Cacatua roseicapilla
Galah
Family: Cacatuidae
Origin: Australia
Regional Pest Management Plan (RPMP) status
- Aotea — Exclusion
- Whole region — Sustained control
- Hauraki Gulf Controlled Area Notice pest
General description
Colourful parrot with white crown and rump, grey wings and pink chest and neck. Can weigh up to 325 grams.
What you need to know
To help protect our environment:
- You must not release any galah from containment within the Auckland region.
- You must not move any galah to Aotea/Great Barrier Island group.
- You must not breed, distribute or release any galah on Aotea/Great Barrier Island group.
With the exception of Aotea / Great Barrier, galahs are exempt from pest status.
The exemption may be removed in the future if we carry out further consultation. Find out more about the RPMP.
Habitats
Disturbed forest, urban areas, pasture, crops.
Impact on environment
Eats seeds, buds, flowers, berries and insect larvae. May compete with native hole-nesting birds for cavities, may act as disease reservoirs or vectors. Major pest of grain crops.
Control
Management
If you have pet galah, make sure they’re securely contained to avoid accidental escapes. If you are no longer able to look after your pet galah, find someone who is prepared to give it a lifetime home, or contact a relevant pet shop or animal rescue organisation to get it rehomed.
Never release a galah into the wild – your pet may be unable to find the food and shelter it needs, and it also puts our native species at risk.
If you see a galah on Aotea/Great Barrier Island group, please report it to Auckland Council at pestfree@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz.
