. Expert

Threatened Species Scientific Committee 25 Calyptorhynchus lathami lathami (South-eastern Glossy Black-Cockatoo) Consultation document predictions suggest a decline over three generations of at least 22 percent (Legge et al. 2021). Further, the geographic distribution is precarious for the survival of the subspecies as all the mature individuals are considered as one subpopulation.

The data presented above appear to demonstrate that the subspecies is eligible to be listed as Vulnerable under this criterion. However, the purpose of this consultation document is to elicit additional information to better understand the subspecies’ status. This conclusion should therefore be considered to be tentative at this stage, as it may be changed as a result of responses to this consultation process.

Criterion 4 Number of mature individuals

– Critically Endangered Endangered Vulnerable Extremely low Very Low Low

D. Number of mature individuals < 50 < 250 < 1,000

D2.1 Only applies to the Vulnerable category D2. Typically: area of Restricted area of occupancy or number occupancy < 20 km2 or - - of locations with a plausible future threat number of locations that could drive the species to critically ≤ 5 endangered or Extinct in a very short time

1 The IUCN Red List Criterion D allows for species to be listed as Vulnerable under Criterion D2. The corresponding Criterion 4 in the EPBC Regulations does not currently include the provision for listing a species under D2. As such, a species cannot currently be listed under the EPBC Act under Criterion D2 only. However, assessments may include information relevant to D2. This information will not be considered by the Committee in making its recommendation of the species’ eligibility for listing under the EPBC Act, but may assist other jurisdictions to adopt the assessment outcome under the common assessment method. Criterion 4 evidence Not eligible

The total population size for the subspecies is estimated to be around 7,500 mature individuals (range 6,000–10,500). This estimation is based on that the AOO is twice that recorded, a density of one mature bird per 200 ha of ideal habitat (Cameron 2009), that 50 percent of the occupied grid cells include ideal habitat, and that the 2019/2020 bushfires rendered 30 percent of the habitat unsuitable for cockatoos for at least 10 years (Cameron et al. 2021).

The data presented above appear to demonstrate the subspecies is not eligible for listing under this criterion, However, the purpose of this consultation document is to elicit additional information to better understand the subspecies’ status. This conclusion should therefore be considered to be tentative at this stage, as it may be changed as a result of response to this consultation process.

Threatened Species Scientific Committee 26 Calyptorhynchus lathami lathami (South-eastern Glossy Black-Cockatoo) Consultation document

Criterion 5 Quantitative analysis

– Critically Endangered Vulnerable Endangered Near future Medium-term future Immediate future

≥ 50% in 10 years or 3 ≥ 20% in 20 years or Indicating the probability of generations, 5 generations, ≥ 10% in 100 years extinction in the wild to be: whichever is longer whichever is longer (100 years max.) (100 years max.)

Criterion 5 evidence Insufficient data to determine eligibility

Population viability analysis appears not to have been undertaken, and therefore there is insufficient data to demonstrate if the subspecies is eligible for listing under this criterion. However, the purpose of this consultation document is to elicit additional information to better understand the subspecies’ status. This conclusion should therefore be considered to be tentative at this stage, as it may be changed as a result of responses to this consultation process.

Adequacy of survey Although there is sufficient evidence to support the assessment, survey results have been inconsistent, and long-term regional monitoring is lacking for the subspecies. A standardised, range-wide, long-term monitoring program would benefit any conservation planning for the South-eastern Glossy Black-Cockatoo.

Threatened Species Scientific Committee 27 Calyptorhynchus lathami lathami (South-eastern Glossy Black-Cockatoo) Consultation document

CONSULTATION QUESTIONS FOR Calyptorhynchus lathami lathami (South- eastern Glossy Black-Cockatoo)

SECTION A - GENERAL

1. Is the information used to assess the nationally threatened status of the species/subspecies robust? Have all the underlying assumptions been made explicit? Please provide justification for your response.

2. Can you provide additional data or information relevant to this assessment?

3. Have you been involved in previous state, territory or national assessments of this species/subspecies? If so, in what capacity?

PART 1 – INFORMATION TO ASSIST LISTING ASSESSMENT

SECTION B DO YOU HAVE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON THE ECOLOGY OR BIOLOGY OF THE SPECIES/SUBSPECIES? (If no, skip to section C)

Biological information

4. Can you provide any additional or alternative references, information or estimates on longevity, average life span and generation length?

5. Do you have any additional information on the ecology or biology of the species/subspecies not in the current advice?

SECTION C ARE YOU AWARE OF THE STATUS OF THE TOTAL NATIONAL POPULATION OF THE SPECIES/SUBSPECIES? (If no, skip to section D)

Population size

6. Has the survey effort for this taxon been adequate to determine its national adult population size? If not, please provide justification for your response.

7. Do you consider the way the population size has been derived to be appropriate? Are there any assumptions and unquantified biases in the estimates? Did the estimates measure relative or absolute abundance? Do you accept the estimate of the total population size of the species/subspecies? If not, please provide justification for your response.

8. If not, can you provide a further estimate of the current population size of mature adults of the species/subspecies (national extent)? Please provide supporting justification or other information.

If, because of uncertainty, you are unable to provide a single number, you may wish to provide an estimated range. If so, please choose one of the ranges suggested in the table below of possible species/subspecies numbers, and also choose the level of confidence you have in this estimate:

Number of mature individuals is estimated to be in the range of: □ 1–1,000 □ 1,001–2,500 □ 2,500–10,000 □ >10,000 □ >50,000

Threatened Species Scientific Committee 28 Calyptorhynchus lathami lathami (South-eastern Glossy Black-Cockatoo) Consultation document

Level of your confidence in this estimate: □ 0–30% - low level of certainty/ a bit of a guess/ not much information to go on □ 31–50% - more than a guess, some level of supporting evidence □ 51–95% - reasonably certain, information suggests this range □ 95–100% - high level of certainty, information indicates quantity within this range □ 99–100% - very high level of certainty, data are accurate within this range

SECTION D ARE YOU AWARE OF TRENDS IN THE OVERALL POPULATION OF THE SPECIES/SUBSPECIES? (If no, skip to section E)

9. Does the current and predicted rate of decline used in the assessment seem reasonable? Do you consider that the way this estimate has been derived is appropriate? If not, please provide justification of your response.

Evidence of total population size change

10. Are you able to provide an estimate of the total population size during the late 2000s (at or soon after the start of the most recent three generation period)? Please provide justification for your response.

Number of mature individuals is estimated to be in the range of: □ 1–1,000 □ 1,001–2,500 □ 2,500–10,000 □ >10,000 □ >50,000

11. Are you able to comment on the extent of decline in the species/subspecies’ total population size over the last approximately 13 years (i.e., three generations)? Please provide justification for your response.

If, because of uncertainty, you are unable to provide an estimate of decline, you may wish to provide an estimated range. If so, please choose one of the ranges suggested in the table below of ranges of decline, and also choose the level of confidence you have in this estimated range.

Threatened Species Scientific Committee 29 Calyptorhynchus lathami lathami (South-eastern Glossy Black-Cockatoo) Consultation document

Decline estimated to be in the range of: □ 1–30% □31–50% □51–80% □81–100% □90–100%

Level of your confidence in this estimated decline: □ 0–30% - low level of certainty/ a bit of a guess/ not much information to go on □ 31–50% - more than a guess, some level of supporting evidence □ 51–95% - reasonably certain, suggests this range of decline □ 95–100% - high level of certainty, information indicates a decline within this range □ 99–100% - very high level of certainty, data are accurate within this range

12. Please provide (if known) any additional evidence which shows the population is stable, increasing or declining.

SECTION E ARE YOU AWARE OF INFORMATION ON THE TOTAL RANGE OF THE SPECIES/SUBSPECIES? (If no, skip to section F)

Current Distribution/range/extent of occurrence, area of occupancy

13. Does the assessment consider the entire geographic extent and national extent of the species/subspecies? If not, please provide justification for your response.

14. Has the survey effort for this species/subspecies been adequate to determine its national distribution? If not, please provide justification for your response.

15. Is the distribution described in the assessment accurate? If not, please provide justification for your response and provide alternate information.

16. Do you agree that the way the current extent of occurrence and/or area of occupancy have been estimated is appropriate? Please provide justification for your response.

17. Can you provide estimates (or if you disagree with the estimates provided, alternative estimates) of the extent of occurrence and/or area of occupancy.

If, because of uncertainty, you are unable to provide an estimate of extent of occurrence, you may wish to provide an estimated range. If so, please choose one of the ranges suggested in the table below of ranges of extent of occurrence, and also choose the level of confidence you have in this estimated range.

Current extent of occurrence is estimated to be in the range of: □ <50,000 km2 □ 50,001 – 250,000 km2 □ 250,001 – 500,000 km2 □ >500,000 km2

Level of your confidence in this estimated extent of occurrence □ 0–30% - low level of certainty/ a bit of a guess/ not much data to go on □ 31–50% - more than a guess, some level of supporting evidence

Threatened Species Scientific Committee 30 Calyptorhynchus lathami lathami (South-eastern Glossy Black-Cockatoo) Consultation document

□ 51–95% - reasonably certain, data suggests this range of decline □ 95–100% - high level of certainty, data indicates a decline within this range □ 99–100% - very high level of certainty, data is accurate within this range

If, because of uncertainty, you are unable to provide an estimate of area of occupancy, you may wish to provide an estimated range. If so, please choose one of the ranges suggested in the table below of ranges of area of occupancy, and also choose the level of confidence you have in this estimated range.

Current area of occupancy is estimated to be in the range of: □ <25,000 km2 □ 25,001 – 50,000 km2 □ 50,001 – 100,000 km2 □ >100,000 km2

Level of your confidence in this estimated extent of occurrence: □ 0–30% - low level of certainty/ a bit of a guess/ not much data to go on □ 31–50% - more than a guess, some level of supporting evidence □ 51–95% - reasonably certain, data suggests this range of decline □ 95–100% - high level of certainty, data indicates a decline within this range □ 99–100% - very high level of certainty, data is accurate within this range

SECTION F ARE YOU AWARE OF TRENDS IN THE TOTAL RANGE OF THE SPECIES/SUBSPECIES? (If no, skip to section G)

Past Distribution/range/extent of occurrence, area of occupancy

18. Do you consider that the way the historic distribution has been estimated is appropriate? Please provide justification for your response.

19. Can you provide estimates (or if you disagree with the estimates provided, alternative estimates) of the former extent of occurrence and/or area of occupancy.

If, because of uncertainty, you are unable to provide an estimate of past extent of occurrence, you may wish to provide an estimated range. If so, please choose one of the ranges suggested in the table below of ranges of past extent of occurrence, and also choose the level of confidence you have in this estimated range.

Past extent of occurrence is estimated to be in the range of: □ <50,000 km2 □ 50,001 – 250,000 km2 □ 250,001 – 500,000 km2 □ >500,000 km2

Threatened Species Scientific Committee 31 Calyptorhynchus lathami lathami (South-eastern Glossy Black-Cockatoo) Consultation document

□ 95–100% - high level of certainty, data indicates a decline within this range □ 99–100% - very high level of certainty, data is accurate within this range

If, because of uncertainty, you are unable to provide an estimate of past area of occupancy, you may wish to provide an estimated range. If so, please choose one of the ranges suggested in the table below of ranges of past area of occupancy, and also choose the level of confidence you have in this estimated range:

Past area of occupancy is estimated to be in the range of: □ <25,000 km2 □ 25,001 – 50,000 km2 □ 50,001 – 100,000 km2 □ >100,000 km2

Level of your confidence in this estimated extent of occurrence: □ 0–30% - low level of certainty/ a bit of a guess/ not much data to go on □ 31–50% - more than a guess, some level of supporting evidence □ 51–95% - reasonably certain, data suggests this range of decline □ 95–100% -high level of certainty, data indicates a decline within this range □ 99–100% - very high level of certainty, data is accurate within this range

PART 2 – INFORMATION FOR CONSERVATION ADVICE ON THREATS AND CONSERVATION ACTIONS

SECTION G DO YOU HAVE INFORMATION ON THREATS TO THE SURVIVAL OF THE SPECIES/SUBSPECIES? (If no, skip to section H)

20. Do you consider that all major threats have been identified and described adequately?

21. To what degree are the identified threats likely to impact on the species/subspecies in the future?

22. Are the threats impacting on different populations equally, or do the threats vary across different populations?

23. Can you provide additional or alternative information on past, current or potential threats that may adversely affect the species/subspecies at any stage of its life cycle?

24. Can you provide supporting data/justification or other information for your responses to these questions about threats?

SECTION H DO YOU HAVE INFORMATION ON CURRENT OR FUTURE MANAGEMENT FOR THE RECOVERY OF THE SPECIES/SUBSPECIES? (If no, skip to section I)

25. What planning, management and recovery actions are currently in place supporting protection and recovery of the species/subspecies? To what extent have they been effective?

Threatened Species Scientific Committee 32 Calyptorhynchus lathami lathami (South-eastern Glossy Black-Cockatoo) Consultation document

26. Can you recommend any additional or alternative specific threat abatement or conservation actions that would aid the protection and recovery of the species/subspecies?

27. Would you recommend translocation (outside of the species’ historic range) as a viable option as a conservation actions for this species/subspecies?

SECTION I DO YOU HAVE INFORMATION ON STAKEHOLDERS IN THE RECOVERY OF THE SPECIES/SUBSPECIES?

28. Are you aware of other knowledge (e.g., traditional ecological knowledge) or individuals/groups with knowledge that may help better understand population trends/fluctuations, or critical areas of habitat?

29. Are you aware of any cultural or social importance or use that the species/subspecies has?

30. What individuals or organisations are currently, or potentially could be, involved in management and recovery of the species/subspecies?

31. How aware of this species/subspecies are land managers where the species/subspecies is found?

32. What level of awareness is there with individuals or organisations around the issues affecting the species/subspecies?

a. Where there is awareness, what are these interests of these individuals/organisations?

b. Are there populations or areas of habitat that are particularly important to the community?

PART 3 – ANY OTHER INFORMATION

33. Do you have comments on any other matters relevant to the assessment of this species/subspecies?

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