Wildlife Conservation Society, Northern Australia University, White Oak Conservation Center, Queensland Dept. of Environment and Heritage
About one-quarter of all Palm Cockatoo (Probosciger aterrimus) nest trees have been removed in Iron Range National Park, Cape York, severely limiting breeding. Recently, researchers discovered that a low reproductive rate in Australia suggests that the species is at risk long-term.
WPT funded monitoring and tracking, observing nest sites, studying breeding habits and conducting surveys for Palm Cockatoos. Significant findings were that the Palm Cockatoo is a highly specialised feeder with a low breeding frequency. WPT also created The Palm Cockatoo Fund in mid-2001 which, for a short time, provided funding to further conservation and research of the species.
Status:Â IUCN Near Threatened / Appendix I
Population: 260,000–640,000 mature individuals; subspecies macgillivrayi 3000 individuals. Decreasing.
Threats: This species is inferred to be in decline across its range due to clearing for bauxite mining, changing fire regimes, competition with Sulphur-crested Cockatoos and increasing storm severity/frequency. In New Guinea, where >95% of the world population resides, the chief threats are habitat and nest cavity loss and trapping for the pet trade.
Range: P.a. aterrimus: Misool, in W Papuan Islands and Aru Islands, Indonesia.
P.a. macgillivrayi: S New Guinea between Fly and Balim Rivers, and Cape York Peninsula, N Queensland, Australia, south on the east coast to Princess Charlotte Bay and the west coast to Edward River.
P.a. goliath: W Papuan Islands, except Misool, Indonesia, and C New Guinea from Vogelkop, Irian Jaya, east to SE Papua New Guinea.
P.a. stenolophus: Japen Island in Geelvink Bay, Irian Jaya, and N New Guinea from Mamberamo River east to Collingwood Bay, SE Papua New Guinea.
Natural history:  The Palm Cockatoo is found in New Guinea and adjacent islands, and N Australia (Queensland) in lowland areas, rainforest, forest edge, monsoon woodland, and tall secondary growth up to 1350 m (4428 ft). It is seen in pairs and small groups and is conspicuous in its behaviour. Birds forage for seeds, nuts, fruits, berries and leaf buds.