# Endangered Carnaby's cockatoos exposed to hazardous pesticide levels in WA's Wheatbelt

New research reveals alarming pesticide concentrations threatening cockatoo populations in the agricultural region.

- **Source:** [Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories](https://brifing.si/source/8b0f98da-d179-4c93-871f-7ac460bf9c61)
- **Published:** 2026-07-19
- **Topic:** [Business](https://brifing.si/c/business)
- **Original article:** <https://phys.org/news/2026-07-carnaby-cockatoos-exposed-dangerous-pesticide.html>
- **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/ded3c52d-29cc-4d0d-b256-355dbf04f8b7

## Alarming findings

Murdoch University's new study detected pesticide concentrations exceeding regulatory limits in food sources of Carnaby's cockatoos in Western Australia's Wheatbelt. This poses a serious threat to the endangered bird species.

## Source of contamination

Researchers found particularly high pesticide levels in seed spills near grain silos. These areas serve as critical feeding grounds for the cockatoos, representing the starting point of the contamination chain.

## Regulatory violations

Many detected pesticide levels far exceeded safe limits set by Australia's environmental regulations. This indicates significant oversight gaps in agricultural practices.

## Population impacts

As an endemic species already facing extinction, Carnaby's cockatoos could see accelerated decline from pesticide exposure reducing reproductive success.

## Industry implications

The findings sound alarm bells for the region's agriculture industry, increasing pressure to review pesticide policies and transition to more sustainable practices.

## Call for urgent action

Researchers emphasize the need for immediate measures to protect both the species and ecosystem health, presenting a critical test at the intersection of agricultural and environmental policies.

## Sources covering this story

- https://phys.org/news/2026-07-carnaby-cockatoos-exposed-dangerous-pesticide.html — 

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_Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._