(UNIQUE ROLE)
The Red-vented Cockatoo, Cacatua haematuropygia, sometimes called
the Philippine Cockatoo, is a cockatoo roughly the size and shape of the Goffin's
[Link] have greyish white beaks and a bare ring around the eyes. The males
have dark brown eyes and the females have dark red eyes. The Red-vented
Cockatoo has a short recumbent crest on the top of their head. They raise the crest
when they are excited or [Link] is 12.2 inches long and has an 8.6 inches
wingspan. Furthermore, the Red-vented Cockatoo is recognisable by its white
plumage with a red under tail and pale yellow underwings. And actually,it is quieter
than most cockatoos, and much quieter than the umbrella cockatoo or Moluccan
cockatoo.
(Voice record)
Habitat
Occurs in lowland native forest, including mangroves, also recorded in secondary
growth and around crops; appears to favour forest edge habitats. Sometimes in hills
and mountains to altitudes of 1,100m
This cockatoo is native to the Philippines where small populations exist on the
islands of Palawan, Tawitawi, Mindanao and Masbate.
However, this bird is critically [Link] TO . The reasons for the decline of
the populations are:
Habitat destruction, particularly in respect of nesting and food providing trees.
Persecution as crop pest.
Poaching for pet trade.
Potential diseases caused by the introduction of captive birds in the range of
wild populations.
Tropical storms and typhoon
(Contributions to ecological values and services to man and to other life
form.)
Due to its critically-endangered species, all red-vented cockatoos that are capable of
breeding should be placed into a breeding situation with experienced aviculturists to
ensure that this magnificent parrot can be enjoyed by future generations.
(voice record)
The single-most important Philippine cockatoo population on Rasa is secured under
presidential proclamation as “Rasa Island Wildlife Sanctuary” since February 2006, in
addition to local legislations.
And did you know that Cockatoos have been used in animal-assisted therapy,
generally in nursing homes. Cockatoos are very popular as pets, not only for their
appearance but also for their intelligence and engaging personalities. Well-socialized
cockatoos are often affectionate not only to their owner but to strangers as well.
Cockatoos are capable of living up to 30-70 years depending upon species and as
such they require a long term commitment from their owners. Their longevity is also
considered a positive trait as it reduces instances of the loss of a pet.
With the implementation of a nest protection scheme on Pandanan in 2008 the
cockatoo population increased from 40 birds to at least 230 by the end of 2015.
There are organization that provide a tree planting activities to help these cockatoos
have their habitats, and not just that some animals such as fish, turtles, and other
birds can also gain a benefits in these mangrooves that was planted by the
organization.
As a student of STS what are the possible ways that you can do to protect and
preserve them? And what will be your contribution to control biodiversity crisis?
I will volounteer in organization or tree planting activities and I will spread
awareness to promote the red-vented cockatoos that it should not be killed. I
will use the internet platform as an instrument to promote cockatoos safety and
a video campaign to enlightened people the importance of this bird. Moreover, I
can contribute in lessening the crisis in biodiversity to happen in many different
ways. Recycling and reusing the things in our [Link] this simple way I can
already help lessen the possibilities of adding garbage in the surroundings. And
by collecting the dry leaves in our front and backyard and try to decomposed it
to create a healthy fertilizer for our plants and aside from that I already stop
myself on contributing air pollution by decomposting instead of burning them.
