(Eolophus r. albiceps) (Figure 2), Slender-billed Corella (Cacatua tenuirostris) and Sulphur-crested Cockatoo (Cacatua g. galerita), which devastated the crops and had been subsequently designated “pest” species by the Australian authorities. Ray has


tried to persuade these authorities to allow export of these species, but to date these attempts have been rebuffed.


John Mollindinia noticed during his visit that there were few Major Mitchell cockatoos to be seen and then discovered that they suffered from continual predation by goannas, a species of monitor lizard, which nimbly climb the trees when, for instance, they hear chicks calling for food and gobble them up whole. The lizard concerned is the Lace monitor (Varanus varius) (Figure 3), which is the second largest of this reptile group reaching 2 metres (6½ feet) in length and weighing as much as 20 kg (44 lbs). They can forage over long distances (up to 3 km - nearly two miles) in one day and feed on insects, smaller lizards, snakes, small mammals, birds


Figure 2 - Galah, or Roseate, Cockatoo (Eolophus roseicapillus)


ARTICLE BY: ANNE HOPPMANN, BIOLOGIST Figure 3 - The Lace Monitor (Varanus varius)


18 BIRD SCENE


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