Philippine Cockatoo

Common Name: PHILIPPINE COCKATOO
Scientific Name: Cacatua haematuropygia
Local Name: Katala (Visayan), Agay (Palawan)

Conservation Status: This species is classified by the IUCN as Critically Endangered wherein an observed, estimated, inferred or suspected reduction of at least 80% of its population over the last 10 years due to a decline in area of occupancy and habitat quality. The main threat is excessive exploitation for the pet trade. Thus the species is banned for trade (unless permitted in exceptional circumstances) under CITES Appendix 1.

The species was previously locally common, but due to abusive exploitation, it has become rare and confined to certain areas.

It is an endemic species in the Philippines, where records show that it formerly thrives in Basilan, Bohol, Boracay, Catanduanes, Jolo, Leyte, Luzon, Marinduque, Mindoro, Negros, Panay, Polillo, and Samar, among others. In the Palawan Faunal Region, it has been recorded in the islands of Balabac, Busuanga, Calauit, Culion, Coron, and on the Mainland. The exemplary conservation efforts of the Philippine Cockatoo Conservation Program has greatly contributed in replenishing the population of this species, where an estimated 80 heads are now thriving on Rasa Island in Southern Palawan.

The species is supposedly a resident in lowland, riverine, and mangrove forests, but may be found in forest edge and open fields as well as high in the mountains. It also tends to wander in flocks outside the breeding season and may raid crops particularly corn.