That decline was expected to continue because increased heatwaves and fire frequency as a result of the climate emergency were increasing pressure on the species across its range, with bushfires likely to reduce the amount of nesting habitat available to the birds. Nearly all we know about local Gang-gang movements has come from reported sightings of the distinctive male Baldy who travelled up to 4km to forage when. The bushfires affected 36% of the birds’ range, leading to an estimated further drop in numbers of 21%.

The scientific committee wrote in draft advice last year that gang-gang populations had already declined by between 15% and 69% before the fires. Gang-gangs, one of 14 cockatoo species in Australia, are crowd favorites for their slate-gray feathers with blushes of pink, the male's distinctive red crest, and. The bird is one of several plants and animals that required assessment after the 2019-20 bushfire disaster a number of other species are also expected to be added to the threatened list. Both the male and female have a wispy crest of feathers on the head. They are a common sight in Canberra, where they are often found in back yards in the inner suburbs and in nearby bushland reserves. They can be easily told apart with the male having a scarlet red head and crest of feathers. Both sexes incubate the 2-3 eggs for about a month and care for the young. The female chooses a nest hollow in a suitable tree and both sexes prepare the nest for egg-laying, lining it with wood-chips and dust by chewing at the sides of the hollow. The adult males are known for their distinctive red facial feathers. Gang-gang Cockatoos form close, monogamous pairs. Gang-gangs are small, grey cockatoos found throughout south-eastern Australia.

Gang gang cockatoo range map