Six Palm cockatoos, also known as goliath cockatoos or great black cockatoos (Probosciger aterrimus), were recently saved by the police in Assam’s Cachar district. These large smoky-grey or black parrots, characterized by their distinctive black beak and red cheek patches, hail from New Guinea, Aru Islands, and Cape York Peninsula.
They inhabit diverse habitats including rainforests, woodlands, and savannas. Unfortunately, they face threats from habitat loss due to logging and fires, impacting their nesting sites. Currently categorized as “Least Concern” by the IUCN, conservation efforts are crucial to safeguard these majestic birds.
What to study in prelims?
- Cachar District: Cachar is a district in the state of Assam, India. It is known for its diverse flora and fauna and is home to various wildlife species.
- IUCN: The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) is a global organization that assesses the conservation status of species and provides information on their extinction risk through the IUCN Red List.
- Habitat Loss: Habitat loss refers to the destruction or degradation of natural habitats due to human activities such as deforestation, urbanization, and agricultural expansion. This can lead to the decline of species that rely on those habitats.
- Nesting Sites: Nesting sites are locations where birds build their nests to lay eggs and raise their young. These sites are essential for the reproductive success and survival of bird species.
