\..-~ Lns 1" copL{ -

00 f\{D\ ~{\I\OV ~ Newsabout conservation, aviculture and welfare from C([jf/£cwaruParrot~t

WORLDPARROTTRUSTUSAIS LAUNCUBDSuccessful start at IASConvention By Michael Reynolds

Whyhavewetakenour time about January1994 ConventionatWest was added to the team of Anyone who has ever tried to build expandingtheTrustinto theUSA? PalmBeach,.Having speakers, and together with his . up a charity will recognise that this A reasonablequestion,bearingin attendedthepreviousyear's colleagues Carlos Yamashita from was quite an achievement. Mywife, mindthat it is morethanfour conventionweknewthat the and Eduardo Nycander from Audrey, and Desiree Wyant worked yearssincetheTrustwaslaunched qualityof thespeakerswouldbe Peru he drew a lot of attention to feverishly to record these new in theUK.Theansweristhat we high,theexpensescomparatively the work of our Trust. Rosemary members, three of whom became areessentiallyavolunteer low, andtheatmosphererelaxed Low (editor of this newsletter) life Members at $400 each. They organisationandintendto keepit andfriendly.Weaskedourlong politely asked delegates to. also sold 70 of our beautiful new thatway.Wearein nohurry to timefriendandTrusteeof World consider joining us, and John exclusive Firefly T and Sweatshirts, appointandpayhighpowered ParrotTrust- Canada,Desiree Stoodley- not a man to take 'No' and conducted a raffle featuring executives,orfund-raising Wyant,tohelpus run ourtable. for an answer - more orless prizes generously donated by the consultantswhomopup 40%of At quitealatestageCharlie insisted they should join. As a exhibitors at the convention. whattheyraise.Thisbeingso,we Munn- whohasworkedwith us result of these notable At the fun-packed 'VegasNight' havehadto waitfor a combination' for sometimeontheconservation recommendations, over 25% of the a framed proof of our new Lear's of circumstancesandindividuals of HyadnthandLear'sMacaws- delegates joined on the spot. limited edition print was that createdtheright opportunity. Thingsbegantofall into place whenwemetup with Ms.Parker ThompsonofKnoxville, Tennessee,whohadpersuadedher localbird clubto donate$1500 to TheWorldParrotTrust.(Thank you,theTennesseeValleyExotic BirdClub!).Asyoumayimagine, wewereimpressedbythis achievement,anddiscoveredthat Parkerwasextremelycomputer- literate,hadrelevantbusiness experience,andwouldhavethe timeto actasour US Administrator.Parker'shusband put usin touchwith hislawyers,a distinguishedfirmwhichwas willing to setup 'TheWorldParrot Trust- USA'ona'pro bono'basis: that is for free. Thenextbuildingblockwasan invitationfrom PhyllisMartin,then presidentof the International AviculturistsSociety,fortheTrust to haveafreetableattheir

St. Vincent Parrot. See report on Page 10. Photo: Mike Reynolds

1 Three key speakersat the [AS Convention who all supported The World Parrot Trust: Rosemary Low (top left), Charlie Munn (top right), John Stoodley(opposite).

soldfor $475byskilledauctioneer MarkHagen.In total weraised over$5000,averyusefuladdition to our funds.Butwait - aswewere packingup our table,a lady delegatespoketo CharlieMunn andI aboutourwork for the Lear's Macaw.Shethenwrotea cheque for $10000,thelargestsingle donationtheTrusthasever received.Icannotimagineamore best accommodation, food and United States. This will take a little auspiciousbeginningfor theWPT- veterinary care. These are time to organise, and we willkeep USA,andmusttakethis thoughtful, caring people, and it is readers advised as this scheme opportunityto thankthis lady only a short further step to progresses. (whowishesto remain realising that anyone who has ever We also had the opportunity to anonymous),andIASfor their kept a parrot shares responsibility meet Or. John W. McNeeley, a friendshipandsupport.Welook for the past, present and future of gentleman with considerable fund- forwardto workingwith themto all . This responsibility can raising experience. He offered to win thehelpof aviculturists now best be met by joining The help the Trust in this area, and has everywheretofund parrot World Parrot Trust and supporting been appointed Chairman of our conservationinthewild, and its work for a gro~ving number of fund-raising committee. He will polishtheimageof our fascinating endangered parrot , and for welcome input from any member, hobby. At this convention I sensed the welfare of every individual and will do everything possible to that anewunderstandingwas parrot. facilitate any fund-raising initiative developing,a desireto dowhatwe I would like to take this in the United States. Contact him havebeenadvocatingfor some opportunity to invite all USpet at: POBox 354062, Palm Coast FL time,that is 'put somethingback' owners, aviculturists, club 32135-4062. Phone904.445.3255, to repay the parrots for all the secretaries, and other concerned Fax 904.446.4843. benefits they have brought to individuals to contact our US It is our intention to have The aviculture. Administrator and ask for more World Parrot Trust represented at I estimate that over 50"AJofthe information. Write to: Ms Parker as many of the major USbird world'sexpenditureonparrot Thompson, POBox 32127, conventions as possible. We plan keeping, of pets or aviary , Knoxville TN37930-2127. Or to be at the 5th Annual Midwest takes place in the USA.If I am phone 615.531.3412. Individual AvianResearchExpoat Buffalo NY anywhere near right, the potential membership is $25. in July, and at the AFA Convention for expanding The World Parrot At the IASConventionwe at Knoxville TN in August. We Trust is very substantial. received many offers of help from would appreciate hearing from Moreover, US aviculturists are delegates. It seems likely that the members of other events which wealthier than those elsewhere, Trust will be able to offer a team would provide opportunities to and are.prepared to spend freely of speakers willing to present a raise funds and sign up new to give their precious birds the slide show to bird clubs across the members.

2

!I FIRSTOBSBRVATIONSINTUBWILD OF TUE BLUB.TUROATEDMACAWIN ByOttoCarlosJordan,ZoologicodeSantaCruzdela Sierra,SantaCruz,Bolivia;andCharlesA.Munn,NYZStheWildlife ConservationSociety,InternationalWildlifeConservation

Since its discoveryintheearly excavating pair and of two other sympatric with the Blue-throated the name of our guide. Rather, we 1800sthe Blue-throated Macaw pairs at other nests located within Macaw (lngels et al. 1981). Our shall first determine the species' ( glaucogularis) largely has IOkm of the first nest site. The two observations confirmed this and implement remained an enigma (Ridgely, other nests were in cavities in the sympatry and showed that these measures for its protection. Conservation of NewWorld trunks of Attalea princepspalms. are outnumbered at our Scientists wishing further Parrots, R.F.Pasquier,ed., pp. 233- In January 1993, just after the site by Blue-and-Yellow Macaws by information about the species may 384, Smithsonian Institution Press, conclusion of WCS'sresearch on a factor of 20 or more. write to the second author, who, in 1980; Ingels et al., Le Gerfaut the nesting birds, Oliver Morvan, Our guide (38 years old) was conjunction with Bolivian 71:283-294,1981; Forshaw, Parrots JeanSaint-Pie,andMarc Boussekey the only person we have found in authorities, will evaluate each of the World, LansdowneEditions, visited our study site and that part of the Beni who in the request. 1989).Physicalevidence of the independently discovered and past has trapped and traded large speciesincludes fivemuseum observed a few of the birds from macaws. He reported that since Acknowledgments. specimens of unclear provenance the same population of 1977 he had caught perhaps a NYlS the Wildlife Conservation (Ingels,ibid.) and approximately glaucogularis (Boussekey,pers. total of 1000 Blue-and-Yellowand Society (WCS)financed this 200 livebirds that Bolivianbird comm.). They reported an Red-and-Green Macaws and 6-9 research in its entirety. We thank dealers have acquired from individual bird repeatedly perching Blue-throated Macaws and sold Dr. Mario Baudoin W., Director anonymousbird catchers. high in a specimen of Tabebuia them to specialized General of the National System of Conservationists have long avellanedae,a large tropical tree in businessmen/bird dealers from a Protected Areas of the Bolivian assumed that this species is very the family Bignoniaceae. They major Bolivian city. In 1984, Bolivia National Secretariat of the rare and may be in immediate report that this tree species is a outlawed this trade, and our guide Environment, for permission to danger of extinction.There have conspicuous component of the stopped trapping macaws and research in Bolivia. We also are been no published, first-hand vegetation on the islands of forest switched to wage labor. grateful to Maria Marconi and Juan observations of this species in the that typicallyremain above the Nevertheless,he reported that a Pablo Aroe of the Conservation wild and no data to allow an floodline during the prolonged few wealthy bird buyers in the Data Center of Bolivia for help assessment of its conservation flood season in the Beni lowlands. major city still bought and traded with satellite imagery and status. Untilnow, therewasnot a A local guide informed them that small numbers of the most cartography. Andrew Taber and single confirmed locality or the macaw had nested in the past valuable, rarer macaws whenever Delores Ayersa of WCSprovided type in which to begin a survey. in a cavity in that individual tree. international dealers placed valuable logistical support and Herewe report the first They suggest that competition for orders. Moreover, he reported that advice. We wish to extend our observations of the wild Blue- nest sites or food with other larger an Argentinian bird dealer warmest thanks to the extremely throated Macaws in the species of macaws, particularly currently was offering illegal hospitable Bolivian landowners Department of Beni in Amazonian A. ararauna, could present a Bolivian dealers a high price for and local people. Without expert Bolivia. The habitat is a seasonally- threat to the survival of small Blue-throated Macaws. guidance from our guide we never inundated mosaic of savannahs, populations of glaucogularis. Because the Blue-throated would have succeeded. We regret palm groves,and low species To date we have observed 28 Macaw may be extremely rare, still that security for the macaw diversity tropical forest of short birds at these two adjacent sites, has a high price on its head, and is prevents us from properly stature. Latein the afternoon on 6 and we have heard local reports of not yet assured protection from thanking these people here by August 1992 CA. Munn, Mariana two more small populations of the smugglers, we have chosen not to name. V. Munn, and a local guide heard species,each of which is more reveal the localities of our study or and momentarily observed a pair than 100 km from the present site. of macaws flying to roost in trees The habitat where we found in a 1 ha island of trees in the this species resembles that of the savannah. Even from hundreds of third-hand reportspresentedby meters the calls of this species Forshaw (1989): "galleryforest were distinguishably higher in aJong watercourses," but this frequency and of different quality description requires elaboration. than those of the Blue-and-Yellow Subsequent observations of Macaw.Between06:30and 08:30 h feeding ecology of this macaw on 7 August 1992 the Munns and suggest that it requires the locally- the guide photographed and abundant palm observed a pair preening and at which they eat the sticky, sweet allopreening on a treetop in that mesocarp of the ripe and nearly- sameforest island. They also ripe . They also atethe ripe discovered that the perch tree was or nearly-ripe mesocarp of fruits abovea liveAcrocomia aculeata of palms. On palm in which the pair appeared to occasion the birds opened and be excavating a nest cavity. The drank the liquid from the very opening of the new cavity was immature fruits of both palm approximately 14m abovethe species. ground, and a typical pile of fresh Until 1980s, there was palm fiber debris lay on the uncertainty over whether this ground beneath. In September species differed from the larger, 1992, a research team of NYZSthe but otherwise similar Blue-and- Wildlife Conservation Society Yellow Macaw (A. ararauna), which (WCS)began study of this third-hand reports suggested was Blue-throated Macaws at Paradise Park.

3 ~

I~ PREVENTATIVEMANAGEMENTIN AVI COLTURB ByJoanne Abramson

The primary purpose of aviculture Housing is an important is bird breeding. Those engaging in concern to every aviculturists. acquisition of single specimens are Though birds can die due to better thought of as collectors. As hurricanes, floods and fire, they do aviculturists we have a multitude not die of snow, rain or sun. Those of jobs to perform. The most are management problems. It r~\1 important is to care for our birds could be said that in some in the most humane way possible. instances the first three natural It is this definition of humane, or disasters are management errors ;)f lack of understanding of it, that as well since evacuation of the can create a problem for sight prior to the "natural" aviculturists. What is the definition disaster would have avoided the ,'"' of good captive breeding birds death. Unfortunately, few management techniques? aviculturists have evacuation plans Success in aviculture can be and enough equipment or man broken down into a few key areas; power to evacuate all their birds. a healthy pair (hen and cock) of What is humane housing? Large birds, proper housing, proper enough to house the bird species nutrition, some knowledge of in such a way that they can fly Five day old being handfed. Photo:]oanneAbramson common diseases associated with comfortably without hitting their the species chosen, assessable wings on the aviary sides. There avian veterinary care. Common are few aviaries big enough, but water, a diet that does not spoil or Knowledge of avian diseases sense is a great benefit, but many many far too small. A common is replaced frequently and wood or is a valuable asset to any seem to get by without this last myth is that if given too much plastic nest barrels are some of the aviculturist. Especially ingredient. space the birds will not reproduce. things that would be needed to understanding those diseases and The Birds are dearly the Impossible! In the wild they have treat birds in a humane manner. If problems associated with the central focus of a successful unlimited space and would be birds were housed in Denmark, species the aviculturist is breeding. breeding program. Long term extinct if "too much space" was a cold would be a major factor in Accessible avian veterinarian success requires that the most problem. appropriate care of the birds. care is an essential part of keeping perfect birds be chosen. This is no Complicating the question of Insulated walls, heat, high energy birds in top condition. Avian different in any other humane housing is that what is foods, useable (not frozen) water medicine is changing rapidly, with breeding profession. A dairyman humane in one location would be would all be considerations. identification of new diseases and looks for the best milk producing inhumane management in another A few years ago in Northern vaccines that will continue to cows and champion dog breeders location. For instance, an California, an unusually cold influence avicultural breeder look for the best stock that meet aviculturist in the state of Arizona winter occurred. In this normally management. Good the species standards. Health is where the temperatures can easily temperate environment snow fell communication with your avian the first priority, followed by how get above 110 F. during the and remained on the ground for veterinarian is essential for closely the species standards are summer in some areas, would over a week due to the severe cold optimal achievement. met. Cost is the last consideration, require special housing, nestboxes weather. Some aviculturists birds Prior to 1990, a group of though clearly the price might be and diet to correspond to that died. During the aftermath, aviculturists and avian the deciding factor on whether you environment. Automatic overhead assessments by local avian veterinarians joined forces in the get a bird or not. misters, shade, ventilation, cool veterinarians showed three United States and started the reasons for the cause of death; Model Aviculture Program or MAP. Improper housing. This This voluntary inspection and included everything from a lack of certification program's purpose is appropriate shelter to metal or to self-regulate, rather that plastic perches (caused severe government regulate the riI' frost bitten feet). avicultural industry. Birds kept on minimal amounts As we all know, aviculturists of food. These birds were kept on worldwide seem to have very a ration of only what they would independent ideas about their eat in a day. ability to keep birds the way they Lack of available water. Due to want to. While this independence the unusual cold, most water in its greatest form is the impetus dishes froze, and the birds became for dynamic, innovative breeding dehydrated. success, at times it is also a All these reasons would be hindrance to clear communication preventable with proper with government authorities that management procedures. Some of tend to be suspicious of bird which need to change with the breeders in general. weather. The concept of MAPwas that Nutrition is a significant factor those that knew the birds the best in long term health and breeding (the bird breeders and the avian success. Diet is a crucial part of veterinarians) would come up with preventative management. guidelines that other breeders Formulating an appropriate diet could follow to improve their for the species is an important facilities to match minimum GreenwingedMacaws four (39 grams) and six (106 grams) days old. Baby macaws aspect of aviculture. standards for bird care. In order to require correct nutrition, heat and humidity to survive. Photo: Rick Droz

4 ,. birds canonlybeenhanced.A sampleformof the questionnaire andtheexplanationisavailableto the aviculturistprior to the inspectionsotheycanseewhat criteriaarebeingconsideredfor certification. Oneof themainreasonsthat the MAPorganizersgottogether wastheir feelingthat self regulationfrom within thebird breedingcommunitywouldbe moreeffectivethanif the governmentregulatedthe industry.Self-regulationdoesnot makeit anyeasierto passthe inspection.It still requiresthat severalimportantaspectsofbird careareadheredtoin orderto get a certification.Theprogramgives latitudeto the veterinarianwhois the final judgeif the facility is appropriatebasedonthe guidelinesandthe environmental conditiopsof the facility. Havingthemoneyto buythe birds doesnot giveaviculturists the right to do whateverwewant with thebirds.Thebirds arestill Thenurseryat theauthor'sfacilityprovidesindividualbinsfor eachclutchof chicks.Laminatedwallsanda linoleum{1oor entitledto properdiet and provideeasyto disinfectsurfaces. Photo:RickDroz management.Inthe everchanging world of aviculturebasiccare qualifyasamemberof MAPthe mightneedto bechanged dependingonwhatis knownabout aviculturistrequestsan thebirds at thetime.Forinstance, applicationform andreturnsit until ayearagotheavailabilityof a with anominalfeedependingon thenumberof aviariesthe test to determinePsittacineBeak andFeatherDiseaseand aviculturistshave.Onethrough Polyomaviruswasunavailable,now fifteen aviariesisfifty dollarsU.S. thesearecommonlyinusein the andoverfifteen cagesisone UnitedStates.Partof thehealth hundreddollarsU.S.The aviculturistchoosestheirown guaranteeofnewlyacquiredbirds wouldbethe inclusionof these veterinariantoreviewtheir screenstoinsurethat thebirds breedingfacility.Theveterinarian you areselling(orbuying)arefree comestothe aviculturistsbreeding of thesediseases.Inthefuture, facility andfollowsa simple otherdiseasessuchasMacaw checklistof questionswhich determinethatthebirds arebeing WastingDiseasewillhaveavailable testsaswell.Mostof thefunding kept in appropriatefacilitiesfor for theseavianmedical thatspecies.Once the form is breakthroughswillcomefrom completeditis sentbackto the MAPofficeandif the aviculturist fundingbyaviculturists.For Therearegeographicalvariationsofsomespeciesof pa"ots, includingmacaws. anyonethathasseenthedeathof ThesetwoScarletMacawsrepresenttwodifferenttypes;awidebandofyellowon passedtheinspectiontheybecome a bird from oneof thesevirusesit a MAPmember.Recertificationis theright (1045grams)anda na"owyellow bandontheleft (1210grams). is obviousthat contributionsto Photo:RickDroz requiredeverytwoyearsandthe avianmedicalresearchiscrucialto certificationcannot bebought the survivalof ALLof our aviaries. with the facility sinceit is the aviculturistthat is certified,not Virusesarea menacingpartof aviculture.Thepoultry andcattle thebreedingfacility.Soif a facility industriescommonlyfundtheir is sold,thecertificateneedsto be ownresearchtoeradicatefatal reappliedfor in thenewowners diseasesintheir industry. namewith anadditionalinspection made. Aviculturistswill needto do the same.Whoelsebut uscareenough Theinspectionconsistsof key to seethediseasecauseddeaths areasincludingquarantine eliminated? facilities,flights, nutrition, Aviculturewill continueto go pediatricsandrecordkeeping throughgrowthphases.Thereis systems.Thepurposefor each somuchwedo not knowaboutthe questionis explainedindetailon a birdswhichshareour everyday separateanswersheetwhich life. It will takeaunificationof insuresthat both theveterinarian andthe aviculturistunderstand competentaviculturistsin orderto ride thechangesinthecoming thereasonfor the questions.All years. the questionswerechosento insurethat basiccarefor thebirds is maintained.Byfollowingthe formstheveterinarianand Hyacinth Macaws at 72 and 76 days old. Thesehealthy babies weigh 1510 and 1600 aviculturist'scommunicationand grams respectively. Photo:Rick Droz understandingoftheneedsof the

5 PUERTORICANPARROTCONSBRVATION: A retrospective Bvaluation by two former leaders of the program (1972.1986) By Noel F. R. Snyder and lames W. Wiley

An intensive conservation program a last-ditch effort to save the means to counter the depredations Other new pairs formed on behalf of the Puerto Rican species through captive breeding. of this species. Concurrently, associations with good quality nest Parrot (Amazona vittata) began in Thankfully, as events parrot nests were intensively sites, but year after year they did late 1968under the sponsorship proceeded, capture of all guarded and marauding thrashers not lay eggs. The causes of this of the U.S.Fish and Wildlife remaining wild birds never took were shot when they attempted to failure were not obvious, as the Service, the U.S. Forest Service, and place. While a captive population enter the nests. At some nests established breeding pairs the branch of the Puerto Rican was established, it was done under heavy thrasher pressure, continued to produce young at a government known now as the without obliteration of the wild parrot eggs were incubated healthy rate. Department of Natural Resources. population, mainly by taking eggs artificially and the parrots given Only when the wild population This program followed by over a from the last wild pairs. This dummy eggs through the finally grew larger than 40 birds in decade of study of the species course of action allowed intensive incubation period to prevent egg the late 1980s, did the number of .conducted by Jose Rodriguez- research into the causes of decline losses. Fortunately, by 1975 an breeding pairs at last begin to Vidal. Rodriguez-Vidal amassed to continue. Had the wild effective and low cost method for increase. This development considerable baseline data on population been captured before thwarting thrashers was developed suggested that the reluctance to nesting and feeding habits of the such causes were well understood, that involved (1) modifying the breed seen in earlier years might in parrots and documented that the the prospects for reestablishment structure of parrot nests to make some way be related to species had declined seriously in of a wild population from ca.ptivity them unattractive to thrashers and deficiencies in "critical mass or the present century, disappearing would now be very poor indeed. (2) deliberately providing the density" of the population. from much of its original island- Further, placing all hopes for the thrashers with their own boxes Then in late 1989, the natural wide range. However, there were species in captive breeding would immediately adjacent to the parrot disaster we had all been dreading still about 200 individuals left in have been inherently much more nests. Thrashers accepting these for many years finally occurred - the Luquillo Mountains at the risky than splitting risks between boxes then served as guards of the the Luquillo Mountains suffered an eastern end of the island. At that wild and captive populations. parrot nests by excluding other almost direct hit by Hurricane time it was still reasonable to hope Contrary to early hopes, the Puerto thrashers from the vicinity. Hugo. The eastern half of the that the substantial area of mature Rican Parrot has proved to be a Subsequent to 1975, we species range was devastated, with rainforest vegetation in this range - very difficult species to breed documented no further losses of nearly complete defoliation of some 44 square miles under U.S. consistently in captivity. In over 20 Puerto Rican Parrot nest contents essentially all forest trees and Forest Service jurisdiction -might years of efforts, involving a to thrasher predation. massive amounts of branch and in itself provide an adequate succession of capable personnel, By means of these efforts and trunk breakage. But surprisingly, foundation for long-term production of young has continued by rehabilitating parrot nests although the wild parrot preservation of the species. to fall short of what would be affected by penetration of population was reduced about 50% Unfortunately, by the late necessary to fuel a quantitatively rainwater, we were able to increase by the storm, overall breeding 1960s it was becoming clear that vigorous release program or even nesting success of the species to showed considerable net the Puerto Rican Parrot was still to guarantee long-term survival of nearly 70%, and the species began enhancement in the years declining despite near complete a captive population. a slow recovery in the wild from a following the storm. In fact, the protection of its last remaining Taking of captives began in low point of 13 free-flying wild number of breeding pairs habitat. Much of this continuing earnest in 1973, when the wild adults in 1975. Our anticipation increased to six in 1991, 1992 and decline was due to rampant population was down to 16 was that we would shortly be 1993. Perhaps favoured in part by poaching of nestlings for the local individuals. Five fledglings were seeing the formation of many new enhanced production of by bird trade, a practice that did not raised in captivity during this year, breeding pairs of parrots, and forest trees following the die out until the late 1960s. Other while three young fledged in the because surveys demonstrated hurricane, these pairs have been potential causes of decline were as wild. Thereafter, the rate of taking that good natural nest sites were exceptionally productive, and the yet uninvestigated. Fortunately, captives was reduced, with a rare, we began a major program of wild population has already under the provisions of the general policy of allowing each providing optimal nest sites for recovered to nearly the size it had recently enacted Federal wild pair to fledge at least some the parrots in the nesting areas. In enjoyed before Hugo. Endangered Species Act of 1966 young in the wild each year. this program we constructed Whether this encouraging there was at last an administrative Simultaneously, greatly completely artificial sites of PVC increase in reproduction in the framework for development of a ex.'panded efforts were initiated pipe and also rehabilitated many wild population may sustain itself full-scale research and from blinds. Two major threats to natural tree cavities with deficient in the years ahead remains to be conservation program to aid the the species became apparent - characteristics. seen, but in any event, it now species. As a result of the urging predation on eggs and young by Alas, despite the provision of appears that the importance of of RayEricksonof the USFWSand the Pearly-eyed Thrasher these sites, despite a steady hurricanes to island parrot Frank Wadsworth of the USFS, (Margarops fuscatus) and a increase in the size of the wild population needs reevaluation. Not such a program was.initiated by shortage of optimal nest sites. population, and despite the only did Hurricane Hugo cause an the end of 1968, with Cam Kepler Approximately four out of five formation of many new pairs of apparent massive increase in food as the first leader of field studies. nesting attempts were failing, parrots, we witnessed no supplied for the parrots (to be By 1971 it was clear that less mainly due to the thrasher (a perceptible increase in the size of sure, after a period of food than 20 individuals were left in the recent invader of the forest), and it the wild breeding population for scarcity immediately following the wild and that they were appeared that the parrot was the neJ\.1dozen years. With few storm), but many of the broken disappearing rapidly, while causes suffering primarily from exceptions, the number of pairs branch bases of trees produced by of their continuing decline inadequate reproduction. Mortality laying eggs each year remained a the storm will presumably rot out remained unsure. The situation rates of free-flying parrots did not monotonous total of four through to become nesting sites for the was clearly desperate, and the prove to be excessively high. this entire period. Occasionally species in the years ahead. Because agencies involved came to a Through the mid 1970s a major one of these pairs was lost through of these and other potentially consensus that there was no viable emphasis was given to studies of mortality, but it was almost beneficial effects of hurricanes, it alternative but to attempt capture the biology of the Pearly eyed immediately replaced by another is plausible to speculate that of all remaining wild individuals in Thrasher in an effort to develop pair moving into its nest site. hurricanes may actually be

6 essential for long-term survival of population from the late 1970s the Puerto Rican Parrot. As through the mid 1980s, when counterintuitive as it may at first captive nestlings were fostered seem, it is even possible that one into wild nests whenever of the more significant general appropriate opportunities arose. underlying resistance factors to These captive-produced young recovery of the parrot in recent survived as well as wild-produced decades may have been the young and led to an enhanced rate absence of any major hurricanes of increase of the wild population. hitting the mountains since the Unfortunately, fostering of young early 1930s. into wild nests was discontinued While the wild population has in the late 1980s, though it has shown an encouraging ability to been revived in more recent years. persist and slowly increase over The disappointing production the years, our early hopes for a of captive young has led to major assist from captive breeding considt!rable controversy over the in recovery of the species have not future of the conservation yet been fulfilled. Reproduction in program. For some observers, such captivity has generally been much as the Captive Breeding Specialist worse than in the wild, despite a Group of the IUCN(which larger captive population (now conducted a Population Viability over 50 individuals) and despite a Analysis of the species in 1989), major investment of resources in the salvation of the parrot is still attempting to improve captive to be seen in an emphasis on productivity. Meanwhile, captive breeding, although with reproduction of Hispaniolan some changes in captive-breeding Parrots (Amazona ventralis) used procedures. This group even called as surrogates at the same aviary, for pulling all wild birds into has been consistently strong, a captivity after Hurricane Hugo - comparison often overlooked by deja vu. Others point out that the critics and a comparison captive-breeding program has been suggesting that the Iow expensive -averaging several productivity of captive Puerto hundred thousand dollars per year Rican Parrots might trace more to - and that after 20 years of efforts, intrinsic characteristics of the involving a variety of personnel birds than to a failure in and experimentation with a variety propagation techniques or to of techniques, there has been no deficiencies of the aviary facilities. discernable improvement in the Kelly Brock and Bradley White Iow rate of captive production. (1992) have suggested that the These observers emphasise that major factor depressing the facile explanations often production in captive Puerto Rican offered by critics for poor aviary Parrots has been Iow fertility location -problems with (averaging 27.7%among egg-laying techniques and an allegedly poor pairs) due to the relatively inbred reproduction - fail to account for Puerto Rican Parrots nesting successfully in a rehabilitated cavity of a palo colorado in 1975. Prior to patchwork, this site was thoroughly wet inside. Photo:Noel Snyder nature of the founding population. the high degree of success They emphasised that infertility in achieved in the Luquillo aviary captive pairs appeared related to with Hispaniolan Parrots (see While the captive population has that could jeopardise ultimate the degree of kinship of pair BrockanQWhite 1992),and may always been envisioned as central recovery of the species. members. However, their data need to be replaced with a in such efforts, if the wild Luquillo Nevertheless, we also believe indicate only a weak and recognition that Puerto Rican population does recover, firmly that the differences of statistically non significant Parrots just do not breed well in establishment of other wild correlation between the extent of captivity. If so, the monies put into opinion that exist regarding the populations may conceivably best ways to achieve recovery are a infertility and the degree of captive breeding, might be much prove to be more successful and basically healthy part of the genetic similarity of pair members, better spent elsewhere. much more cost-effective with and this correlation at best Our own viewpoint lies in the recovery process, and we hope that translocations of wild-caught birds the forum for debate of strategies explains only a small fraction of middle of the road. So long as the from the Luquillo population than will always remain open - for the variance in fertility. Further, wild Luquillo population remains by releases of captive-bred others as well as for ourselves. We the genetically similar (and at a critically Iow level, we favour individuals. believe that the continuing smaller) wild population has continuing near-term efforts to continued to exhibit excellent The overall recovery rate of the conservation program, with its improve captive-breeding wild Puerto Rican Parrot fertility (87.7%in the 1970s and techniques and to release captive- emphasis on aiding the welfare of population has been slow, but the the wild population and its 1980s), and if genetic factors were bred young into the wild trend has been unmistakably perception of the captive the major cause of captive (especially by fostering). But once upward, and we remain optimistic infertility, we would expect to see the wild Luquillo population has population as a supportive entity that the species may achieve full to the wild population, is still on a similar or greater incidence of recovered to a relatively secure recovery. While some observers the right tracks. infertility problems in the wild. status, assuming it may, we favour have been impatient with the Iow Reference Cited: While the major problem in discontinuing captive-breeding rate of increase and have made a Brock, M.K.,and B.N.White. captivity has clearly been Iow efforts if captive production variety of recommendations for 1992. Application of DNA fertility, we suspect that the basis continues to remain in the basic change in orientation of the fingerprinting to the recovery of this problem may lie more in doldrums. conservation program, we believe program of the endangered Puerto the behavioural than in the genetic In the long term it is important that many of these Rican Parrot. realm. Nevertheless, we continue not only to resuscitate the Luquillo recommendations (e.g., bringing all Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA to support studies to minimise MountainS population but also to birds into captivity, abandoning 89:11121-11125. potential genetic difficulties. establish new wild populations in efforts to save the Luquillo Despite the Iow numbers of other forested regions of the Mountains population because the young produced in captivity, the island, such as Rio Abajo Forest, habitat might be "wrong", captive population had a positive where a second aviary for the dispersing captives to zoos or bolstering role for the wild species has recently been created. aviculturists, etc.) pose major risks

7 GBTTINGIT RIGOT Capturing the elusive qualities of Lear's Macaw By Michael Reynolds

It all started at the World Parrot three years ago as one of only a me that the birds did not have an completely absent. The fact is that Trust Symposium, organised by handful of conservation indication of the elusive dull green it is a trick of the light, almost an our dynamic Benelux branch in organisations it supports. Since colouring around the head and optical illusion. I felt, nevertheless, May 1993 at Antwerp Zoo. One of then it has helped us in numerous neck which is one of the several that our precious Lear's painting the delegates was David Johnston, ways, flying people and equipment features which distinguish Lear's should show this distinctive an exceptional wildlife painter and to many parts of the world. As I Macaw from the Hyacinth Macaw. feature, and asked David to make parrot devotee. may have said before, readers (The others are: smaller size, some alterations to the original David offered to paint any should bear in mind this excellent different shape of facial skin, painting. A man of almost saintly parrot we chose, and donate it to work of BA's when booking flights. generally duller plumage, fine patience, he was happy to do so, the Trust so we could offer a So David Johnston spent a week silver ring around eye.) just as anxious as I was for it to be limited edition print to our in , photographing the I sent a proof to Dr. Susan accurate. members. The original painting drought-stricken land of the Lear's Clubb at Parrot Jungle, Miami, who Now our limited edition of 900 would also be ours, to be sold for Macaw. He brought back plenty of has had close knowledge of Lear's is ready, and we hope for a flood the benefit of the Trust. This was references of the landscape and Macaw when they were bred there. of orders from our members and an incredibly generous offer, the Licuri palms on which this She made some very helpful others interested in helping the especially bearing in mind that macaw relies, almost exclusively, suggestions and also sent photos conservation of this critically David's painting of the St. Lucia for its food supply. The bird itself, from their files. I then got in touch endangered species. The price is Amazon Parrot was sold by however, was elusive. Always wary with Dr. John Olsen, chief vet at £35 or$50, a low figure for such an auction at the of man - and with good reason as Busch Gardens, Tampa, Florida, outstanding work. The print comes Convention in 1990 for $18000. they are at risk of being shot for where the only two Lear's Macaws with a brief report on the plight of At the Antwerp Symposium our the pot, or when feeding on the in the US are kept. He kindly Lear's Macaw and the effort Benelux supporters had raised local farmers' meagre crops - the arranged for me to visit the off- needed to ensure its survival, by over £4000 for our work on Lear's birds were only seen at a distance. exhibit breeding area where the Dr. Charles A. Munn Ill. Please note Macaw, so that bird seemed the Back in his studio in Blackpool, birds - regrettably, two females - that apart from the actual printing obvious candidate to have its UK, David started on the painting. live, and I was able to shoot a cost, every penny received from portrait painted by David He assembled all the photographic couple of rolls of film of these the sale of this print will go Johnston. I mentioned David's and other references available, and delightful birds. I was also able to directly to our fund for the Lear's offer to Charlie Munn, who was a also went to see the birds in the get shots of a pair of Hyacinth Macaw projectThis project aims to speaker at the symposium and care of Harry Sissen. Eventually the Macaws in an adjacent aviary and create large new plantations of the who directs our Lear's Macaw painting was completed, and in identical light conditions. You Licuri palm on which the birds project. 'That's great' said Charlie, handed over to our printers for can see from the side-by-side rely, and it will take at least twelve 'why doesn't he come to Bahia with proofs to be made. I was in the pictures here that the Lear's years for the palm trees, and thus me next month and see the bird in United States at the time the Macaw is a very different bird. the project, to reach fruition. This the field? To understand Lear's proofs were ready, and some were Even its more diffident personality is no 'quick fix' situation; substantial funds will have to be Macaw he has to see the desperate sent to me. I was absolutely is apparent, highlighted by the place where it lives.' delighted with the contrast typical way the Hyacinth Macaw is available for many years. Please Shortly afterwards, David between the dust-dry palm tree on inflicting his personality on the use the order form in this found himself in North East Brazil, which the pair of Lear's are camera! newsletter, and recommend this carried there with the generous perched, and the brilliance and As a result of all this I was able print to anyone who may be help of 'British Airways Assisting vivacity of the birds themselves. to send David a number of new interested. Finally, sincere thanks Conservation'. This comparatively I had the proof framed, hung it photographic references, in some from The World Parrot Trust to unsung aspect of British Airways on the wall and lived with it for a of which the 'green effect' is easy David Johnston, the artist who got chose The World Parrot Trust week or so. It gradually dawned on to see, and in some of which it is it right.

Photographed at BuschGardens, Tampa, Florida in December '93. Lear's Macaw on the left, Hyacinth Macaw on the right, hogging the camera.

8 Lear's Macaw leari From an Original Painting by David Johnstoll. Limited Edition No.

Footnote: Sofar asweareaware,onlysixLear'sMacawsremainin captivity:averyold maleandafemaleatHarrySissen's;thetwo femalesatBuschGardens;one femalewithNelsonKawallin SaoPaulo;andanotherfemaleatSaoPauloZoo.WhilevisitingBuschGardensIhadtheopportunityof talkingto the managementaboutTheWorldParrotTrustandits workfor Lear'sMacaw.Theyplanto doublecheckthesexof the twobirdsthere,andalsoto put them ondisplayin orderto promoteunderstandingoftheconservationneedsof thespedes.Isuggestedthattheymightwish to usethat opportunityto raise fundsfor our 'Palmfor a Parrot'programme.Thiswouldundoubtedlybethebestwayfor thosetwo macawstohelp their conspedficsin thewild.

9 ALL ABOARD TUB CONSBRVATION BXPRESS!

The StVincentParrot (Amazona ByRosemaryLow successfully promoting the Trust. majority of tourists as St Vincent They were leaving for St Vincent guildingii) is found only on this is only 1,600 miles south east of immediately afterwards and as I island, where its numbers are Miami. It can be reached via a 31/2 The loud, slightly metallic calls of had three days available before believed to be in the region of 450. hour flight to Barbados, then a 35 the parrots suddenly brought the flying back to the Canary Islands, I If the population is declining, it minute flight to St Vincent and the forest to life. Light was slowly decided to accompany them. would be as a result of Grenadines. St Vincent is situated filtering through the trees but the It was nearly 14 years since I deforestation which is perhaps in the chain of islands which rainclouds hung overhead, giving had been on St Vincent; it would about 1%per annum. Some curves from Puerto Rico in the the Buccament Valley a slightly be interesting to see for myself reafforestation is also occurring. north, down to Tobago, just north brooding air. Yes, I was on St what had been accomplished in the However, there is no evidence of of the northern tip of Venezuela. It Vincent, home of one of the most intervening years and, hopefully, to decline. The next census is due to is one of the most southerly of the magnificent parrots in the world. again catch a glimpse of parrots in be held in March this year. A islands (Windward group of the census is carried out every second LesserAntilles).Situated only 24 This species has been the subject the forest. So, as the parrots miles south of St Lucia, it cannot of much controversy over the started to move from their roosting year. This year five or so forest officers will spend a week in five be compared with St Lucia where years mainly because of its value sites Mike, Audrey and I found ourselves at an altitude of about different parts of the forest, trying the tourist industry is concerned. as an item of illegal trade. 4570m (l,500ft) in the Vermont to estimate numbers. There has St Vincent captures a much smaller No-one seeing this large, been a suggestion that 500 would number of tourists, partly because colourful Amazon could fail to area. Our guide was Fitzroy Springer, the Wildlife Protection be the maximum number that the it lacks an international airport. For understand why it would be Officer. We were strategically forests could hold. I asked Fitzroy those interested in natural beauty coveted by those without scruples placed, with a view over the lush Springer if he thought the St Vincent has more un-spoiled but possessing plenty of financial rainforest which forms part of the population had reached this forest and less development. resources. These days, however, it parrot reserve. This is an area of number. He thought not and However, as in all the islands of is a rare event for illegal export to 10,870 acres in the centre of the inferred that the population was the Caribbean, a rapidly expanding occur. The higher standard of island, set aside in 1987. increasing because parrots are human population inevitably education on the island and At that early hour, parrot calls being seen in agricultural areas results in the forests being even promotion of the importance of came from all directions. Sightings where they had not occurred since further encroached upon. the protection of the forest and its of pairs flying overhead were those areas ceased to be forested. St Vincent can boast of the inhabitants, has resulted in a frequent. Initially, the birds were Could this mean that new feeding oldest botanical garden in the gradually changing attitude silhouetted against the dull sky. As areas have been sought because western hemisphere. This location towards the environment. the light intensity increased some forested areas hold is one of particular interest, for The World Parrot Trust is slightly, the brilliant orange patches populations at maximum levels? here St Vincent Parrots can be seen playing a significant role in this, in the wings were lit against the As yet it is not possible to at close quarters. The aviaries which is how I unexpectedly found green backdrop of forest. For an answer this question. Parrots are currently house 30 birds. Most of myself on St Vincent. I had been hour or so, the forest vibrated with difficult to study in this these are former pets; others have been hatched there since 1988. A invited to speak at the second their calls as they greeted the day mountainous habitat. However, convention of the International and flew off to find food. By about there appear to be several short while before that, Vincentians Aviculturists' Society in Florida 7.45amthe callsgrew less frequent populations which do not overlap who kept native parrots were where Michael and Audrey but we lingered for an hour, hoping and which may be genetically permitted to keep them, provided identifiable. The St Vincent Parrot Reynolds had been very for a few more glimpses. that they registered and ringed is interesting in that it has two or them,but it is not permitted to more colour morphs. WhenI asked keep any bird not registered at Fitzroy Springer if the morphs that time. Today, 47 are registered. could be related to different Fitzroy Springer took us inside localities, he told me that parrots the aviary, whose occupants of the green morph occurred in the looked in excellent condition. Richmond area, also that they Those not set up for breeding had tended to be larger. (Most St an adequate area in which to fly. Vincent Parrots are basically a The diet is carefully controlled, as tawny brown.) obesity is a major problem unless Until recently, visitors to the the diet is carefully controlled. The island who wished to venture into birds are fed once daily on fruits the rainforest, had no particular such as guavas, various citrus, path to follow if they were banana and local fruits grown just interested in observing parrots. behind the aviary, such as plum Then, in 1990, the Vermont nature rose and golden apple. Fitzroy told trails were opened. We used one of me that he sometimes these trails to reach the look-out supplements their diet with point. The trail is maintained in gommier seeds, Spanish ash pods good condition: log sections form and figs, collected from the forest. steps in the steeper areas. The The parrots receive no seed; a number of visitors using the trails limited quantity of peanuts are fed rises annually, as environmental (50lbs are bought every three awareness increases. months). Those rearing young This is encouraging as it helps receive cooked chicken. Vincentians to realise that the On this diet the birds remain forest and parrots attract tourists slim - but fertility is not high. In and therefore tourist dollars. 1993,13 of the 15 eggs laid were A breedingpairof StVincentparrotsin thegovernmentaviaries. American visitors make up the infertile. However, more young

10 would be an embarrassment as the piece together. It demonstrates existing accommodation is already how different aspects of the stretched to its limit. Five pairs are environment are dependant upon set up for breeding, one pair pe')' each other. Another is a scene of aviary, the other birds being housed deforestation with water running in three flights, the construction of down the mountainside. The water which was financed by Palmitos is brown as a result of soil erosion. Park, Gran Canaria. The next exhibit shows intact To date, I was told, 12 of the 15 rainforest. Here the water is young hatched have all survived, sparkling and clean, for the soil is all parent-reared. All concerned protected by the trees. are to be congratulated on this From the speakers at the front excellent result. However, young of the bus, came the appropriate bred in the future cannot continue sounds of a song written by Paul to be added to the existing Butler (a pioneer of conservation aviaries. In a leaflet published by education in the Caribbean). It the Forestry Division, the goal of broadcasts the message that the programme is stated to be "to "Vincie" is their special parrot, breed parrots for eventual release unique to the island, and must be A classof St Vincent children about to experiencethe 'Vincie Express',guided by into the wild and to provide genetic protected. WPT's bus will, we hope, Ruth Knights (on right). support for an international become synonymous with survival breeding programme." It must be of its Amazon and with the pride time for a decision to be made which its people feel for this Dominica. But for me personally, fact that over 50 million parrots regarding the destination of the majestic bird. and for all of us involved in the are kept as pets all over the world. young birds, before their numbers Before leaving St Vincent, Mr work of The World Parrot Trust, If we can persuade people to care are reduced as a result of Reynolds was able to meet the the 'Vincie Express' is easily the about -the birds that actually live in over-crowding. Permanent Secretary of the most important. their houses, perhaps we can get Mike Reynolds' main purpose in Ministry of Agriculture, Industry If I give you a little history, you them to care about the whole of visiting the island concerned the and Labour. They discussed the will see why this is so. 22 years nature. Vincie Express, the bus donated to work of the Trust and the role it is ago I started a bird garden in The World Parrot Trust is still the Forestry Division by The World playing on St Vincent and the England, specialising in breeding very small, but it has 2000 Parrot Trust. It had recently Grenadines. He was also able to endangered species. I wrote to influential members in 43 arrived and was about to be obtain video footage of the bus, your government to say that if, by countries. We have projects for introduced to a group of children. the forest and the parrots. This some miracle, it might be possible parrot survival in 10 countries; it The bus is destined to convey a will be incorporated in a video for us to have a pair of St Vincent would be more, but our funds message of conservation which will show the various Parrots, we would be delighted. simply don't allow any more at awareness to all the island's projects which the Trust has About a year later we heard that a present. About one third of our schoolchildren. It follows in the supported. All in all, the three day pair of parrots had been annual income has been spent to path of the Trust's buses on visit to this beautiful island was an confiscated, and could be sent to create the Vincie Express. That is St Lucia and Dominica. They have outstanding success. us with full government approval. how important this project is to been outstandingly successful in That was in 1974. In 1980 we Acknowledgement us, and we hope you will be as promoting conservation in a Grateful thanks are due to Forestry hatched a chick, but it did not proud of it as we are. The main manner which grasps the attention Division personnel for their time survive. Only in 1991 did we message we try to get across to of the younger members of the and hospitality. succeed in rearing our first St people who keep and enjoy parrots community. Then their parents Vincent Parrot, the first in Europe, is that they must 'put something listen to the enthusiastic response This short speech was kindly and only the second in the world back' to help the survival of of their children. delivered on Mike Reynolds' in zoos and bird gardens which are parrots in the wild. At The World. So it will be on St Vincent. We behalf by Alleyne Regis of RARE, members of the government Parrot Trust and at Paradise Park watched the absorbed interest of at the official handing over approved St Vincent Parrot where the Trust is based, we feel the children exclaiming at the ceremony on St Vincent. Consortium. All the birds held by indebted to St Vincent for colourful mural on each side of the I cannot tell you how disappointed consortium members remain the entrusting us with their precious bus. It depicts a St Vincent Parrot I am not to be present at the property of St Vincent. So, far away birds. Now, however, we can feel in its forest habitat - a colourful handing over of the Vincie Express. in a remote corner of England, we we have 'put something back'. scene which lingers in one's mind. As you may know, this is the third have added to the numbers of your We will write about the Vincie Then the children entered, to learn conservation bus we have sent, beautiful, endangered national bird. Express, and 'Vincie' himself, in about forest and parrot protection working together with RARE A little more history: in 1978 I our own publications and in other from the exhibits inside. One is a Centre, to the Caribbean; the visited St Vincent because I wanted media worldwide. A very large jigsaw which the children must previous ones went to St Lucia and to see your parrot in the wild. With audience will come to know how the help of Dr. Earle Kirby and well St Vincent is developing its 'Nicky' Nicholls, my wife and I had vital agriculture, while protecting the enormous pleasure of seeing its forests and its unique national the St Vincent Parrot flying free in bird. Like ripples on a pond, this the Buccament Valley. It was the knowledge will spread, and first time I had seen any parrot hopefully it will help the flying in the wild, and it had a development of your tourism. We great effect on me. attend avicultural conventions It made me realise that nothing worldwide, several every year, and was more important than in the next few months I will be preserving the wild places (In able to tell audiences in Australia which the parrots rely for their and the United States of the survival around the world. This excellent conservation work that is realisation, this flash of inspiration under way here on St Vincent. which I experienced on St Vincent, led eventually to our setting up The World Parrot Trust in 1989. Why parrots? Because they, alone among birds, have won a special place in the hearts and minds of RosemaryLow(wearingnewHPTT-shirt)standingbya mural ontheaviarywall. man. This is demonstrated by the

11 LBTIB KS TO TUB BD ITO K Members write

Currumbin Sanctuary 235 North Walnut Street for our wonderful parrots. I have P.O. Box 344, Palm Beach, Bryan, Ohio enclosed some pictures so you can Queensland,4221 43506 see some of the lovely juveniles that have been raised together. Dear Rosemary Dear Rosemary Low Enclosed is a copy of a brochure Your article in 'PsittaScene'Stop Sincerely just produced to encourage people The Trade In Parrot Chicks Diana M. Holloway to look for the Coxen's Fig-Parrot touched my heart. We have Bird Fairs in the USA. Cyclopsitta diophtalma coxeni and Wereceive over one hundred report sightings as part of the where you see rows of frightened recovery program for this highly featherless bundles being sold letters a week in our mail bag. The contents range from people endangered species. It is currently with syringes and a bag of baby thought that the effective formula to unsuspecting people seeking information about the Trust, funding, news on the wild population size is possibly as low with no experience who with the asNe< 50. best of intentions only want a baby bird trade and requests for to love. They have no idea of the advice on parrot care. Butwe also Very few confirmed sightings have receive many enquiries such as occurred in recent years indicating potential problems they will this from children who are encounter. I too would like to see a a tremendous problem with the showing an early concern for the species. Very little is also known law against this but as a realist welfare of birds and :- expect this problem only to get about the biology of this species. worse. Surveys are being carried out in Please take heart that there are areas of previous sightings but to Tregassow Manor date these have come up with only some caring Aviculturists over St. Erme,Nr. Truro one sighting of this parrot despite here. TR4 9BL many hours in the field. I am a small hobbiest raising six Currumbin Sanctuary is currently species of Amazon parrots. We Dear World Parrot Trust involved in working on the now have three generations in our household. When I realized that I am writing on account about the analogous Red-browed Fig-Parrot some babies had to be sold a vow cruelty that is going on in the Cyclopsittadiophtalma world around us. I would be very macleayanafrom North was made to only sell weaned, vet There follows some excerpts of checked and now zoogen sexed much obliged if you could please Queensland in order to develop information from the brochure babies. send me some leaflets concerning techniques for captive breeding. supplied by ilz Romer. the cruelty the parrots suffer. My Our main focus is the development My friends in Aviculture have the On The Brink same standards. We are mostly friends and I have made a small of techniques for parent raising as wildlife club for giving out leaflets this will be crucial to the recovery Coxen's Fig-Parrot is one of seven people with a small flock of the Australian birds in immediate birds that we love. We all spoon concerning not only birds but efforts for the Coxen's Fig-Parrot many other species that are being should captive breeding become a danger of extinction. Historical feed and trade offspring for the records show that it was numerous future generations. cruely treated or ones that are necessity. We have also been indangered. Thank you very much. looking at fostering chicks under in subtropical rainforests between I am so looking forward to hearing other parents as another option in the Mary and Richmond Rivers. you speak in Florida in January. It Reports during recent decades is caring people like you who give Yours Sincerely such a program especially if we MoKeeler(Aged11) bring in nestlings. Our final test suggest that it occurred north to me hope that there will be a future will be the development of Bundaberg and south to the Port rehabilitation techniques for the Macquarie hinterland. release of captive bred birds back Today most reports are from the into the wild. foothills of the ranges around the QLD/NSWborder. To date after a number of ups and downs we are confident that we The Recovery Plan can breed fig-parrots fairly A national recovery team was successfully. This season we have formed in Brisbane in June 1993 to had numerous successful clutches instigate actions to save Coxen's with one pair currently laying a FigParrot. third clutch after successfully A search conducted by the fledging five chicks in total. We Queensland Department of also had a pair of birds of 12 Environment & Heritage began in months of age - the male not yet August 1993. The study area is fully coloured - hatching chicks mainly the region bordered by (which unfortunately DNS).This is Beaudesert, Warwick, Casino and the youngest breeding recorded to Murwillumbah. date. Results of the study will be incorporated in a recovery plan I hope you find the brochure of which may recommend such interest. If you would like more procedures as the rehabilitation of information on the project I would habitat and/or a breeding program be happy to supply it. for captive birds. Hope you have a happy New Year, At Currumbin Sanctuary techniques of captive breeding are Yours sincerely being developed with the closely LizRomer related Red-browed Fig-Parrot CuratorAnimalCollections from north Queensland. OneofDianaHolloway'shand-rearedOrange-wingedAmazons.

12 TilE WORLDPARROTTRUSTGALLERY 0 F ENDANGERED PARROTSByRosemary Low No.4 Ultramarine Lory (Viniultramarina)

In the Pacific lies a remote group of islands In the second draft of Parrots, An Action Polynesia and the Zoological Society of San Diego called the Marquesas. Endemic to this group is joined forces to translocate seven birds to Fatu Plan for their Conservation: 1993-1998, one of the most exquisite of all parrots - and one Hiva. (Extreme weather conditions made it produced this year by JCBP,17 species of the most endangered. The Ultramarine Lory impossible to capture more.) At least five of are listed as being critically endangered. now survives on only one island throughout its these birds survived and are often seen by The plight of some of these species, such original range, on Ua Huka. The population there people of the village of Omoa. Alan Ueberman as Spix's Macaw,Imperial and Puerto is believed to be between 1,000 and 1,500 but it and Cynthia Kuehler of San Diego Zoo, reported Rican Amazons and are very well is threatened by rats and by human activities. On to The World Parrot Trust that seven more known. Many,perhaps most, people will another island in the group, Ua Pou, this tiny lory Ultramarine Lories were translocated to Fatu not be familiar with the names of some had almost disappeared five years after the Hiva in November 1993. Future visits to Fatu arrival of rats. Because of its extreme of the others on the list. The names of Hiva are planned to report on the status of the vulnerability, translocation of Ultramarine Lories translocated population. others are known but the fact that they to the island of Fatu Hiva is being carried out. are very seriously endangered is not. In The hope is that the spedes can survive there the coming issues we will present a series should it be extirpated on Ua Huka. In 1992 the of short items to highlight these birds. Delegation of the Environment for French

13 SURPRISING NEWS ABOur GOFFIN'S COCKATOO

Members will probably recall that the Trust has had two involvements with Goffin's Cockatoo Cacatua goffini. First,we went to considerable effort - and expense - to secure the release of 319 cockatoos being held in small cages on Yamdena, a large Indonesian island which is the principal habitat of the species. We felt that this involvement was justified on welfare grounds, and also because such a large number This is how the Coffin's Cockatooswere being kept, before we arranged their release back into the wild. of birds might be a significant part of the remaining population. We also hoped that the release of an excellent question and answer NEWS FROM OTUER these CITESAppendix 1 birds, segment. WORLD PARROT TRUST under official supervision, might Each overseas visitor was BKANCUES deliver a message that these birds presented with a copy of the should no longer be captured. society's excellent publication The Canadian World Parrot Trust Our second commitment to Avi-Index (an index of Australian will have a booth at the 'All about helping the species took the form Aviculture over 43 years) inscribed Pets' show at the International of contributing £2,000 towards the and autographed by the compilers Center, Toronto, from 31 March to cost of a Birdlife International Charles Hibbert and Ken Kleesh to 4 April 1994. This show is commemorate their visit to the expedition to establish the status expected to have a total of 50000 of the population on Yamdena.An Avicultural Society of Australia. visitors. Any Canadian member early and incomplete report has who could help with manning the just been received, and this Graeme Hyde booth should call Unda Anderson indicates that the population on (SecretaryASA) on 613.741.7606. this island alone can be estimated at around 370,000. The total WPT Benelux 9th Parrot population must, therefore, be Symposium will be held at the WUERB TUERB'S A well-known bird park 'Avifauna' at above 500,000, and so Goffin's WILL... Cockatoo is likely to be removed Alpen aid Rijn, Holland on April from the CITESAppendix 1 list. 161994. The programme is We expect a full report shortly, ...there's a way to help parrot excellent, and delegates are conservation. The World Parrot and will publish it in 'PsittaScene' expected from Germany, France in due course. Trust is now in its fifth year and and the OK, as well as Holland and has established a sound reputation Belgium. For more information, for its various initiatives to help booking forms etc., contact: the parrots. It is also generally Belgium- R. Bejstrup A SPECIAL EVENING accepted that we achieve a great Tel: 32.3.2526773. WITU JOE FOKSUAW deal with our limited resources. Fax:32.3.2523118. This being so, we feel we may Netherlands - T. Nuyten The Avicultural Society of now ask our members to consider Tel: 31.1640.40567. Australia which meets monthly in a legacy to the Trust when making Fax: 31.15.782440. Melbourne, the capital city of their wills. Anyone interested Victoria, hosted a special meeting could write to our administrator, late last year so that Joe Forshaw, Judith Venning, for a form of AN APOLOGY the noted parrot authority could words which may be helpful. address the society, and that a party of visiting overseas Thank you. I recently read my way through the aviculturists he had been showing Michael Reynolds seventeen issues of 'PsittaScene', Australian parrots in the wild, Hon. Director mainly to get a feeling about how could meet some Aussie the Trust has developed over the aviculturists. past four years. I was shocked to The audience of 220 included come across a rather nasty piece IF I COULD KEEP ONLY of writing executed by myself. two ASA members from the island ONE PAIR OF PARROTS state of Tasmania, a member and It concerned a gentleman who kept his wife from Perth, Western his macaws in rather small cages, Australia (which is the other side In past issues of 'PsittaScene' some and in trying to make the point of the continent!), several members well known people in the world of that I thought these should have of four of the society's twelve parrots have answered the above more space, I was unnecessarily offensive to the aviculturist country-based branches, and 16 question. Now we are inviting concerned. I have had an "special overseas guests" - from members to take over this spot. Denmark, Germany, Holland and Write and tell us which species you opportunity to apologise to him in England. would keep if you were limited to person, but feel that in fairness I In his address Knowing only one pair of parrots, in about should publish this apology here, so that his friends will know that I Australia's Parrots Intimately, 600 to 800 words please. Enclose a which was illustrated with colour photograph of yourself - or, better regret my intemperate comments. slides, Joe Forshaw's in-depth still, one of you with your Concerned readers will be glad to know that the macaws now live knowledge of the parrots of favourite species. And give the Australia shone through. His reasons for your choice. We will in more spacious accommodation. feature the best answers under informative and thought- Michael Reynolds provoking address concluded with this heading.

14 The objective of the Trust is to promote the survival of all parrot species and the welfare of individual birds. The Trust is a very active body which constantly pursues policies to ensure the general public world-wide are fully informed of developments relating to parrot conservation. The aim is also to pursuade parrot keepers to care for their birds in the best possible way, and to encourage responsible aviculture. Black Cockatoos in The World Australia The Trust provides half the cost of a four Parrot Trust year programme to as- sist the survival of an The work of the Trust: a brief review endangered sub-spe- cies of this spectacular Hyacinth Fund cockatoo in Victoria. This special fund, launched in 1990, Cost: £8,000. has provided over £13,500 to help conservation measures for both the Hyacinth and Lear's Macaw. Cur- Echo Parakeet rent work focuses on our Palm for a This is the world's rar- Parrot campaign. est parrot, as only about 17 still exist on Caribbean Buses Mauritius. The Trust has provided continuous support for The 'Jacquot Express' was sent to this species, including supplying a four-wheel drive vehi- St. Lucia in 1991,the 'Sisserou Ex- cle, a computer and other equipment, and helping with press' was sent to Dominica in 1992. training and diets. Our We are now about to send the 'Vincie Express' to St. Vincent. total investment is over This unique 'conservation bus' scheme is remarkable value £20,000. for money. Each bus costs around £25,000.

Other Activities The Trust has supported and attended parrot con- servation workshops and conventions in Brazil, , Honduras, Mexico, Holland, Spain, UK and the USA. It has contributed towards hurricane relief Indonesian Parrots for aviculturists in southern Florida. It is researching ways to improve the conditions in which Many Indonesian parrots are under parrots are kept. Through its 'Parrot threat and with the particular help Bureau' it seeks to inform the public of our Benelux Chapter we are do- about parrot conservation and wel- ing all we can. Recently we achieved fare. Principally through the publi- 1IIIIK". the release of over 300 Goffin's cation, 'PsittaScene', it sets out to ,. Cockatoos held by traders and we inform parrot aviculturists ~nd oth- ( are supporting an ICBP survey of Yamdena. servation. The World Parrot Trust . ~CI aims to represent the interests of . "'" about devetopm.."" In~n~ ~~-88' ~1:5 enlightened, responsible aviculture in ~ Amazons In Brazil its contacts with national and interna- tional bodies and authorities. In all its work, the interests of The Trust has been invited by the Brazilian Government to the parrots themselves come first. help with the conservation of all its parrot species. We have recently con- tri bu ted to- Help save the parrots of the world wards a new Pleasejoin the Trust, or encourage friends to join. Subscrip- survey to estab- tion rates are: UK and Europe (single) £15, (family) £20; lish the status in Fellow (Life Member) £250/US $400; Overseas Airmail £20/ the wild of two US $30; Overseas Surface Mail £15/US $25. Please send Amazon par- your cheque or credit card details to: The World Parrot rots: A. pretrei Trust, Glanmor House, Hayle,Cornwall TR27 4Y, UK. Regd. and A. vinacea. UK Charity No. 800944 Tel: (0736) 753365 Fax: (0736) 756438

15 TUE MM (lVestormeridionalis)

NewZealand's forest parrot, the KC).ka,is an outstandinglyhandsome and intelligentbird. It is also of interest for having perhaps the widest range of calls of any parrot. Sadly, it has suffered a great decline in recent years, due to destruction of its forest habitat and the introduction of such mammals as brush-tailed possums and deer which are food competitors. It is now common only on afew off-shore islands such as Kapiti, where the bird depicted was photographed by Rosemary Low.Kapiti is an island reserve managed by the Department of Conservation. It is situated 5kIn off the west coast of southern North Island.

Weintend to continue this series of 'Parrots in the Wild', and if any reader can offer us a high quality shot that might be suitable, please get in touch.

Designedand produced by DESIGN & PRINTSERVICES(0736)753638 16