DCMC is a registered charity, with all donations over $2 tax deductible.
The Gang-gang Cockatoo, a distinctive and cherished bird species, was listed as endangered under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 in March 2022. Their populations have declined in recent decades due to habitat loss, which was exacerbated by the devastating 2019/2020 Black Summer bushfires.
Social, Playful and Affectionate: Gang-gang Cockatoos are known for their social nature. They are highly interactive with other members of their species. These birds are intelligent and curious, often exploring their surroundings and interacting with various objects.
One of the most recognisable traits of the Gang-gang Cockatoo is its call, which sounds like a squeaky door or a creaky gate. This unique sound is a key identifier of the species
The Gang-gang Cockatoo has a striking appearance. Males have a bright red head and crest, while females have a grey head and crest with feathers that have salmon pink edges on the underbelly. Their bodies are primarily slate-grey.
Their range includes both urban areas and native forests, making them important in both natural and urban ecosystems. Primarily inhabiting mature, wet sclerophyll forests typically dominated by eucalyptus. Gang-gangs feed on eucalyptus seeds, berries, and insect larvae. Therefore, habitats with dense shrubbery, dominated by eucalyptus trees, wattles and banksia are vital to support a high density of birds. Their foraging habits help control leaf and wood-boring insect populations, playing a subtle but important role in maintaining tree health. As Gang-gangs move seasonally between higher elevation forests in summer and lower areas in winter, they help disperse seeds across different elevations, enhancing genetic diversity in plant populations
There has been a 69% reduction in Gang-gang Cockatoos over the last 21 years, the 2019/2020 bushfires estimated a population decline of 21%, and three generations post fire the population would increase to 29% which is an indication of poor recovery rate, therefore the Gang-gang Cockatoo was listed as Endangered by the Federal Government.
Their decline has been driven by several factors:
Habitat Loss from Land Clearing: Urban development, agricultural expansion and forestry operations have led to significant loss of their natural habitats. This has resulted in a reduction of suitable living areas for these birds, making it harder for them to find food and nesting hollows.
Devastating Bushfires: Recent bushfires have destroyed 4,700,000 hectares of known Gang-gang habitat, making it difficult for them to find food and shelter. The 2019-2020 bushfire season, known as Black Summer, was particularly devastating, with over 30% of their known habitat destroyed and many individuals killed. This has had a significant impact on their population.
Climate Change: Changes in climate patterns are affecting the availability of food and suitable nesting sites. Increased temperatures and altered rainfall patterns are impacting the ecosystems that Gang-gang Cockatoos rely on.
Competition for Nesting Hollows: Other species, including invasive ones, compete for the limited nesting hollows available, making it harder for Gang-gangs to breed successfully. This competition further reduces their chances of survival.
At Darebin Creek Management Committee, our mission is to protect and enhance the unique biodiversity of the Darebin Creek catchment and the Darebin Parklands. Our Ranger-led model for the care Darebin Parklands are central to this work.
Every day, they are:
This hands-on, on-ground work is what keeps the Darebin Parklands thriving — but as a not-for-profit, we rely on grants, donations, and community support to continue.
At DCMC, volunteers play a crucial role in plant propagation. With the guidance of our dedicated Rangers, they propagate native plants from seeds and cuttings, helping restore vital habitat for local wildlife like the Gang-gang Cockatoo.
This community-driven effort ensures that Darebin Parklands and the Darebin Creek catchment remains a thriving ecosystem, providing the food and shelter these endangered birds need to survive.
How Volunteers Contribute
The Impact of Your Support
Your donations to our Save the Gang-gangs – EOFY Fundraiser will help us continue this important work and provide the resources needed for future plant propagation and habitat restoration.
The Darebin Parklands and Darebin Creek: A Vital Refuge for the Gang-gang Cockatoo.
The Darebin Parklands and Darebin Creek are more than just beautiful places — they’re a vital refuge for the Endangered Gang-gang Cockatoo. As their natural habitat disappears across the state, these urban green spaces have become critical for their survival.
The Importance of Darebin Parklands and the Darebin Creek Corridor
Community Involvement: Volunteers play a crucial role in maintaining the parklands. Through activities like plant propagation and habitat restoration, they help create a thriving ecosystem for the Gang-gang Cockatoo and other native wildlife
With your tax-deductible EOFY donation, we can:
Together, we can protect biodiversity, restore ecosystems, and ensure the future of our local wildlife.
The Darebin Creek region, encompassing areas like the Darebin Parklands, has become a crucial refuge for Gang-gang Cockatoos, especially during the winter months when they migrate to lower altitudes. Recent observations have noted small flocks visiting these areas, underscoring the importance of preserving and enhancing their habitat here.
Darebin Creek Management Committee (DCMC) is dedicated to safeguarding and restoring the natural environment along the Darebin Creek. Our initiatives focus on creating and conserving habitats that support local fauna, including the endangered Gang-gang Cockatoo. However, to continue and expand these vital efforts, we need your support.
Your donation can directly contribute to:
Habitat Restoration: Funding the planting of native vegetation that provides essential food and habitat sites for the Gang-gang Cockatoo.
Community Engagement: Educating and involving the community in conservation efforts, fostering a collective responsibility towards protecting this unique species.
Donations to DCMC are tax-deductible and can be made securely through our GiveNow page. Your contribution, no matter the size, plays a crucial role in preserving the habitat of the Gang-gang Cockatoo along the Darebin Creek.
By supporting DCMC, you are directly aiding in the conservation of the Gang-gang Cockatoo and the broader ecosystem of the Darebin Creek. Together, we can ensure that future generations will continue to experience the beauty and presence of these remarkable birds in our community.
DCMC is a registered charity, with all donations over $2 tax deductible.
Donations are securely made through givenow.com.au, Australia’s leading not-for-profit donation platform.