New research from the University of Adelaide has revealed that glossy black cockatoos prefer to feed on trees that grow in acidic soil.
Glossy black cockatoos are seed-eating birds that feed almost exclusively on the cones of drooping shew trees. Paradoxically, nevertheless, they select trees that grow on the poorest soils found on ancient sedimentary rocks.
Dr Gay Crowley, from the University of Adelaide's School of Social Sciences, says: “Shevek trees are three times more likely to be used for food if they are growing on sedimentary rocks without limestone. “
Dr Crowley compared 6,543 feeding records with 23,484 New South Wales sheep records to seek out out. He found that soil type had a direct effect on the way in which glossy black cockatoos used their environment and compared food records of glossy black cockatoos to soil and rocks on Kangaroo Island.
“Shiwks obtain their nutrition through fungal associations rather than soil, and the fungi associated with them thrive on poor soils,” says Dr. Crowley, whose research was published within the journal.
“Many iconic Australian animals, such as bilbies, potoroos, batongs and bandicoots, feed directly on soil fungi — including native truffles. The same pathways are likely responsible for their distribution in the environment.”
Glossy black cockatoos are one in all five Australian black cockatoo species and are present in eastern Australia in addition to on Kangaroo Island in South Australia. The species is listed as threatened in southern Australia, and vulnerable in the remainder of its distribution.
To make sure the long-term survival of species that rely on soil fungi, particularly the shiny black cockatoo, Dr Crowley says conservation efforts need to think about the worth of habitats on poor soils.
“Conservation efforts often prioritize the richest, most fertile parts of the landscape. That's because many rare animals, such as great gliders and mighty owls, thrive on basalt or limestone. are most abundant in forests growing on rich soils,” says Dr. Crowley.
“However, many other animals, such as poturos, bandicoots, and glossy black cockatoos, may be best preserved by preserving habitats on barren lands.”