More than 85 black cockatoos have died after being hit by cars in the past two months prompting a warning for south coast motorists to be extra cautious.
Drivers are being advised to be aware of flocks of endangered black cockatoos gathering on roadsides, following 85 bird deaths as a result of vehicle strike during the past eight weeks.
Department of Parks and Wildlife senior wildlife officer Rick Dawson said the birds had been struck by vehicles on the South Coast Highway from Cheyne Beach Road to Wellstead, and Chester Pass Road in Stirling Range National Park, as well as in Albany.
"At this time of year after the first rains, black cockatoos congregate in flocks by the side of the road to feed and drink," he said.
"As a large-winged bird, black cockatoos usually take off into the wind often putting them in the path of vehicles and making them vulnerable to vehicle strike, so we ask that motorists slow down safely when they see black cockatoos on or near the road, and approach with caution.
"They are often encountered feeding on the shoulders or verges of country roads where they are attracted by spilled canola seed and other germinating grains from passing grain trucks.
"We ask that grain truck drivers ensure their loads are secure to minimise grain being leaked onto roads.
"There are road warning signs in place alerting drivers as to the locations of some black cockatoo hotspots along South Coast Highway and Chester Pass Road."
Mr Dawson said the number of black cockatoos being struck was concerning.
"Carnaby's, Baudin's and forest red-tailed black cockatoos are all endangered, so every preventable death is a blow to the survival prospects of the species," he said.
"Although the department's south coast region has confirmed the deaths of 85 black cockatoos during the current grain carting season, we believe many more are hit by vehicles and never reported to the department."
Parks and Wildlife staff will continue to engage with the state's grain transporters to put measures in place to minimise grain spillage.
Mr Dawson encouraged people to report injured cockatoos to the nearest Parks and Wildlife office or to the Wildcare Helpline on 9474 9055, to ensure they are attended to quickly, thereby increasing their chances of being successfully rehabilitated.
"We would also like to receive the carcasses of black cockatoos because their DNA can assist with further research into the species," he said.
