You are invited to participate in a survey to help us understand bin-opening behaviour by cockatoos. This forms part of ongoing research by the Clever Cockie Project, headed by Dr Lucy Aplin, Research School of Biology, ANU.
What is the cockatoo bin-opening study?
Sulphur-crested cockatoos in some regions have been observed to
open household bins to scavenge food. We aim to understand where this behaviour started, whether it is spreading, and whether securing bins can help manage the behaviour. You are welcome to read our previous research here.
As well as studying cockatoos directly, we map it across the landscape with people power, doing this survey annually to track change over time. We want to know where bin-opening does and does NOT occur, so please fill out this survey even if you haven't seen it. Please also fill out this survey even if you have done so in previous years (but only once per year, please).
The survey consists of two parts: the first asks about bin protection and the second about your observations. All responses are anonymous and location is only identified to the suburb. If you choose not to finish, your responses will not be saved. For more information, please view the participant information sheet.
The ethical aspects of this research have been reviewed by the ANU Human Research Ethics Committee (Protocol 2023/1302). If you have any concerns or complaints, please see participant information sheet for their contact details.
Thank you!!
