The red-vented cockatoo (Cacatua haematuropygia), also known as the Philippine cockatoo and locally katala, abukay, agay, or kalangay, is a species of cockatoo. It is endemic to the Philippines, formerly found throughout the entire country, but due to the illegal wildlife trade, it is now locally extinct in most of its range with the only sizeable population remaining in Palawan and Sulu Archipelago. Remnant populations occur in the Polillo Islands, Bohol, and Samar. It is roughly the size and shape of the Tanimbar corella, but is easily distinguished by the red feathers around the vent. It is threatened by habitat loss and the cage-bird trade.

Description and taxonomy

thumb|Two in captivity from the illegal wildlife trade|left

Their plumage is all white with red undertail coverts tipped white, yellowish undertail, and pale-yellow underwings. They average long and have an wingspan.

The red-vented cockatoo makes a characteristic bleating call, as well as screeching or whistling noises that are common to most cockatoos. It is quieter than most cockatoos, and much quieter than the white cockatoo or salmon-crested cockatoo.

Behaviour and ecology

thumb| Two Philippine cockatoo eggs- [[MHNT]]The diet of red-vented cockatoos is mostly seeds, but they also eat fruit, flowers, and nectar. They even eat rice and corn, which is why they are considered pests. In the early 1990s, the total wild population was estimated at 1000–4000, but by 2008, this was reduced to probably less than 1000. Remnant populations exist on the islands of Palawan, Tawitawi, Bohol, and Samar. The species' stronghold is the Palawan Faunal Region, where the Katala Foundation has been running the Philippine Cockatoo Conservation Programme since 1998. The efforts for conservation of the Katala Foundation are threatened by plans to build a coal-fired power station on Palawan's coast. Environmental organizations such as the Katala Foundation or Rainforest Rescue are trying to prevent the construction.

Populations have decreased dramatically due to illegal trapping for the cage-bird trade. The high-price fetched per bird (around US$300 in Manila in 2006) means that chicks are taken from virtually every accessible nest. Other contributing factors are loss of coastal habitat and persecution as an agricultural pest.

Currently, sites are assessed and tested for their suitability for translocation. An attempt on a resort island in northern Palawan indicated that rescued hand-raised birds can adapt well to natural conditions, including foraging and predator avoidance, but was terminated owing to problems caused by tameness. Siargao is being assessed and made suitable for reintroduction efforts.

See also

  • Katala Foundation, Inc.

References

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  • Katala Foundation Incorporated