Hi, I’m Clint Conner, a passionate environmental conservationist who has dedicated a significant chunk of time to protecting the incredible biodiversity of Western Australia’s Southern Jarrah Forest. In recent years, my heart and energy have been focused on a critical issue—saving our beloved but severely threatened black cockatoos.

Why This Matters:

Western Australia’s iconic black cockatoos—the critically endangered Baudin’s, endangered Carnaby’s, and vulnerable Forest Red-tailed Black Cockatoos—face rapid population declines. With an estimated fewer than 2,500 mature Baudin’s Cockatoos left, their survival hangs by a thread. Most of the current conservation research specific to our cockatoos has been carried out around the Perth, Wheatbelt, and Swan Coastal Plain regions. There’s very little research specific to our Southern Jarrah Forest, leaving massive gaps in our understanding of exactly what these birds need to survive and thrive in our unique environment.

The Southern Jarrah Forest now represents one of the last major refuges for these cockatoos. Extensive clearing in the Northern Jarrah Forest and ongoing urban and agricultural development throughout the southwest has dramatically reduced available habitat elsewhere. It's now absolutely critical that we understand precisely how habitat functions for our black cockatoos in the Southern Jarrah Forest so we can ensure they're protected into the future.

Without this level of understanding, we risk overlooking the habitats and ecological processes these beautiful birds depend upon. We cannot let that happen

What I’m Doing:

Over the last few years, I’ve spent thousands of voluntary hours in the Southern Jarrah Forest observing black cockatoos and documenting their habitat use, movements and behaviour. Through this work, I've identified a number of vegetation communities, habitat types and seasonal resources that appear to play an important role in supporting cockatoos at particular times of the year. Some of these habitats face increasing pressure from invasive species, disease, altered fire regimes and a changing climate, yet their importance remains poorly understood.

As my observations and understanding have grown, so too has the scope of the project. What began as an effort to document habitat use has evolved into a much broader investigation into how black cockatoos move through the landscape, how different habitats function throughout the annual cycle, and what factors ultimately determine whether an area can support cockatoos over the long term.

I now need your help to formally document, investigate and rigorously test these observations and emerging hypotheses through a focused, long-term study. By combining extensive field observations with a growing bioacoustic monitoring network, this project aims to address important gaps in our understanding of how black cockatoos use and depend upon the Southern Jarrah Forest, helping to inform future conservation and management decisions.

️How Funds Will Be Used:

This project began with the goal of establishing a bioacoustic monitoring network capable of recording black cockatoo activity across the Southern Jarrah Forest. As the project has grown, so too has the scope of the questions being investigated and the infrastructure required to answer them.

Funds raised through this campaign contribute directly towards establishing, expanding and maintaining the long-term monitoring network and supporting the collection, storage and analysis of the resulting data.

This includes:

• Bioacoustic recording units and associated field equipment

• Batteries, memory cards and equipment security

• Data storage and backup systems

• Software and analytical tools

• Equipment maintenance and replacement

• Expansion of the monitoring network into new locations

• Other project expenses directly associated with long-term field monitoring and research

The original fundraising goal was based on establishing a modest network and getting the project off the ground. Thanks to the incredible generosity of supporters, the project has grown considerably beyond those initial plans. The monitoring network has expanded, new questions and opportunities for investigation have emerged, and the potential conservation value of the work continues to increase.

Rather than representing a fixed endpoint, additional funding allows the project to continue growing in scale, coverage and capability. Every contribution directly supports ongoing field research aimed at improving our understanding of how black cockatoos use and depend upon the Southern Jarrah Forest throughout the annual cycle.

I remain committed to ensuring that funds are used responsibly and directed towards activities and equipment that provide meaningful value to the project and its conservation outcomes.

This data is essential to directly inform conservation strategies, influence management decisions, and help secure a future for our beautiful black cockatoos. The data will also empower our community to better understand, value, and protect the forests and wildlife we cherish.

My Commitment & Experience:

I’ll be carrying out this study as an individual, volunteering many hours of my own time. My extensive local knowledge and proven track record have established me as a trusted resource for conservation practitioners within the southwest region. My observations regularly inform critical habitat protection decisions relating to both our unique flora and incredible fauna.

With your help, we can complete this detailed scientific research project—something that would typically cost upwards of $100,000 to conduct if it weren't for the extensive volunteer hours I'll be dedicating.

How You Can Help:

Your donation—no matter how big or small—will directly support this vital research. Every dollar you give brings us closer to protecting the habitats these iconic birds rely upon.

We are at a critical turning point. The wheels within established environmental organisations and government departments are moving too slowly, and crucial science is falling behind. Together, we can take meaningful, timely action.

Thank You!

Thank you for believing in this important work and helping safeguard our irreplaceable wildlife and forests. Please donate today and share this fundraiser widely with your friends and community.

Together, we can protect our black cockatoos before it's too late.