A hands-on conservation event celebrating the endangered Gang-gang Cockatoo will be held at Tarwin River Forest, Foster North, on Sunday, September 7 – coinciding with national Threatened Species Day.
The event, running from 10am to 1:30pm, brings together landholders, bird lovers and forest enthusiasts to learn about protecting these distinctive crested cockatoos, whose numbers are declining rapidly across Gippsland.
ANU researcher Stacey Taylor will share insights into Gang-gang behaviour and habitat protection strategies that residents can implement in their own backyards. The program includes a tree-climbing demonstration showing how researchers check tree hollows for nesting sites.
Participants will learn citizen science techniques, including collecting feathers for DNA research and contributing sightings to a crowd-sourced Gang-gang mapping project. The morning concludes with lunch and refreshments around a campfire.
The event is jointly hosted by Gippsland Threatened Species Action Group, Gippsland Forest Guardians and Tarwin River Forest. A $10 donation per person is suggested to cover costs, though organisers stress that everyone is welcome regardless of ability to pay.
Places are limited and RSVPs are essential. Contact victoria@gippslandforestguardians.org.au or phone 0410 053 456 to register.
Property owners unable to attend but who have Gang-gangs on their land are encouraged to contact organisers, as researcher Stacey Taylor may be able to arrange site visits.
