Artificial Nests Help Hong Kong's Rare Cockatoos Cope with Housing Crisis

In Hong Kong, artificial nest boxes are providing shelter and research opportunities for the critically endangered yellow-crested cockatoo. With fewer than 2,000 individuals remaining across its native range, the city's roughly 200 wild cockatoos are a vital population. However, severe storm damage and tree pruning have eliminated over 60% of natural tree hollows, leaving the birds without a luxurious choice. To address this issue, a biologist and an arborist have teamed up to launch HK Cockatoo Watch, building artificial nest boxes fitted with internal cameras to monitor breeding behavior remotely. Since March 2025, the team has installed 15 nest boxes across public parks and school campuses, engaging local students in the project.