Mongabay · Climate & nature

Artificial Nests Aid Hong Kong's Endangered Cockatoos

A conservation project in Hong Kong provides artificial nest boxes to support the city's critically endangered yellow-crested cockatoos, which face a shortage of natural nesting sites.

Biologist Astrid Andersson and arborist Harry Wong are installing artificial nest boxes to support Hong Kong's approximately 200 yellow-crested cockatoos, about 10% of the global population. These birds, possibly escaped pets, have high genetic diversity, potentially aiding Indonesian conservation.

The project addresses a "housing crisis" as over 60% of natural tree hollows are lost. The artificial nests, adapted for Hong Kong's climate, include cameras for monitoring breeding behavior.

Fifteen nest boxes have been installed in parks and schools. Students are involved, participating in bird-watching and adopting the cockatoo as a mascot.

While some boxes attract cockatoos, it takes time for them to adapt. One success involved parents finding and raising a rescued chick in a nest box.

Harry Wong is refining nest box designs, focusing on internal temperature to make them more appealing for nesting. More boxes are planned.

Recent observations show a group of cockatoos visiting a campus after a nest box relocation, indicating potential future nesting success. The project highlights urban conservation for endangered species.

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