Current view: Text account
Site description (2008 baseline):
Site location and context
The Cataby IBA supports at least 1% of the breeding population of Carnaby's Black-Cockatoo, with nesting trees and feeding habitat distributed through remnant vegetation and isolated paddock trees in a single property in the northern wheatbelt of Western Australia. The IBA boundaries are defined by known areas of suitable nesting habitat. Future surveys may identify adjacent or nearby areas supporting cockatoos that can be included in the IBA at a later time. The Cataby IBA is comprised of a formerly private property acquired by a mining company for the extraction of mineral sands. Native vegetation within the IBA is managed for conservation of the cockatoos. The IBA consists of all suitable native vegetation and isolated nesting trees within the identified area. The mine site, existing cleared areas, non-native plants, and weed populations are not included in the IBA. The area has a Mediterranean climate.
Western Spinebill has been recorded in the IBA as an uncommon visitor (R. Johnstone pers. comm. 2008).
Pressure/threats to key biodiversity
Managing the mine site to ensure minimal disturbance of Carnaby's Black-Cockatoo during the breeding season. Continued exclusion of stock and native herbivores by fencing and weed control around nesting trees and in native vegetation to promote regeneration. Nest hollow repair and nest competitor control. Planting appropriate native food plant species near nesting areas.
Conservation responses/actions for key biodiversity
Native vegetation in this IBA is actively managed by the mining company for conservation of Carnaby's Black-Cockatoo. Conservation action within the IBA includes an artificial nest hollow trial and active control of European Honeybees, Galahs and Western Corellas, each of which compete with Carnaby's Black-Cockatoo for tree hollows.
None.
Iluka Resources Limited.
Site access / Land-owner requests
Contact Iluka Resources Limited for access details related to this IBA.
Cheryl Gole (WWF-Australia and Birds Australia Western Australia) prepared the nomination. Ron Johnstone (Western Australian Museum) kindly provided data and comments. Kellie Mantle, Rick Dawson and Peter Mawson (Department of Environment and Conservation) provided mapping assistance and additional comments.
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Important Bird Area factsheet: Cataby (Australia). Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/site/factsheet/cataby-iba-australia on 23/12/2024.
