Funds raised from the sale of the first 549 special edition Commonwealth Games “Karak” number plates have been donated to environment groups as part of a plan to save the endangered red-tailed Black Cockatoo.

Environment minister John Thwaites and Commonwealth Games Minister Justin Madden handed over $117,000 to the Australian Bush Heritage Fund, trust for Nature and Birds Australia on 2 March to help save the Cockatoo, also known as ‘Karak’, the Commonwealth Games mascot.

“We're aiming to sell about 1,000 number plates - about the same figure as the number of Red-tailed Black Cockatoos left in Victoria,” Mr Thwaites said.

“I'd like to thank those who have purchased a number plate and urge others who want to commemorate the Games, and help save Karak, to do the same.”

Mr Madden said the number plate initiative was part of the Games' environmental legacy.

“We are dedicated to making the Melbourne Games the greenest ever - helping save Karak is one of a number of initiatives, including being water wise and carbon neutral.”

“Proceeds from the sale of the number plates, which sell for $285 a pair, are committed to protecting and improving the bird's habitat.

“I am also releasing an Action Statement for the Red-tailed Black-Cockatoo, under the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act. This outlines further measures to protect Karak including maintaining the extent and quality of existing feeding habitat, increasing seed production in feeding habitat, maintaining the availability of current breeding habitat and minimising the impact of next predators.”

President of the Australian Bush Heritage Fund, Phillip Toyne, on behalf of Birds Australia and Trust for Nature, emphasised the need to achieve the goals set out in the Action Statement for this special bird and reverse recent population declines.

“To place your order go to www.dse.vic.gov.au or phone the Department of Sustainability and Environment's Customer Service Centre on 136 186.