Little corella conservation and management

Little corellas are a native bird species which are listed as ‘unprotected’ in South Australia.

Large flocks of little corellas can have a harmful impact on the state from an economic, social and environmental perspective, including:

• stripping the leaves off river red gums or other native and ornamental trees that they roost in
• damaging tarpaulins covering grain bunkers, and wiring and flashing on buildings
• taking grain from newly seeded paddocks
• creating a noise nuisance to local residents.

Development of a state-wide management strategy

Managing little corellas and the damage they can cause has been difficult to resolve over the years. The department is now taking a different tactic and working towards creating a strategy that will help guide a coordinated management approach aimed at reducing the negative impacts little corellas can cause in communities across the state. It is anticipated that everyone will be able to play a part in managing this issue.

The first step in developing this new strategy has been a research report commissioned by the department to the University of South Australia’s Discovery Circle. This research looked at little corella issues and management options in urban and peri-urban areas across South Australia. Full results of this research can be found in Little Corellas - Social and Ecological Research for Management in South Australia. The University of South Australia’s Discovery Circle have also provided a summary report, Little Corellas: A Way Forward.

The department is reviewing the findings of the research report and in collaboration with the Local Government Association, local communities and councils to develop the state-wide strategy. 

Have your say

The six week public consultation on the draft South Australian Little Corella Management Strategy closed 3 November 2019. A summary report will available at www.yoursay.sa.gov.au at the end of 2019. Thank you to everyone who took the time to submit their feedback and perspectives. 

The following information is available:

• Research on Little Corellas in South Australia

More information

• See the codes of practice for the humane destruction of wildlife
• Find out if you need a permit to destroy little corellas on your property
• Find out if you need a permit to hunt (take) little corellas from the wild