The Philippine Cockatoo

Saving the Red-Vented Cockatoo from the Brink

 Red-vented Cockatoo photo by Albert Abadicio, CC, via Wikimedia Commons

With its snowy white plumage, brilliant red undertail, and piercing call, the Red-vented Cockatoo (Cacatua haematuropygia), also known as the Philippine Cockatoo or Katala, is one of the country’s most striking birds—and one of its most endangered. Once widespread across the Philippine archipelago, this small parrot has seen its population plummet due to habitat destruction, illegal poaching, and human conflict.

Today, only a sizeable population remains in Palawan, with remnant populations occurring on the Sulu Archipelago, Polillo Islands, and several other scattered islands in the Visayas and Luzon. But the Red-vented Cockatoo is more than just a bird on the brink. It is a symbol of the Philippines' rich biodiversity, an indicator of forest health in riverine or coastal areas, and a reminder of what's at stake in the fight to preserve our natural heritage.

This blog explores the Katala's unique traits, its shrinking habitat including coastal habitats and mangroves threatened by mangrove destruction, the threats it faces such as the cage bird trade and illegal wildlife trade, and the community-led Philippine Cockatoo Conservation Program offering hope. You'll also discover how rescued hand raised birds and international captive breeding programs contribute to recovery, and how you can take part in protecting this threatened species—because the survival of the Red-vented Cockatoo is a story not just of loss, but of resilience and recovery.

What Makes the Philippine Cockatoo Unique

The Red-vented Cockatoo is roughly the size and shape of the Tanimbar corella, measuring about 30 cm (12 inches) in length with an 8.6-inch wingspan. Its plumage is all white with distinctive red feathers forming a red patch around the vent (undertail coverts tipped white), pale yellow underwings, a pale yellowish cheek, and a pale bill. The bare white skin around the eyes and a usually hidden crest give it the unmistakable silhouette characteristic of cockatoos.

The red vented cockatoo makes a characteristic bleating call, along with various nasal or rasping squawks. These social and intelligent birds often form small flocks communicating with a range of sounds and occasionally mimicking human speech or environmental noises.

Their diet is as diverse as their personality. They eat fruit, eat rice, seeds, flowers, nectar, and also raid rice fields and corn crops in agricultural fields—one reason they are sometimes viewed as pests by farmers. However, this foraging behavior plays a vital ecological role in seed dispersal, helping regenerate forest ecosystems.

Beyond their ecological role, the Katala holds cultural significance in some indigenous communities and is an iconic representative of the country’s increasingly fragile lowland habitats and secondary forests. Its presence is a sign of a healthy environment—and its disappearance a warning that something is deeply wrong.

Habitat and Natural Range

The Katala was once found across much of the Philippine archipelago, excluding northern and central Luzon, from Luzon and the Visayas to Mindanao and Palawan. Palawan, as part of the Palawan faunal region, is especially important as a stronghold for the species. However, due to decades of habitat loss, including deforestation caused by legal and illegal logging, conversion into farmland, mining, and coastal development, as well as illegal wildlife trade, its range has drastically shrunk.

Today, the largest remaining cockatoo population exists in coastal habitat within the Palawan faunal region, particularly in isolated pockets of lowland primary forests, mangroves, and coastal woodlands, especially in riverine or coastal areas where conservation programs are in place and threats are better managed. Key project sites such as Rasa Island and other protected areas are central to ongoing conservation efforts. Northern Palawan is also a focus for monitoring and reintroduction initiatives. In some cases, populations have reportedly self introduced to new areas, demonstrating the species' capacity for natural dispersal.

Strongholds of Survival

• Rasa Island, off the coast of Narra, Palawan, is now the species stronghold and holds the most sizeable population remaining of the Philippine Cockatoo. Thanks to intensive conservation efforts, including a nest protection scheme and habitat restoration, the cockatoo population increased from just 23 individuals in 1998 to over 200 by 2008, reportedly reaching carrying capacity.

  
  

• The species often roosts or nests on small islets near these strongholds. Conservation and reintroduction efforts have also been trialed on a resort island in northern Palawan, where rescued, hand-raised birds were tested for adaptation to natural conditions.

  
  

• Smaller populations still exist in the Sulu Archipelago, Polillo Islands, parts of Bohol, and Samar, though many of these groups are extremely vulnerable and declining.

  
  

Preferred Habitat

Red-vented Cockatoos inhabit lowland primary and secondary forests, mangroves, and coastal woodlands. They nest in hollow trees, especially tall native species like molave and narra, and rely on undisturbed forest cover for food and breeding.

Protecting what remains of their range is not only vital for the Katala—it is also critical for preserving some of the Philippines’ most biodiverse and carbon-rich ecosystems. Wilderness conservation is essential for maintaining the Katala's habitat and supporting ongoing recovery efforts.

Red-vented Cockatoo photo by Vassil, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

Threats to Survival

The Red-vented Cockatoo faces a perilous future, with its population dwindling to fewer than 750 mature individuals. Its decline is driven by a combination of human activities and ecological pressures, each compounding the bird’s vulnerability. Other contributing factors, such as climate change, disease, or additional human pressures, further threaten the species.

Habitat Destruction

• The loss of lowland habitats due to logging, agriculture, mining, mangrove destruction, and coastal development remains the single greatest threat. Katala depend on old-growth trees for nesting and foraging. As forests are cleared for rice paddies, settlements, and tourism infrastructure, their breeding grounds vanish—leaving fewer safe places to raise chicks.

  
  

Illegal Wildlife Trade

• The Katala is heavily persecuted and targeted by poachers for the exotic pet trade both locally and internationally. Despite being protected under Philippine law and CITES Appendix I, illegal capture continues, with chicks taken from virtually every accessible nest.

Human-Wildlife Conflict

• Because they feed on crops like rice, corn, and fruit, Katala are sometimes seen as pests by farmers. In some cases, this has led to persecution or retaliatory killing. Lack of awareness and alternatives only worsen the conflict between livelihoods and conservation.

Small Population Size

• With such a limited number of individuals scattered across isolated habitats, the species is at constant risk from inbreeding, disease outbreaks, natural disasters, and extreme weather events exacerbated by climate change. Droughts have caused up to 60% nest fatality in some years.

The convergence of these threats makes the Katala one of the most critically endangered birds in Southeast Asia. But with focused conservation and community support, there is still time to change its fate.

Conservation Efforts and Success Stories

Despite the many threats it faces, the Red-vented Cockatoo is a conservation success in the making—thanks to a growing network of local champions, community partnerships, and science-backed programs. Conservation efforts are specifically focused on recovering and monitoring cockatoo populations across their remaining range.

The Katala Foundation and the Philippine Cockatoo Conservation Programme (PCCP)

Based in Palawan, the Katala Foundation leads the PCCP, the country's flagship effort to save the Red-vented Cockatoo. Their work includes species monitoring, habitat protection, legal advocacy, captive breeding, translocation of rescued hand raised birds, and community outreach.

Community-Based Conservation and Wildlife Wardens

Local residents, including former poachers, are trained and employed as wildlife wardens. These wardens:

• Guard nesting trees from collectors

• Monitor chick development and fledging success

• Serve as educators within their own barangays 

This approach has reduced poaching and built local pride in wildlife stewardship.

Rasa Island: A Conservation Success Story

Once down to fewer than 30 individuals in the wild, the Katala population on Rasa Island has grown to over 260-340 birds by the end of 2015.

Key factors include:

• Declaring the island a Critical Habitat

• Creating alternative livelihoods through eco-guiding and sustainable crafts

• School-based awareness campaigns in nearby Narra town

International Captive Breeding and Reintroduction

An international captive breeding program was initiated in 1992, supporting population recovery. Rescued hand raised birds have been tested for translocation to resort islands and other sites, adapting well to natural conditions including foraging and predator avoidance.

Research and Advocacy in Action

The PCCP also:

• Tags and tracks birds to study movement and habitat use

• Engages youth through education and storytelling

• Works with local governments to promote forest-friendly policies

  
  

Together, these efforts prove that when science, community, and passion come together, even critically endangered species like the Katala can bounce back.

Red-vented Cockatoo photo by Vassil, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

How You Can Help

Saving the Katala isn’t just the responsibility of scientists or conservationists—it’s something we can all contribute to. Here are simple but powerful ways you can make a difference:

Support Conservation Organizations

• Groups like the Katala Foundation are on the frontlines protecting the Katala through research, habitat conservation, and community programs. Donations, volunteer support, or even sharing their work can go a long way.

Say No to Exotic Pets

• Never buy wildlife—especially parrots—sold through illegal or unverified sources. The pet trade is a major threat to this species. If you encounter suspicious activity, report it to local authorities or DENR hotlines.

Raise Awareness

• Spread the word. Share stories, facts, or this blog with your community and on social media. The more people know about the Katala, the stronger the call for its protection becomes.

Choose Eco-Friendly Tourism and Farming

• Support sustainable tourism operators and local farms that protect forests and mangroves. Your choices as a traveler or consumer can help create income streams that don’t harm the Katala’s habitat.

Every action counts. Protecting the Red-vented Cockatoo also means protecting the forests, coasts, and communities that depend on them.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Why is the Red-vented Cockatoo called "Katala"?

"Katala" is the local name for the Red-vented Cockatoo in Palawan and surrounding areas. It is commonly used by communities involved in conservation efforts and cultural references to the bird.

Where can I see the Red-vented Cockatoo in the wild?

The best place to observe wild Katala is on Rasa Island in Narra, Palawan. Guided birdwatching tours are available through conservation programs that follow ethical wildlife practices.

Why is this species critically endangered?

Its population has declined due to habitat loss, illegal pet trade, agricultural conflict, and small, fragmented populations, which make recovery difficult without targeted conservation efforts.

Is it legal to own a Red-vented Cockatoo as a pet?

No. The Katala is protected under Philippine law (RA 9147) and listed in CITES Appendix I, making it illegal to capture, trade, or own the bird without strict government permits.

What can individuals do to help?

Support groups like the Katala Foundation, avoid buying exotic pets, raise awareness on social media, report wildlife trafficking, and support eco-friendly tourism and local conservation initiatives.

Red-vented Cockatoo photo by Tambako the Jaguar/flickr

Takeaway

The Red-vented Cockatoo is more than a rare and beautiful bird—it is a living symbol of the Philippines’ rich biodiversity and the urgent need to protect it. As a seed disperser, forest dweller, and cultural icon, the Katala plays a vital role in the health of lowland ecosystems and the heritage of local communities.

But with only a few hundred individuals left in the wild, its future hangs in the balance. Habitat loss, poaching, and conflict with humans continue to endanger this critically endangered species. Without sustained conservation efforts, we risk losing not just a bird, but the balance of the ecosystems it helps sustain.

And yet, the success stories from Rasa Island and the work of organizations like the Katala Foundation remind us that hope is not lost. When local communities, conservationists, and concerned citizens come together, recovery is possible.

Now is the time to act. Support conservation, spread awareness, and protect the Katala—not only for its own survival but as a beacon of resilience and ecological hope for generations to come.

Subscribe to our newsletter Finding Utopia for more travel tips