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TUB BIGGBR TUBY ARE TUB UAKDBKTUBYFALL, OR how body size affects the conservation status of new world parrots By Charles A. Munn, PhD., (SeniorConservation Zoologist,WildlifeConservation Society).

conservationists, they need to face Editor's Note: up to the fact that every last one of This article is based on a the species of large parrots, endangered or not, that they desire paper presented by Dr. (and acquire) for their collections Munn at the IASConvention, still have sufficient wild habitat to Orlando,FLin January 1995. permit them to survive in substantial or even huge numbers in the wild. Furthermore, all of the I.Summary large species of threatened New Forty of the New World's 150 World parrots are in danger now species of parrots are seriously principally because of the demand endangered or declining. All of for pets and breeding stock that is these species are threatened fueled substantially by aviculturists themselves and by pet owners who principally by 1) systematic, are the aviculturists of the future. nonsustainable harvest by trappers or hunters, or 2) conversion of In this paper I describe briefly their habitat for agriculture and some projects that successfully grazing. Here 1describe how large have neutralized the two principal threats to the survival of viable parrots are much more likely to suffer from trapping and hunting populations of wild New World than are small parrots. Conversely, parrots. I also discuss how small parrots are The take-home message from much more likely to suffer from these projects should be that habitat destruction than are large conserving parrots in the wild not ones. Finally, I point out that only is theoretically possible, but aviculturists often have claimed has been shown to be the most mistakenly that they are rescuing practical and cost-effective method large parrots from rainforest that is for guaranteeing viable future populations of these beautiful about to be cut. In fact, the only birds. parrots that could in some situations benefit from being Bearing in mind the previous rescued from forest patches about points, I would like to suggest six to be destroyed are the small, often golden rules: 1) continue to take relatively dull-calored species that good care of and breed your birds; are in such low demand by 2) never buy anything other than aviculturists and pet owners as to sustainably-produced, aviary-bred be economically worthless to birds; 3) read about the real conservation situation of different trappers and dealers. For aviculturists to realize their parrot species in the wild; 4) became a member of the World full potential as responsible Parrot Trust (WPT),International Aviculturists Society (!AS),and other groups working successfully " psittacine to conserve wild parrots; 5) participate in trips to key field (sir asin) Belonging projects; and 6) inform your local or allied to the bird club and avian veterinarian parrots; parrot-like about the work of WPT and IAS, " The sheer beauty of the Hyacinth Macaw is its downfall. Photo: Bonnie jay.

1 completely intact natural habitat of rainforest, dry forest, and savannah-forest mosaic in lowland Bolivia. Bird export was outlawed in Boliviain 1985.Whenin 1992I questioned several former trappers in Bolivia's remote, nearly completely forested Amazonian state of Pando, they each readily stated (without cuing) that the reason for the rarity of large macaws was that they had systematically over trapped and nearly extirpated the birds. In 1992 the former president of the now-defunct Association of Bird Exporters of Bolivia told me that he and his fellow bird exporters (the middlemen who placed standing orders country- wide for unlimited numbers of Hyacinth Macaw in the wild. Numbers reduced from around 100,000 forty years ago to perhaps 3,000 to 5,000 today. large macaws) exported approximately 500 large macaws and work with them to develop parrots. This rush to snatch up every two weeks for ten years-a fundraising campaigns to support large parrots is a classic tragedy of total of roughly 130,000 birds. specific field projects. the commons that, if unchecked, Who knows how many birds died results inevitably in local, national, and how many nest cavities were 11.How body size correlates with and eventually global, extinction of destroyed before the bird exporters type of threat. How and why these spectacular birds. The urban even got ahold of these birds? He large, colorM, talkative species middlemen in the tropical also admitted that the exploitation disappear first from intact habitat countries and the bird importers in had been indiscriminate, predatory, (often decades before the habitat the consuming countries are willing and non-sustainable, and that is in any danger). accomplices in the mining to capture rates had been dropping by Of the 40 threatened species of extinction of large parrots in the the time the government finally outlawed the trade in 1984.Will the New World parrots, 12 are Latin American countries. Amazons and six are macaws. All Looking at this unsustainable combined efforts of the most industrious aviculturists of the 18 of these species are large, harvest at the local level, trappers colorful, and prized as pets. These hack open nest cavities or fell nest world ever produce enough attractive parrots are endangered trees to collect nestlings. As trees captive-bred large macaws to equal by trapping for pets, secondarily by with large, secure cavities naturally the 130,000 birds exported during hunting for meat and feathers, and are rare even in virgin forest and those ten years from Bolivia alone, not to mention the similar or thirdly (and to a much lesser appear to limit severely the number of breeding pairs, this nest greater number that died in extent) by habitat destruction. transit? Sixteen of the remaining 22 smaller destruction is devastating to the reproductive output of wild In 1987, two observations of the endangered species suffer mechanics of local trade in principally from advanced habitat macaws and Amazons. Over the destruction in two heavily- past decade in northern Argentina, Hyacinth Macaws were particularly illuminating. In that year the deforested, particularly biologically for instance, trappers felled more Brazilian government requested diverse regions of high endemism than 100,000nest trees of Blue- that I collaborate with leading in southeastern and coastal Brazil, fronted Amazons. In that part of Argentina, therefore, a similar Brazilian field biologist Carlos and the tropical Andes of Yamashita to conduct a two-month- Colombia, Ecuador, and, to a lesser number of pairs of adult birds have long field survey of populations of extent, Peru. Six other small, been deprived of nest cavities, a Hyacinth Macaws in Brazil, Bolivia, endangered parrot species suffer resource that regenerates and Paraguay. At one location in primarily from trapping. Two of extremely slowly (on the order of Paraguay near the Brazil/Paraguay these species are from coastal centuries). As Amazons live for border, we spoke with a poor, Brazil, while two others are from several decades, one possible result industrious bird trapper who told Mexico, and the two remaining of this massive destruction of nests ones from the Eastern Amazon of is that the species may still appear us that he only crossed into Brazil Brazil and from Cuba. common when in fact it is just a to trap Hyacinths after receiving specific buy orders and down Large, colorful, talkative parrots matter of time before old birds die and the population crashes. In payments from a wealthy European often disappear from intact habitat living in Asuncion, the capital of around the world decades before many areas, trappers also capture Members of Paraguay. The European would fly the habitat is any danger. They adult birds, thereby reducing by small plane to the trapper's disappear because poor, roving stocks of reproductive-aged birds. town and place the order complete ~ From point of capture through bird trappers respond to buy with down payment. They then IUCN orders put out by unscrupulous transhipment to final retail sale, 11Ie World Conservation union agreed on a date weeks or months urban middlemen. These trappers mortality of captured parrots is roam intact forests from Mexico to enormous. For each wild parrot later when the European would that reaches a pet store in the return by plane, this time filled Argentina systematically seeking with cages, to pick up the macaws. out these large, coveted birds and industrial world, often 2-10 others die brutally in transit. The buy orders typically varied selling them at very low prices to from 20 to 40 birds, but in another As most large New World parrot the middlemen. As the trappers situation I heard of a firm order for never own the forests in which they species still have plenty of intact habitat, trappers are the most 100 Hyacinth Macaws! The local trap, they have no incentive to trapper told us that he was paid manage the parrot resource serious single threat to their survival. From 1975-1984, for approximately 40 dollars per bird, sustainably. Instead, they compete which at that time was roughly instance, trappers nearly among themselves to mine the 0.75% (three quarters of one unprotected populations of large eliminated large macaws from a California-sized region of percent) of the final retail price in 2 the US and Europe. He indicated major Bolivian city. When Carlos Hyacinths by people such as this Puerto Rico) have shown to be both that he normally asked Brazilian Yamashita and I came across this greedy, irresponsible ranch owner. feasible and replicable): ranch owners for permission to budding macaw middleman, he In the case of the Hyacinth 1) protection from trapping and trap birds on their lands, complained bitterly that his Macaw, an area of about 100,000 subsistence hunting; 2) a halt to whereupon he systematically would investment had gone wrong. He square miles in the Brazilian further destruction of their forests; trap all the birds on the property drove us out to his ranch in his Pantanal has intact habitat for and 3) artificial nest boxes and/or (typically a few dozen per new model pickup truck to get a these birds, but only perhaps 20- supplementation or improvement property). . first hand look at the discouraging 30% of the territory still has of natural cavities for nesting. This In talking to ranch owners just results. Sitting about 30 yards Hyacinths at alL The reason for this statement is true even for the across the border in Brazil, we behind his ranch house in a large is trapping. endangered Amazon parrots of the found that many felt that they had dead tree in a field were 17 A final fact to recall with regard Caribbean and of southeastern been tricked by bird trappers, who bedraggled, wing-clipped adult to the intactness of macaw habitats Brazil, as well as for the Lear's, innocently asked to trap a few Hyacinths that appeared to be in is that even today, less than ten Hyacinth, Red-fronted, and Blue- birds but then cleaned out all their poor condition. His ranch hand percent of the forests of the throated Macaws. If Spix's Macaw Hyacinths. Several ranch owners occasionally remembered to feed Amazon Basin have been cleared were not in the predicament of told us in 1987 that they only them a miserable diet of rice, for agriculture and grazing. The requiring some assistance from the recently had become aware of the bananas, and a few palm nuts. remaining 90% of the Amazon is very collectors and aviculturists uniqueness and extreme rarity of The rancher reported that several intact forest with plenty of trees that pushed it to the brink of that macaw and that they resented had died, but what seemed to and vines that produce lots of extinction, there still is enough foreign middlemen sending bird worry him more was that they also natural food for large macaws. The natural food and intact dry thorn trappers to trap out all their birds. were molting and so might soon be Amazon Basin is roughly the same forest in NE Brazil to support 100- They added that they enjoyed able to fly to freedom. Already a size of the entire 48 lower U.S. 300 of these birds in the wild. I am watching these spectacular blue few had tried to escape by flying a states. Unfortunately, poor, local not saying that it would not be birds fly confidently around their few dozen yards before finally macaw trappers have preferable if much more of the wild property and did not want to see sinking to the ground in systematically eliminated or habitat of the rarest large parrots them disappear. Since 1987,most exhaustion. The ranch hand then sharply reduced populations of were still intact. Rather, the point is ranch owners in the Brazilian would clip the new wing feathers large macaws in approximately 50- that there still is more than enough Pantanal who are lucky enough still of these bold birds to make sure 60% of this huge region. These habitat to support extremely viable to have some Hyacinths on their they wouldn t try it again. If the birds were not rescued from wild populations of all the property guard them jealously and dead tree hadn't been so tall and forest destruction, but selectively endangered species of large parrots will not let bird trappers anywhere dangerous to climb, the ranch hand located and removed from intact of the New World. near their lands. would have been able to climb the forest that even today is not in In another case in 1987, we ran tree to recatch each bird and clip danger of being cleared. Ill. What can be done to stop across a young, middle-class land- its wings further. Of course, each In the remotest regions of the habitat destruction from driving owner in extreme eastern Bolivia time he tried to climb to grab them, vast, game-poor Amazonian to extinction small species of New who did not have Hyacinths or the terrified birds climbed to the rainforests of South America, large World parrots? Hyacinth habitat on his property tips of the tallest branches. The macaws, in particular, do face Theprincipalapproachesto but had heard that smuggling frustrated smuggler told us that another type of threat that is easier protecting endangered small Hyacinths was easy and lucrative. he had discovered too late that to deal with subsistence hunting. species of New World parrots are Accordingly, he had invested none of the former macaw Local hunters in these regions creating well-protectedreserves of modestly in hiring and outfitting middlemen from the big city were often kill large macaws for the the best patches of remaining some poor bird trappers. He interested in breaking the new family stew pot and also for their habitat. The best approachesor instructed them to cross into wildlife laws to buy his illegal feathers, which are used widely on justifications for creating and Brazil, sneak onto private ranches, birds. Although the situation tourist trinkets (beware!). The protecting such reserves are one or capture about 20 Hyacinths, and looked bad for these unfortunate threat posed by low densities of both of the following: 1) watershed bring them back to Bolivia. He birds, at least it appeared that the subsistence hunters can be protection to protect water hoped to sell the birds at a large new Bolivian laws were working neutralized in some large, supplies or to avoidlandslides, profit to well-known middlemen well enough to discourage future important portions of the Amazon floods, and siltation of that he had heard operated in a speculative investments in by using a combination of park hydroelectric reservoirs, all of creation and development of whichbenefit downhill or locally-owned ecotour lodges downstream urban or agricultural "'. featuring wild, free-flying large communities and road systems; or macaws as photogenic tourist 2) public-relations- oriented attractions (see January 1994 cover promotion of protection and story in National Geographic viewingof a larger, often Magazine or October 1994 cover mammalian flagship species, such story in International Wildlife as abeautiful monkey (e.g.the Magazine). GoldenLionTamarin or the Woolly Thus, I hope that we finally Spider Monkey, both of SEcoastal have laid to rest the old myth that Brazil, or the Spectacled Bearin forests are being cut out from parts of theColombian Andes). Of under the large macaws and course in many situations, larger Amazon parrots. But it may parrots like Amazons and large surprise many of you (it certainly macawscould make excellent surprised me) to learn that the flagship species for conservation habitat of each and everyone of projects for forest reservesin the large, threatened species of otherwise deforested parts of the New World parrots is still intact tropical Andes or southeastern or enough to permit them to survive coastal Brazil, but unfortunately, in the wild in populations of these large species usually hundreds, thousands, and even disappeared entirely from even tens of thousands or more. In all large patches of remainingforest but the case of the Spix's Macaw, decades before the reserveor the all they need are three elements that Paul Butler of RARE Center for small parrots init were in direct danger of destruction. This can be Tropical Conservation in seen clearlyin the twin parks of the partnership with the World Parrot 19uassu Falls National Parks of Trust and Noel Snyder, James Brazil and adjacent northern Red-tailedBlack Cockatoo. Thisbird should be in Australia, but was smuggled into Wiley, and their colleagues (in Britain as an egg, hatched, reared, and then confiscated by the authorities. Argentina. The Green-winged

3 Macawwent extinct in those twin Overall, the highest priority nevertheless dictates that fascination with birds, particularly reserves40-50 years ago,even areas for parrot conservation in the whenever possible, habitat parrots. I found that these trappers though the combined size of the New World are the Andes of conservation efforts should try to demonstrated an extraordinary reserve is over 500,000 acres. Colombia and Ecuador (and to a focus on large, attractive species of depth of knowledge about the Now, monkeys and jaguars are the lesser extent Peru), and the parrots or other wildlife as flagship ecology and behavior of these flagship species in campaigns to southeastern and coastal forests of species to attract funding and to birds. And also not unlike you and protect those parks. Brazil. In these two key mainland capture the imagination and good me, they love to watch and handle While habitat destruction is a regions it also may be possible to will of the public. Funding for birds, especiallyparrots. Nowthat I secondary threat for large New protect remaining forest using protection of the habitat of small, have gotten to know these poor World (and Old World) parrots, it Butler-style conservation projects endangered parrots is more likely rural trappers, I am totally represents the principal threat for for rare mainland Amazon parrots to come from large governmental convinced that if these men had the majority of species of small or smaller, but spectacularly or international funding agencies grown up in the D.S.with the New World parrots. Parrot-rich beautiful, parrots such as the interested more in the protection educational and travel areas of the New World that also Yellow-eared Parrot Ognorhynchus of watersheds or ecosystems than opportunities enjoyed by most are heavily-deforested by dense icterotis.Sofar, however, with the in the rare parrots protected middle class students, they almost populations of humans pose exception of the ecotourism- therein. Of course, it would be certainly would have ended up in particularly difficult problems for oriented macaw projects that my ideal if some of the profits wildlife-oriented careers such as conservation. Once again, Paul colleagues and I started in generated by ecotourism projects aviculture, veterinary medicine, Butler of RARECenter for Tropical southeastern Peru and lowland that focus on large parrots could field biology, wildlife management, Conservation in partnership with Bolivia, I don't believe that there be directed to help protect the park management, ecotourism, WPThas shown that even on small yet has been any coordinated habitat of smaller parrot species. wildlife photography, or others. Carribean islands that have limited attempt at such parrot-oriented It of course is economically and But when these men were born, remaining forest, most local conservation projects in mainland biologically preferable to conserve such careers did not exist in the people, no matter how poor, can be South American sites. Because parrots in the wild rather than in dirt-poor parts of Bolivia and taught rapidly to become proud smaller species of endangered captivity. The cost per bird of Brazil. In those regions, ironically, and protective of their endemic parrots are not as spectacular as protecting them in the wild is much the only way a wildlife enthusiast Amazon parrots. On these islands, large ones, it is hard to raise public less even over the short term, and could make enough money even to Butler and his colleagues have money for their conservation either the birds are healthier and pay for a diet of beans and rice was mobilized public opinion to in the wild or in captivity. Private maintain the wildness that is to work as a rural wildlife trapper convince the national governments conservationists interested in essential to their long-term for wealthy and unscrupulous on these islands to: 1) create large helping wild parrots tend to target survival. Finally, protecting parrots urban middlemen. new forest reserves to protect the their donations to projects that in the wild means conserving intact With your help, we have broken parrots and their remaining forest help the rare large parrots that forest and the millions of species this vicious cycle of parrot habitat; and 2) crack down on they know best -namely the ones of animals and plants in that destruction and made it possible smuggling by strengthening that they own at home, see on TV forest. for local parrot trappers to become parrot protectors. They now earn wildlife laws and bolstering and in the print media, and IV. What the International enforcement of the laws. photograph during trips to such steady salaries of between 170 and On these islands, New World countries as Costa Rica, Aviculturists Society, World 400 dollars per month (depending Parrot Trust, and Wildlife conservationists are lucky to have Belize, Venezuela, and Peru. While on the region and their work Conservation Society have done the large Amazons to use as an encouragingnumber of people responsibilities). These salary levels with your contributions in 1994 flagship species to protect the rest are starting to support efforts on may sound very low, but in fact, of the habitat. As mentioned above, to stop the decline of some of the they have proven to be more than behalf of large, rare parrots, it is world s rarest and most beautiful many of the most important important for donors to learn adequate to allow these humble, large macaws. reserves left in the tropical Andes about and to support new efforts hardworking men to add to their and in southeastern and coastal to conserve the lesser-known, but The most crucial conservation family's diet adequate amounts of Brazil no longer have large parrots equally deserving, small parrots of action that is required for fresh fruit, vegetables, and cheese left on which to base public the Tropical Andes and of coastal endangered large New World as well as occasional, tough goat relations campaigns for park Brazil. parrots to maintain or recover to meat or beef. With these salaries protection. Of course, pragmatism safe population levels is to restrict they also can now afford to pay the the activities of roving trappers 5-10 dollars per month that each of and hunters, and that is exactly their children needs for school what your contributions have supplies and clothes. allowed us to do. You should be As part of the conversion of proud to learn that your local parrot trappers to parrot contributions at the January, 1994, protectors, we have recently lAS meeting in West Palm Beach purchased a used dirt bike to be made it possible for your field used by one of our new parrot biologists (who include me and protectors for patrolling key points several university-trained Bolivians along 100 miles of dirt roads in and Brazilians) to stop the trapping Bolivia. Our parrot protector, whom of rare macawsby local bird WCSconverted from trapper to trappers in Bolivia and Brazil. In protector two-and-a-half years ago both countries, your teams went with excellent results, is a very undercover to find the most rugged and determined field man energetic, ambitious, hard-working who is more than happy to earn a local bird trappers. In both living by protecting active nests of countries, your teams negotiated Blue-throated Macaws.Recentlya and recently hammered out parrot smuggler who is a well- agreements with these skilled known middleman in a major trappers to pay them modest Bolivian city contacted our macaw monthly salaries to protect the very guard and tried to convince him to same rare macaws that they used capture and sell the Blue-throated to trap for unscrupulous urban Macaws under our man's middlemen. protection. Our man rebuffed the Surprisingly and encouragingly, offer and told the smuggler to give these rural trappers in each case up on any attempts to locate, trap, have turned out to be very poor, or buy birds of this species. The hard-working bird lovers not unlike smuggler threatened our man, Blue-throatedMacaws.Quite well establishedin aviaries,with numbers that may equal you or me in terms of their telling him that he might have an thosein thewild.

4 1989, he had learned English and appropriate at that time, and I hope could identify by sight and sound that in 1996 and beyond I will be with their English and scientific able to share with you all the names all of the 550 species of details of our ongoing work in birds of the lowlands of the Manu BraziL Park. I advised him to leave my One aspect of the Brazilian project, for he could earn more work funded by IASand WPTin money guiding tourists to Manu 1994 that I can discuss fully at this than I could pay him with my point is that of the production of modest WCSbudgets. In that same palm seedlings to transplant to year he teamed up with three other benefit wild Lear s Macaws. We Quechua Indian friends who also purchased and delivered to our were refugees from the violence of palm nursery in NEBrazil a full his home valley. They formed a container-load of 50,000 plastic small nature tour company and for citrapots, which are durable, an application fee of $400 were inexpensive pots in which to grow awarded by the nearest office of and transport small palms prior to the Peruvian Ministry of their final transplanting on co- Agriculture an exclusive, infinitely operating ranches in the areas used renewable timber concession for by the macaws. Our first 2,500 acres of virgin forest experimental germination of seeds adjacent to the Manu National Park. of these crucial palms yielded an They paid about $200 per year in initial two thousand seedlings. In taxes for the rights to the timber, 1995 we hope to germinate but in fact, they extracted no wood, between 10 and 20 thousand but rather used their concession to seedlings, but this will depend on Blue-eyedCockatoo.Veryfew in captivity. Hopefully still safe in its remote habitat in keep other timber cutters, trappers, our experimenting with different New Britain and NewIreland. and hunters away from the area. germination methods until we can The reason they chose that area is settle on the most efficient unfortunate accident if he tried to immediately after seeing the that my macaw research previously technique. As this palm has never block him (the smuggler) from macaw, he became completely had identified there a clay river been studied systematically for getting Blue-throated Macaws. Our convinced that the survival of bank that was eaten daily by more commercial production, there are man, who is a burly, field- these rare macaws is essential to than 100 Green-winged Macaws no existing data on the best hardened, bearlike fellow with a the continued growth of this sort and 500-800 other macaws and methods for its cultivation. gentle disposition, replied calmly of specialized tourism. smaller parrots of up to seven Therefore we are learning as we go. that the smuggler could say what The sort of successful species. These men then built a Nevertheless, we remain certain he wanted, but he would never get conversion from trapper to small lodge and opened trails to that it is of critical importance to near the wild birds. Our man protector that we have witnessed permit tour groups to gain access forge ahead with palm germination informed me that this urban in the case of our man in central to different types of virgin forest and cultivation until we have middleman is absurdly scared of Bolivia is really just a variant of within their lands. Now, their secured a more concentrated, safe, the rain forest and certainly would similarly dramatic conversions that project has a 20-bed lodge and a long-term nut supply for this not be able to locate or threaten WCSmacaw projects have brought steady flow of tourists. As a result, spectacularly aerobatic macaw. any wild birds as long as he was on about over the past ten years with thousands of poor people in the job protecting them and former loggers, agriculturists, and southeastern Peru now look at V. Conclusions: What each parrot patrolling. Furthermore, our man meat hunters in the nearly these men, who were no different Iov~r can do to help wild parrots. has many family members and completely intact forests of from them ten years ago, as models The principal recommendation for friends in the towns and villages in southeastern Amazonian Peru. In to be emulated. Nature each of us should be to generate the region that includes the macaw the case of these Peruvian projects, conservation suddenly is on the support for projects that help nests. Thus, no-one suspicious can however, the conversion happened lips of even the poorest local conserve our favorite parrot visit the area without our man even more dramatically in that Indian and jungle colonist. Their species in the wild. Of course, there being tipped off immediately. from one month to the next loggers project, and several other projects are different ways to generate this Finally, the owners of the various and hunters switched to like it that also are spin-offs of my support. Obviously, the most direct gigantic properties on which the ecotourism as soon as they saw WCSmacaw projects have method is by making as large a macaws are nesting are co- that it would bring them a more captured the imagination of many donation as possible of cash or operating fully with our man, who comfortable and less dangerous of the people of the Manu region, appreciated stocks and by can drive his dirt bike anywhere on lifestyle. and a surprisingly large percentage remembering in your will the World their lands to protect the macaws. In the most dramatic case of all of the local population now takes Parrot Trust, the International In addition to the salary that in Peru, a young, poor Quechua nature conservation seriously. Aviculturalists Society, and other our man receives for protecting the Indian from a violence-wracked Macaw projects in Bolivia and in groups working effectively to Blue-throated Macaws in intact tropical valley in the central Andes Brazil can have the same catalytic protect endangered wild parrots. habitat in Bolivia,he also recently of Peru came as a refugee to the effect on the conservation Of course, not everyone who loves has begun to make some tranquil Manu National Park in consciousness of the local people parrots may be able to afford to substantial money as a consultant 1984. He started working for in gigantic wild areas in Bolivia, make large donations to their on macaw biology (recently for a biologists as a laborer in 1984, Brazil, and anywhere else in the favorite group, but everyone can' group from Earthwatch that hired joining my WCSmacaw project in world where large parrots are help further by talking with him during the non-nesting season 1985 as a low-level assistant (he accessible and still in sufficient birdloving friends, bird clubs, to help them with radio tracking of had a very good ear for identifying numbers to provide guaranteed garden clubs, zoos, avian small, non- endangered macaws) parrot calls). By late 1985 he told spectacles for visiting nature veterinarians, theme parks, and as a sophisticated macaw me that he couldn t believe that tourists. businesses, and other potential guide for specialized birdwatching anyone could make a living by The projects that IAS,WPT, and sources of support about tours from Victor Emanuel Nature having so much fun studying and WCSare developing in Brazil still organizing fundraising events for Tours of Austin, IX. This company protecting animals. At that point he are in delicate stages of negotiation specific WPT or IASprojects. so far has sent two groups of rejected a chance to return to his and planning, but every indication Please feel free to approach any IAS birders to central Bolivia in large home valley to take up the farming is that the projects there will or WPT representative about part to see the Blue-throated of four acres of chocolate trees demonstrate many of the helping your favorite species. We Macaw in the wild. When our man owned by his mother. Instead, he successful elements of the Peruvian all will be glad to help in designing witnessed tour participants weep, elected to intensify his work and Boliviahprojects. I will fundraising programs that match jump up and down, fall on the learning more about birds and the describe in my talk as much of the your opportunities and interests. ground, and hug him frantically lowland rainforest of Manu. By latest Brazilian work as seems

5 . SCARINGMACAWS TO SURVIVE By(orey ]. ABradshaw, Amy E. Lightfoot, Victor M.Acedo (AsociaciondeRescatey ConservaciondeVidaSylvestrePlores,Peten,Guatemala)

Althoughmanypetownersmarvel maingoalis to providea suitable atthesightof anexoticbird, few locationto keepmacawsandother considertheconsequencesthat speciesconfiscatedbythe purchasingthesebirdshaveon GuatemalanWildlifeService naturalpopulations.Itis difficult (CONAP)ordonatedbyindividuals for mostof us to conjureup andbusinesses,andthenbreedor imagesofthetropicalrain forest rehabilitatetheseanimalsfor andtheroamingflocksof parrots eventualreleaseintotherain in theforestcanopywhenweseea forest. personable,well-keptbird in Scarletmacawsreceivedby captivity.Manylargerparrotsseem ARCASarefirst broughtto the contentandperfectlyadaptedto RehabilitationCenter'squarantine life with humans.However, compoundwheretheyremainfor ecologicalintegritydependson 45 days.After this periodof preservinghealthystocksof specialcare,includingany naturalbird populationsin their necessarymedicaltreatment, originalhabitat.In thespotlightis ARCASofficialsmustdecidethe theimpressiveScarletMacawAm fate of their temporaryresidents. macaa,perhapsoneof themost Therearea fewoptionsfor the extraordinaryavianspecies. macawsdependingontheir Renownedforits beautiful condition:theycanbe plumageandintelligence,this rehabilitatedandreleasedintothe speciesisnowconsidered wild, usedasbreedingstockor threatenedinmanypartsof its remainat theRehabilitationCenter CentralAmericanrange.Extensive to actasbehavioralmodels. deforestationcombinedwith REHABILITAIION AND RELEASE poachingforthepet tradeare primarilyresponsibleforrecent The challenge when dealing with declinesinnumbers. the young macaws confiscated In Guatemala,specialeffortsto during transport is their rehabilitation and re-introduction increasedecliningmacaw populations,aswellasthoseof to an entirely wild existence. Many othertropicalbirds andmammals, pet-trade poachers target chicks because of their relative ease of arebeingspearheadedbythe AsociaciondeRescatey transport and the consumer ConservaciondeVidaSilvestre demand for young birds; these are (ARCAS).Becausetherain forests the birds that eventually make it to the Rehabilitation Center. of northernGuatemalacontain Sleepingquarters for researchersand volunteers at ARCAS. considerableareasofsuitable Although most would require macawhabitat,theseareasare extensive hand feeding, human oftentargetedbypoacherswho contact would be kept to an Once fledged and able to fly well resident boa constrictor. It is absolute minimum. For a smugglethebirdsinto other on their own, groups of juveniles hoped that the sight of a natural countries(mostlyto Mexicoand successful release, a type of will be released into areas already predator will instill a fear of eventuallytheUnitedStates)for survival "training" must begin occupied by wild macaws. animals prowling around the saleonthemarket.ARCAS, almost immediately upon arrival. A greater challenge is the forest floor. Once able to establishedin1989,has In order that they learn their true rehabilitation of older macaws recognize a potential predator, constructedarehabilitationand position in the forest canopy placed in the Center. Birds that macaws released back into the breedingcenternearPlores,Peten fledged chicks will be placed in have never experienced the forest will have a greater chance of onlandownedbytheOrtizfamily cages suspended at different inherent dangers of living in a rain surviving and reproducing. (concernedlocalresidents).Their heights above the forest floor. forest must learn to associate BREEDINGPROGRAM certain visual stimuli with danger. ARCASpersonnel have just begun Somemacaws are no longer the first stage of the predator capable of surviving on their own in the wild. These include birds recognition program. This simple, yet effective, plan involves the use who have spent too much time in of a resident jaguar at the Center. captivity and have imprinted on A system of corridors interspersed humans, and those that are too old or debilitated to survive in the among macaw cages will connect several jaguar cages in order that wild. Their dependence on humans for food and protection precludes the jaguar may move freely in full view of the macaws. As mentioned them from an entirely free existence. These animals, if previously, the macaw cages will deemed in adequate physical be suspended above the jaguar corridors using a simple pulley condition, are likely candidates for system in order to raise and lower the breeding program. The the cages for feeding purposes. breeding facility, though in its Plans are also underway to infancy, is based in the Villa Maya construct a similar apparatus for a Hotelonlya fewkilometersfrom ScarletMacawseating decaying limestone&soil on a hill at the Villa Maya Hotel.

6 the Rehabilitation Center. Several umeleasable birds may continue to bonded pairs have already serve a vital role at the produced some eggs, with varying Rehabilitation Center. These degrees of success, but efforts are macaws will be used as resident continuing to increase the output "trainers". As animals accustomed of young macaws. to the design of the predator Once chicks are fledged by corridors and able to recognize their parents and able to fly on potential dangers, trainers their own, the intention is to demonstrate the proper response release groups of juveniles into to predators. In this manner, it is forest areas already occupied by hoped that these behaviors will be wild macaws. In this manner, it is learned by the new arrivals, thus hoped that the minimal human hastening the rehabilitation contact during fledging will enable process. To avoid habituation to these young birds to adapt easily the predators, longer-term macaw to survive in their natural habitat trainers will be rotated among the and identify with existing macaw different predator enclosures. populations. Although simple in theory, Long-term plans for the ARCAS strives to implement a breeding program include reasonably new approach to decentralization of the main wildlife rehabilitation. With the

breeding area to outlying breeding increasing efficiency of local and Amazons in conditioning cages prior to release. centers and private owners. foreign government authorities in ARCAShopes to increase the breaking up pet-smuggling output of young macaws for networks, more and more rare successful. Wire mesh used to Ford and the Columbus Zoo, eventual release by educating birds are in need of rehabilitation build cages is an easily-available Hartman Aviaries, Mid -American private owners and other breeding and release. ARCASis fulfillingthe commodity in most developed Exotic Bird Society, Miami Valley centers on macaw diet, social and roles of both a rehabilitation and countries; however, in this remote Bird Club, Classic Feathers, Central nesting requirements, and by breeding facility in order that the area of Central America, such Indiana Cage Bird Club, Firelands matching birds in different areas impact of poaching and materials are non-existent. ARCAS Exotic Bird Club, Golden Crescent to form permanently bonded pairs deforestation may be lessened urgently needs donations of such Cage Bird Club, Janine Cianciolo, throughout Guatemala (and through a successful release material, as well as pulleys, cable, Tennessee Valley Exotic Bird Club, perhaps beyond). "Amigos de la program. Moreover, ARCASis tools and other necessities often Worthington Steel Corporation, Guacamaya" (Friends of the Scarlet expanding its conservation efforts taken for granted. Monetary Susan Bondelier, Elaine Gotovich, Macaw) is a group of concerned to include environmental donations are also required to Thomas Klein, John Wathon, and Guatemalans, Canadians, education. By educating local support the resident staff and to other anonymous supporters. We Americans and English whose goal residents in the Pet en area about buy food and clinical supplies. also thank our staff and the is to monitor and educate macaw the importance of maintaining Help ARCAStoday in re- numerous volunteers that have owners on the specific needs of sufficient numbers of all living establishing what is expressed interest in this project. these beautiful birds. It is through creatures, ARCAShopes to instill a unquestionably one of this planet's such groups that extensive greater respect for these most majestic creatures - the breeding networks can be formed extraordinary species. As scarlet macaw. to replenish the once macaw- resources become more and more abundant forests. accessible, local training and ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS education programs can begin. We gratefully acknowledge the BEHA VIORMODELS Of course, these efforts require monetary and other support of the As an alternative to being used in monetary support and donations World Society for the Protection of the macaw breeding program, of building materials in order to be Animals, World Parrot Trust, Jan

MACAWS AT SOTUEBY'S

The summer exhibition hosted by Sotheby's to secure one million acres of Peruvian rainforest celebrate the completion of 'Macaws' - an in order to maintain the habitat of macaws and exceptional limited edition of hand-coloured other wildlife in perpetuity. etchings by Elizabeth Butterworth - will now Roger Pasquier, President of 'Friends of the take place at 34/35 New Bond Street, London Peruvian Rainforest', has written:- W1, from Monday 17 to Friday 28 July, one month later than originally planned. 'The wild macaws that have inspired this spectacular publication live in tropical Opening hours: rainforests that are being colonised, cut, and Monday to Friday 9.00am to 4.30pm. burned. Few areas remain where large One of the most ambitious publishing projects populations of macaws survive undisturbed. of the century, 'Macaws' is the result of twelve The Friends of the Peruvian Rainforest are years of preparatory work and this exhibition grateful for Mr. d'Erlanger's generous will include a selection of the artist's original contribution of a share of the proceeds from sketches and watercolours. sales of MACAWS.Weare working with Peruvian The edition of 50, priced at £25,000 each, conservationists to secure millions of acres that consists of twelve life-size etchings of the whole will remain pristine for macaws and all wildlife. genus, depicted in perfect ornithological detail, Purchasers of MACAWSwillhave the additional and has been produced by specialist publisher satisfaction of knowing they are helping to and ornithologist, Rodolphe d'Erlanger. . preserve living beauty in the wild, as well as the Profits from this project will be donated to the pleasure of seeing these splendid works of art Friends of the Peruvian Rainforest, who aim to at home.' A page from 'Macaws'by Elizabeth Butterworth.

7 .. TUEECOLOGYANDCONSERVATIONOF TUEPARROTSOFSUMBA,INDONESIA ByStuartJMarsden (Dept.of BiologicalSciences, Manchester Metropolitan University, UK).

information on Sumba's forests, use in the decision as to which birds and butterflies, to support a forest areas are of highest strategy for their conservation. A priority for protected status. The major component of the most striking finding here was programme was the study of the that Sumba's rarest parrot, the island's parrots, and this article cockatoo, is thought to have local gives some of the major findings populations exceeding 100 birds in of the parrot study. only four forest patches. Perhaps more important than Ecology the total population estimates The first step in the study was to were parrot density estimates in find out how many of each different habitats. The density species remained. The problem estimates for the majority of with this is that it takes a long species were higher in primary time to do, and even after two forests than they were in more months of concentrated effort, the disturbed forests. For example, the population figures that we came cockatoo may occur at densities of up with were still only very rough. around 2 birds per km2 in It was estimated that in 1992, the primary forests and around 0.6 total population of C.sulphurea per km2 in secondary forests. lay between 1,000 and 3,000 Densities of all species were very individuals. Populations of much higher in any forests than Eclectus and Great-billed Parrots in heavily altered habitats such as Citron-crested Cockatoo, bred at Paradise Park, UK. were also estimated to be fairly agriculture mixed with scrub, low (between 3,000 and 10,000), or parkland (grassland with while the Rainbow Lorikeet and The island of Sumba is situated in cheeked Parrot Geoffroyus scattered trees). the Lesser Sundas, Indonesia. Red-cheeked Parrot appear to be While it was clear that the geoffroyi f1oresianusis not much more numerous (numbers The Portuguese named it endemic, but is found only in the parrots required wooded areas, a are likely to exceed 30,000 in both 'Sandelwood Island' because up Lesser Sundas chain. major part of our work was to find species). As well as gaining an idea until the late 19th century In 1989 and 1992, Dr Martin out more specifically which sorts of total populations, we were able Sandelwood (now very rare) was lones at the Manchester of forests were preferred by each to calculate local parrot one of Sumba's main exports. The Metropolitan University, UK led species. We used a 'multivariate' populations in individual forest climate is dry and seasonal and expeditions to Sumba. The aims of analysis to find the habitat patches. These data are of obvious there is evidence to suggest that the expeditions were to gather features which were shown by the there may never have been total forest cover on the island. What is clear, however, is that since man's arrival, much of the original forest cover has been destroyed through grazing of livestock (Sumba's main export), and clearance for agriculture. Deforestation has been particularly rapid during this century, with forest cover declining by 60% since 1927. Now, fragmented forests cover only about 10% (around 1,250 km2) of the island and none of the forest areas are completely protected. Sumba is home to five parrot species. Probably the best-known is the Yellow-crested Cockatoo which is represented by an endemic subspecies, known as the Citron-crestedCockatooCacatua sulphureacitrinocristata.Three other species,EclectusParrot Eclectusroratuscornelia,Great- billedParrotTanygnathus megalorynchossumbensisand RainbowLorikeet Trichoglossus haematodusfortisarealso endemic subspecies on Sumba. The Sumbasub-speciesof Red- Typical nest-trees:Bothtrees hold more than oneparrot cavity. Photo:Stuart Marsden.

8 areasin whichparrots were seen, but not by the areas where parrots were absent. All three large parrots were found to prefer low altitude areas. Within the lowlands, the cockatoos seem to prefer primary forest in valley bottoms, while Eclectus Parrots prefer secondary evergreen forests, and Great-billed Parrots rather open evergreen woodlands. One thing the parrots (except Red-cheeked) had in common was that they were strongly tied to areas which contained some very large old trees. With these results in mind, I set up in 1992 a project which concentrated on the nesting requirements of Sumba's parrots. With the invaluable help of local parrot catchers, I was able to locate 122 parrot nests. Over 85% of parrot nests were in tree cavities, which were almost always at the site of dropped branches. All the parrots, apart from Red- cheeked Parrot (which usually nested in dead trees or stumps) Illegal jakarta-bound cockatoos impounded at Sumba's airport. Photo:Smart Marsden. nested in enormous trees. The trees the parrots selected averaged over 35 m tall and were usually the strong in the heavily traded Species conservation of Sumba, Buru and Seram, largest trees in the area. The species as it was with the little- The data, to a large extent speak Indonesia. UnpublishedPhD thesis. parrots also selected the few caught ones. for themselves as to what must be Manchester Metropolitan deciduous trees that occur in University. Parrot trade done to safeguard the future of Sumba's mainly evergreen forests. Sumba's parrots. Of course, the Although most time was spent moratorium on trade in Citron- Jones, M. ]., Linsley, M. and Most striking, however, was the Marsden, S. (in press). Population parrots choice of trees of one studying parrots in the wild, some crested Cockatoo must be sizes, status and habitat particular genus (Tetrameles), useful information was gathered welcomed. A glance at the trade associations of the restricted-range which although uncommon on the on the trade in Sumba's parrots. By and population figures from the far the most importantly traded bird species of Sumba island, island (less than 1%of all trees past few years more or less Indonesia. Bird Cons.International. looked at), held over 60% of parrot species was, and probably still is confirm this as an appropriate nests. the Citron-crested Cockatoo. We short-term conservation measure. The importance of these estimate that at least 2,000 Whether or not the long term enormous nest-trees is multiplied cockatoos were exported legally health of the wild population from Sumba in 1989 alone. since some trees contained up to will be ensured in this way, is less five parrot nests. These nests Although a moratorium on trade clear. could belong to any of the parrot in the species started in 1992, Most important for all parrot species except Red-cheeked Parrot cockatoos were still arriving in the species, and the majority of (which was always found to nest island's capital during our stay in Sumba's other wildlife is, not 'alone'). The hole-nesting Sumba 1992. Twenty-six birds were surprisingly, the protection of the HornbillRhyticeros everetti also confiscated at the airport, by our island's dwindling forest resource. friends from the Indonesian joined these nesting aggregations, Just as important as the extent of Directorate General of Forest and one nest cavity of this species forest coverage, is forest q~ality. Protection and Nature was found to be less than two Ten km2 of primary forest will metres from a cockatoo nest. One Conservation (PHPA).We found a protect more cockatoos or Great- tree had four active Eclectus Parrot further two in a box under one of billed Parrots than the same area nests, while another had a hornbill the seats of a bus our expedition of secondary forest. The same is nest and nests of three different members had actually chartered! true for forests at low altitudes, parrot species. It seems that the Despite it being illegal by and each species' preferred forest- Indonesian law to trade in Eclectus parrots on Sumba are far from type or area of the island. The territorial (as other parrots may Parrots, this species is Sumba's most specific need, however, is to be), and may in contrast actually second most captured species. It preserve, within these protected prefer to nest close together. is, however, perhaps not the habitats, the nest-sites of parrots. volume of trade that is of most The data on nest characteristics In areas where there are many were then used to calculate how concern (and it's being illegal we enormous deciduous trees with many nest-sites might be available will probably never know how cavities, there are many parrots. to the parrots in a given area many are exported) it is that the Where such trees are absent or in each of the forest patches much more attractive, red females rare, then the parrots are also surveyed. These figures were then are traded more than the green rare. As clear as the need to related to the density of each males. During our fieldwork we protect the parrots' present parrot species occurring in each certainly recorded an 'unnatural' nesting trees is the need to ensure ratio of males to females (less forest patch. The results were the the development of the next most important of the study. The than one in three were females), generations more nest-sites there were in a although our data is perhaps not of nest-trees. conclusive since females seem to forest patch then the more parrots the forest patch would hold. The spend a lot of time in their nest This article was taken from; relationship between nest-site holes (and hence are not so easily Marsden, S.]. (1995). The Ecology and Conservation of the Parrots availability and bird density was as seen).

9 BREEDINGTUE CAPE PARROTAT PALMITOS PARK ByRosemaryLow below)producessomefemales no onewasinterestedinthis TheCapeParrotis a specieswhichis verynearto myheartand which,in nestfeather,havealmost species.Iwasgivenamaleand Africanparrotshavereceivedverylittle attentionwhereconservation theentireheadorange.Theyare obtainedforaIowpriceafemale is concerned. extremelybeautiful.Theorange whichhadbeenpassedaround Thuswhen,in 1993,theTrustreceivedaproposalfor aresearch foreheadislost attheageof about amongdealers.Iampleasedtosay, projectconcerningthisspecies,Ienthusiasticallyrecommendedthat sixmonthsatthefirst partial however,thatinterestin this weshouldsupportit. In theNovember1994issueof PsittaScene, moult.Femalesstartto regainthe specieshasincreasedgreatly OlafWirminghaus,theprojectresearcherfromtheUniversityof orangefeathersalmost duringthepasttwo orthreeyears. Natal,reportedontheprogressoftheprojectto date.Healsoasked immediately,althoughonefemale that aviculturistswithexperienceofthis species,shouldsubmitto did not dosountil shewaseightor Breedingaviaries him suchinformationasclutchsizesandweightsof youngin the ninemonthsold.Maleslosethe At PahnitosParkthetwobreeding nest.I spentseveralhoursworkingonmy recordsheetstocompile orangeforeheadpermanently. pairsarekeptin aviarieswhich theinformationprovidedhere,whichI hopewill beof interestto Beaksizeis a subtleindicationof measureabout3m(20ft)long, otheraviculturists,aswell asto MrWirminghausandhis team. 90cm(3ft)wideand2m(6ft)high. sexwhena comparisoncanbe I amextremelypleasedthat,atlast,somethingisbeingdonefor this (Enclosuresofalmostsimilarsize madeof two or threeyoungin a wereusedin theothertwo fascinatingparrotandthat theTrustis playingapart in this.I would nest.Malesusuallyhaveslightly locationsmentioned).Onesidewall urgeothermemberswhohavebredthis speciestosubmittheir data largerbeaks,evenatthisearlyage. to OlafWirminghausattheDept.of ZoologyandEntomology, It is moreevidentinmostadults.In of eachaviaryis solidandtheother UniversityofNatal,POBox375,Pietermaritzburg,3201SouthAfrica. is half solidandhalfweldedmesh. relationto bodysize,theCape Aviculturistshavearesponsibilitytoprovideinformationon Parrothasoneof themost Onthis sideis asmallspace endangeredparrotswhichcanbeof useto thoseworkingin thefield betweenthenextaviaryin which with thesamespecies."Collateandpublish",with referencetoall powerfulbeaksof anyparrot,with averycurveduppermandible, growshibiscusorsomeother relevantinformation,shouldbethemotto of allresponsible floweringshrub.Theroof is made breeders.LetWPTmemberssetanexample! culminatingina narrowtip, anda of weldedmeshatthefront andis powerfullowermandible. solidattheback,givingmore Wild-caughtbirds privacyandlesslight wherethe Becauseofthecloseproximityof femaleweremovedtothebreeding Wild-caughtbirdstendtobeshy nest-boxissituated. theCanaryIslandstoTheGambia, centretogiveustwobreeding andnervousandimportations(in A food "cage"madeof welded CapeParrotswerequiteoften pairs.In this articleI will describe smallnumbers)havealways meshprojectsfromthefront of the importedintotheCanariesuntil theirresultsfrom 1990to early includedfarmoremales.Inever aviary.It measures39cmlongand 1995. about1990(whenSpainstartedto gavealot of thoughtto thisfactas 20cmdeep.Thefoodtrayis placed implementCITES,whichit joinedin TheCapeParrotis thelargest it is trueof manyparrotspecies, within from outsidetheaviaryso 1986).Thesub-speciesfuscicollis memberofthegenus,measuring until I cameacrossamost that thelatteris enteredonly hasbeenexhibitedintheparksince about32cm(12in)andweighing interestingreferencetoCape brieflytwoor threetimesaweek wellbeforethenandhasbeen approximately300g. ParrotsinTheGambia.Hans for cleaning.Mostof thefood rearedinthebreedingcentresince Anderssen(1984),whohadlivedin debrisfallsinto theservicepassage 1988.CapeParrotshavelongbeen Sexualdimorphism In adultbirdsof thesub-species WestAfricafor 16years,sometimes in front of theaviary.This,andthe oneofmyfavouritespecies.Iwas founddeadfuscicollisbeneaththe aviaryfloors,aremadeof concrete. thefirst person(withRH fuscicollisandsuahelicussexual dimorphismispronounced.The roostingtrees.Theywerenearlyall Aviariesarepaintedasoft shadeof Grantham)torecordbreedingthis femaleismorecolourful.Shehas females.Hecarriedoutautopsies green;whiteis tooharshin the speciesracesuahelicusin theUK theforeheadandtheforepartof onthemandnotedthattheyall stronglight of theCanaryIslands. (Low,1982). "hadaverybadlyinfectedovary Also,for Africanparrots,which WhenIbecamecuratorof the thecrownorange-asdoall immaturebirds.(Femalesofthe andoviductandthespleenwas seldombreedinbrightlylit aviaries, breedingcentreatPalmitosParkin nominateracehavelessorangeon blackandenlargedonall." whitepaintwouldmaketheaviary 1989Iwaspleasedto"inherit"one toolight. breedingpair.Onexhibitin the theheadandtheplumagethereis Captivitybreeding parkwerethreemalesanda browner).Itis of interestthatpair Thislackof femalesamongcaptive Behaviour female.InMarch1990amaleanda number3atPalmitosPark(see birdsis onereasonwhybreeding In voiceandbehaviour,Cape successeshavenotbeennumerous Parrotshavesomesimilaritieswith - in Europe,theUSAoranywhere GreyParrots(Psittacuserithacus); else(exceptintheCanaryIslands, for example,courtingmalesdrop atLoroParqueaswellasPalrnitos theirwingsin thesameway.(Ihave Park).Inmy experience,thisis not a oftenwonderedifhybridscouldbe difficult speciestobreed.However, producedbetweenthesetwo today'strendto usesuspended species,especiallyafterseeinga cagesisnot onewhichwill maleCapetryingto feeda Grey encouragethebreedingofnervous Parrotin ouraviaryforAfrican wild-caughtparrotssuchasCapes. Parrotsinthepark).If frightened, Theyoungarea differentmatter; GreysandPoicephalusmakea theytendto benervousbutadapt growlingsoundandtry to getinto a wellto suspendedcages.Ihave corner,orto hidetheir headsaway lookedafterbreedingpairsof Cape from thedanger.GreysandCapes Parrotsinthreedifferentlocations: havepleasantvoicesandmake in myowncollectionjustoutside melodiouswhistlingsounds. London,atLoroparque,Tenerife Femaledominance andatPalmitosPark,GranCanaria. In speciesofthegenusPoicephalus In eachplace,thisspecieshasgiven femalesaredominantandbolder. me agreatdealof pleasure.WhenI startedtokeepit in thelate1970's Malesaremoregentle.Onemust Youngmale (uscicollisbred at Palmitos Park. Photo:Rosemary Low.

10 successive days or even on the same day. The second and third eggs in the clutch usually hatch after 29 or 30 days -one of the longest incubation periods of any parrot. Table4 This shows the weights of 12 parent-reared young from two pairs on selected days (not including the above data). It also shows the average weights of the young from two pairs, those from Pair 2 (the pair whose chick weights are Youngfemaleproducedbythepair whosefemaleoffspring The same female 24 days after leaving the nest, i.e. at 106 recorded above) being higher. Space havetheheadnearlyall orangein nestfeather(hereaged49 days. Photo:Rosemary Low. precludes its publication here but I days). Photo:RosemaryLow. will gladly send a copy to anyone who sends me an addressed avoid keeping two adult females cooked beans and maize and leave quietly, one of them waiting envelope (to Palmitos Park, Apto together. I learned the hard way chopped fruits and vegetables. The on the nest-box perch until I close 107, Maspalomas, 35109 Gran with two female Red-bellied Parrots latter vary but fresh corn is the door. Then they return at once. Canaria). P. refiventris which were placed preferred. Females incubate assiduously and male and female are excellent Development of young together in one cage for quarantine. Newly hatched chicks usually weigh One soon killed the other. There is Ringing parents. Given the fact that they are between 109 and 12g, although one Nuts and palm fruits provide much sexually dimorphic as well, they no problem in keeping male was recorded at 9g. They have a needed occupation which diverts could be considered the perfect Poicephalus together. Indeed, I very pink appearance, with sparse them from working on their closed parrot to breed! They can be faulted recall a breeding pair of robustus on white down, white nails, pinkish rings. We ring all our young parrots only in pair number 2, who pluck exhibit at Vogelpark, Walsrode, in beak and white egg tooth. the 1970's. An extra male was kept and the Cape is the only species in their chicks' crown and nape, which rings sometimes cause a The ears start to open and the eyes in the same cage as a breeding pair. commencing when they are aged to slit between nine and 14 days problem. Because their beaks are about 42 to 54 days. Fortunately, Only once have I ever known and the ears seem to be completely aggression to occur between male large in proportion to their body the feathers grow again very and female. In this instance the size, they can destroy any ring, quickly. open between 15 and 17 days and except a stainless steel one. They the eyes fully open a little later. At female was killed by the male, 14 days chicks are covered in little probably because he was ready to work away at it until one section is Egg-laying periods breed and she was not. so thin they can squeeze it. It can African parrots in captivity are white blobs of erupting second then cut into the flesh and could often winter breeders; however, a down; before this they are covered Diet cause the loss of the leg. A constant glance at Table 1 shows that our in dense snowy-white down. At 21 In the wild, Cape Parrots include watch must be kept for this if the pairs breed at different times of the days the forehead is tinged with the fruits of Podocarpus and olive birds are ringed. If acceptable to year. One female has laid only orange and at 24 days the orange trees in their diet. In captivity I the authorities, micro-chipping is between January and June and the head feathers and the green wing think they need a fairly high fat preferable for this species. I fit other only between September and feathers are starting to erupt. By 28 diet, which includes sunflower chicks with 9.5mm rings when they December, that is, one female is days their appearance is quite seed, walnuts and, if available, pine are aged between 16 and 24 days, apparently stimulated by the beautiful with the white down nuts. Orange seems to be their according to their development, but conditions when the days are contrasting with the green wings favourite fruit and nuts are their usually at 18 to 20 days. starting to lengthen and the other and orange head. At 35 days the favourite food. When the when the daylight hours are feathers of the tail and the Arecastrum palms are fruiting, I Excellent parents noticeably reduced. This is underparts are just breaking free of The Cape Parrot is a delightful bird interesting because they are kept the quills. At this young age some give them the oily orange fruits, to work with. Unlike Amazons or which they love. The centre under identical conditions, about chicks will start to climb on the macaws, for example, it is not contains a hard, shiny stone which Ilm (36ft)apart. ladder inside the nest-box! They are they cannot crack; they will keep it aggressive towards the keeper starting to become a little nervous in the beak for hours, turning it when breeding. Our nest-boxes are and by 45 days they are less easy to around and around. Their diet is inspected from the service passage TABLE1 handle. of the next block - never from the same year round, except that Months in which eggs are laid inside the aviary. I tap gently on the (eachx = 1 egg) Leaving the nest fruits in season vary. Their basic nest-box door and the birds will When the young leave the nest, they mixture consists of sunflower seed, 9 ofPair1/2 9 ofPair3 tend to sit quietly and a little Jan xxx xxx nervously on the food tray at the Feb front of the aviary. They are not as Mar xxx nervous as their fathers. They Apl xxx usually fledge between 10 and 11 May xxx weeks or up to 82 days. June xxx Youngest recorded age was 68 days July and in the only instance over 83 Aug days, the two young fledged at 91 Sept xxx and 92 days. Young remain with Oct xxx their parents for two months at Nov xx least or much longer. They can Dec xxx xx breed at three years of age. References cited To summarise the breeding Anderssen, R, 1984. Extinct Parrot? information given in Table 2, the normal clutch size of our females is Magazine of the Parrot Society XVII (6): three. The first egg in the clutch 180. hatches after about 32 days and it seems that full incubation does not Low, R., 1982.Breeding the Cape Parrot Avicultural Magazine 88: I- commence until the second egg is ll. Brother and sister fuscicollis aged 10 months, the female (on the right) doesnot yet laid as the first two eggs hatch on have the full amount of orange on the forehead. Photo:Rosemary Low.

11 Chicksaged 2 and 4 days and, the chick on the right, Chicks aged 20 and 21 days.All the young depicted Chick hatched 25/11/94 aged about 31 days. newly hatched. Photo:RosemaryLow. are parent reared. Photo:Rosemary Low. Photo:Rosemary Low.

TABLE2 TABLE3 Resultsfrom twopairs of Poicephalusrobustus fuscicollis Age in days Weightin grams in the breeding centre at PalmitosPark, GranCanaria ChickNo1 ChickNo2 ChickNo3 H 9fie Eggs lnc.period Days Laid Hatched Remarks in nest 1 16ne 10fie (Days) 2 18ne 13ne PAIR1 3 20ne 22fie 14ne 5/3/90 32 6/4/90 hand-reared 4 23fc 24fie21nf 8/3/90 30 7/4/90 leftnest 22/6 76 5 27fc 31fc 24nf 11/3/90 30 10/4/90 leftnest 24/6 75 6 30fc 36fie 28nf Maledied. 7 39vfc 44fc 37fc 8 44 fc 51nf 41nf PAIR2 Samefemaleas pair 1.Put together 25/3/91. 9 50nf 58nf 9/6/91 infertile 45fie 10 69nf 56 nf. eyes slit, 127/6/91 307 12/7/91 leftnest 11/10/91 91 57 fieeyess eYil It slit ears Just open 157/6/91 307 15/7/91 leftnest 15/10/91 92 11 70ne 74nf 60nf 237/1/91 317 23/2/92 leftnest 11/5 78 12 75fc 80nf 70nf 267/1/92 257/2/92 left nest by 19/5 c83 13 8lfc 89nf 76nf by29/1/92 277/2/92 left nest by 19/5 c81 14 97ff 84fc by 19/4/93 32 21/5/92 leftnest 8/8 79 eyes not90fil fu y open 22/4/93 29 21/5/92 leftnest9/8 80 15 100nf 105fc 92fc 26/4/93 29 25/5/93 leftnest 10/8 77 16 III fc 114 fie ringed 105fc by 19/5/94 12or 13/6/94 died5/7 17 121 fc ringed 124nf 110 fc ringed 7/5/94 15/6/94 died17/6(temp.about40'C) 18 129nf 133fc 120fc 7/5/94 by 21/6/94 hand-reared 19 137fc 144fc 127nf by7/1/95 31/1or 1/2/95 stillinnest 20 154fc 153fc 139fc by7/1/95 2/2/95 stillinnest 21 166 vfc feet tinged 163fc 147fc 8/1/95 4/2/95 stillinnest 22 170fcgrey 171fc 154fc 23 188fc 187f 164fc Summary: 24 193fc 188fc 165fc femalelaid 18 eggsin fiveyears, 17were fertile and all hatched. 25 200fc 197fc 178fc Twochicksdied very young, two were hand-reared and the rest were 26 211fc 195fc 187fc parent-reared. 27 223fc 207fc 196fc 28 223fc 219fc 204fc PAIR3 Put together 16/3/90 29 229fc 229fc 204fie 14/11/90 32 16/12/90 left nest 8/3 82 30 244fc 231fc 210fc 18/11/90 did not hatch 31 248fc 239fie215fc 17/12/91 7 3/1/92 leftnest 12/3 68 32 264fc 246fc 228fc 47/12/91 317 4/1/92 leftnest 25/3 80 33 265fc 239fc,,*228 nf 77/12/91 307 6/1/92 died14/1/92 34 270fc 259fc 234fc 17/9/92 31 18/10/92 hand-reared tailerupting 20/9/92 29 19/10/92 leftnest 3/1/93 76 35 263fc ,", 254fc 236fc 23/9/92 29 22/10/92 died2/11,kidneyfailure 36 282fc 262 fc 230 e * 24/12/93 outcomeunknown -author absent 37 279fc 263fie246fc 26/12/93 outcomeunknown - author absent 38 276nf 254fie* 248nf 257/10/94 hatchingdates leftnest 24/1/95 39 280fie 265nf 250fc 28/10/94 unknown leftnest 26/1/95 40 281fie;, 272nf 245nf by31/10/94 (author absent) died at about 10 days 41 285nf 277fc 253fc pluckedonhead Thefemalelaid 13eggs in five seasons, all of whichwere fertile. Ten 42 295fc 274nf hatched,sixwere reared by the parents, one by hand and three chicks 43 297fc 277fie died at an earlyage. 44 294fc Dailyweightsofthreeparent-rearedchicksin onenest 45 307nf Theweightsof three chicksfrom pair No2 were recorded dailyuntil 47 268nt theywere 45 to 41 days old when they became more difficult to 49 297fc handle,then they were weighedon two more occasions.The date of 51 315nf 271fie hatchingof the first chickwas January 31 or February1 but for the 53 303fc purpose of these records is assumed to be January 31. The other 55 310fc chickshatched on February2 and 4. Chickswere weighed at " Food mixed with vitamins in error - not accepted by parents, approximatelylOamdailyand the amount of food in the crop was therefore crops not as full as normal at lOam. noted using the followingabbreviations:vfc =very full crop; fc = full H firstgreenfeathersoftheunderpartserupting crop;nf =nearlyfull;fie= some food in crop; e = empty. h=day hatched

12 PUERTORICANPAKKOTCAPTIVE BREEDING PROJECT. TheRioAbajoAviary ByJoseRodriguez-Velez.

Introduction staff of three, including a The Puerto RicanParrot Amazona veterinary technician and two vittata is a critically endangered biologists, all with previous avicultural experience, provide for species endemic to the island of Puerto Rico. It exists in the wild as the direct care of the flock. a single population of less than 50 The Rio Abajo management individuals concentrated at the employs the closed aviary concept eastern section of the island within for breeding parrots in captivity. A the Caribbean National Forest. Two non-intrusive, stress and risk captive populations have been reducing approach helps instill an established, one within the habitat added sense of security and well currently occupied by the species being to the breeders. The fully and another within the Rio Abajo equipped hospital which includes Forest; a former range historically both surgical and X-ray equipment occupiedby the speciesuntil 1928. serves in providing needed care on- The wild population has slowly location. A veterinarian provides his services on an on-call basis. increased from a low of 13 parrots in the 1970's to about 50 in 1989, Access is strictly restricted and official visitors are not allowed to the year hurricane Hugo reduced the wild population to about 25 enter breeding areas or to be in contact with the parrots. individuals. Despite relatively good Puerto Rican parrots at Rio Abajo. reproductive success in the wild, Project Objectives unexplained low recruitment of 1. Enhance preservation of existing fledglings suppress overall feather damage ranging from mild the natural incubation. However, genetic diversity by means of population gains to only a few to severe loss of feather cover not this pair was given two fertile providing optimal breeding associated with the PBFDviral Hispaniolan Amazon Eggs that parrots annually. conditions for all available Puerto The Rio Abajo Aviary is disease. Their history profiles were successfully incubated, Rican Parrots of breeding age. administered by the Puerto Rican included mate incompatibility, hatched and reared. This was the 2. Provide demographic and Department of Natural and young age, egg destruction, only first time either of these parrots Environmental Resources (DNER) genetic security by maintaining a one male had produced an had hatched and fledged chicks. under a cooperative agreement genetically redundant gene pool as offspring before and a non- The pair from which the season's protection against catastrophic two Puerto Rican chicks were with the United States Fish and loss. breeding 20+ years old Wildlife Service (USFWS).The umepresented founder. successfully obtained is formed by 3. Serve as a production facility to breeding facility is located within The 1994 breeding season an 11 year old hen which had 3 support future reintroduction the Rio Abajo Commonwealth began with a total of five pairs of mates within the past 5 years and attempts by emphasizing numeric Forest, a karst region of rugged Puerto Rican Amazons, four paired an 8 year old captive reared male limestone hills and sinks. It is increase of the species in at our facility and the fertile pair of wild origin which had no accordance with modern believed the main reasons for transferred by the USFWS.The previous breeding history. The hen avicultural practices and sound extirpation of the Rio Abajo breeding pairs are placed in of this pair has a feather chewing husbandry techniques. population were deforestation, suspended wire cages measuring habit causing her to look almost featherless. She has also chewed hunting, nest robbing and the 1994 Breeding Season 4x4x8 feet, equipped with up to hurricanes of 1928 and 1932, two types of previously tested nest her mate's feathers, leaving In the summer of 1992 the DNER which severely affected the area. structures, a plywood box and/or a undamaged only the flight and tail requested USFWSto begin the The Rio Abajo Aviary began hollowed palm log. The birds are feathers. process for the transfer of the first operation in the summer of 1990, fed at daybreak, with a supplement group of twelve Puerto Rican Future Plans going through a trial period of given in mid-afternoon. Nest Parrots from the USFWSaviaryto three breeding seasons with checks are conducted weekly. Obtain further founder the Rio Abajo facility. On April 30, Hispaniolanparrots Amazona representation from the Luquillo 1993 a total of 10 unpaired parrots Results ventralis. Theseparrots were captive flock in order to achieve (5d': 5<¥)were transferred by Given the relatively short time the utilized as sentinels to help in the the goal of genetic diversity and detection of local avian diseases, USFWSto RioAbajo.The demands Puerto Rican Amazon pairs had to increase suitable mate options for acclimate themselves to their new for the selection of future of quarantine, pairbonding, those birds that may be unwilling adjustment to the new surroundings, cagemates and surrogates and to allow to accept the most genetically environment and routine precluded routine, results were better than management resources to identify optimal mate. Evaluate, design and a breeding season that year. A expected. A total of six fertile eggs and correct logistics problems. The test cage design options and fertile pair, retained by USFWSuntil were produced by three pairs, two Aviary was designed to be self- suitable locations to help reduce after the breeding season, was inclusive, comprising a main of which hatched and fledged potentially disruptive territorial transferred August 26, 1993. successfully under the surrogate conflicts between pairs, and operations building, staff Most of the Puerto Rican Parrots residences, volunteer quarters, care. One pair, in which the female interactions caused by sensitive or showed behavioural patterns had not yet reached sexual quarantine/isolation and parrot human imprinted pairs. Make all usually associated with stressful holding structures, as well as an maturity, showed strong possible attempts at obtaining environment, human imprinting, emergency generator and own pairbonding behaviour, frequently progeny from birds of older age water source. The main operations lack of parrot socialisation copulating throughout the with low mean kinship values. experiences and chronic breeding season. The fertile pair building houses separate areas for compulsive habits, some appeared transferred by the USFWSproduced kitchen, nursery, artificial umeasonably aggressive. More two fertile eggs which ceased incubation, workshop, offices and a than half showed some degree of fully equipped hospital. A resident development after the first week of 13 IIPAKKOTELEPATUY" ByBonnie]ay

Since the beginning of time we about Penelope Smith. But what those things. But I don't like her." and the guest is saved from a have gazed at birds, marvelling at chance had I of ever meeting her This was not a surprise. Once ritualistic bite - usually. The longer their gift of flight. We wonder at and having a conversation with when she was hopping across the we're together, the easier it gets. their variety of shapes and sizes Reemie? About two years ago I living room floor, she stepped With Reemie, I just keep fine and kinds, their heart-stopping learned that Penelope Smith would onto Reemie's back, went over her tuning. colours. How mysterious they are be lecturing and giving personal and kept right on going. I learned early in life that and how we yearn to join in their interviews in Southern California. I My meeting with Penelope was unconditional love is possible and serial ballets. made an appointment an extraordinary experience and available between people and the And then there are the parrots. immediately. Here was my chance. one that I don't really question. It's creatures of this sphere. My True, parrots are birds, but Oh! I'd been mentally speaking to well known that human twins greatest dream is that people what special birds are these. From Reemie for years, not knowing if often know one another's thoughts everywhere, all over this earth, the tiniest parrotlet to the largest she was receiving any of it or not and anyone who has ever had a understand that animals are macaw the parrot stands alone and I certainly didn't think that I companion animal of any kind, is beings with whom we can, and with its sense of humour, its was understanding much from her. familiar with that inner knowing must, share and communicate. ability to play for the sheer joy of Butnow... that tells us what our friend may They have feelings and they have it and its remarkable intelligence. I went with Reemie and Mattie, want or need. How do you think rights. They are spirits who When I look into my parrot's my Moluccan who had been with this happens? It's certainly not our deserve to be respected and eyes I can see there's someone in me about a year, and a list of imaginations. honoured. We share this space there looking back at me. A questions, some of which I already Perhaps telepathy grew out of together - we must share it with conscious, thinking being. There's knew the answers to. When early man's need to survive in an caring, with compassion and with no doubt or question about this. Penelope gave me the same environment dominated by love. Its a matter of fact for every pet answers to those questions, I knew animals. Certainly Native bird owner the world over. And we were onto something and Americans have always spoken to there are a lot of us - birds are proceeded to ask away. the animals with whom they share second only to cats as the Penelope said Reemie was a their world. They speak both to preferred pet in the US. Buddha being. A spirit who would honour and to seek counseL So the As I write this, Mattie, my be just as content, just as serene, ability is not new. Moluccan Cockatoo, is furiously just as cheerful and loving, no According to Penelope, we are trying to get my attention by matter what form she might be in. able to practice and refine this standing on the floor near my Penelope also told me that Reemie innate capacity. Since meeting chair, alternately flapping her said we talked all the time, and Penelope, I've read her books, wings, calling "Hello? Hello?", loved how I always listened to her. listened to her tapes and practiced hopping in circles and staring at I didn't get every detail, but I got a little less than I should. I've me. She can't bear it that Reemie, most of her commentary Reemie learned to think about things from my crippled Belize Amazon is told us. I also asked Reemie if we the perspective of my birds. I sitting on my desk with me. had known each other before and constantly observe them in order Rivalry has no bounds with some Reemie said, "You and I have done to connect very particular Editor's Note birds. many turns of the wheel together, behaviours with very particular Bonnie Jay's communication Reemie. My wonderful, as friends and lovers, don't you meanings. For example, when I with her pet parrots is clearly courageous and beautiful Amazon. know?" Then Penelope said Reemie have a guest in the living room and exceptional, but she is far from When she first came to live with was showing her a picture of two Mattie walks around on the floor being alone in feeling she has a me, I spent a lot of time just people walking hand in hand. My with her head leaning sideways, I special relationship with them. watching her. Reemie was the first heart was aflutter. I knew that my know this is not a good thing. This is apparent in her of the larger parrots that I had connection to this little bird was She's getting ready to bite my outstanding photography, with ever had and she was the most far beyond what I would consider guest on the ankle. Now that I common. But here was the bird which she helps the World fascinating creature I had ever know this, her aggressive Parrot Trust. come in contact with. I watched telling me why. Reemie also told of behaviour is not allowed to begin Reemie all the time, overtly and her dreadful capture in the forest surreptitiously. She amazed me and how her bones came to be so with her tenacity and made my badly broken. heart ache with her tenderness. If We asked Mattie if she knew I only I could communicate with loved her and she said, "Everybody her. loves me." If you knew Mattie, you After a few months, I felt as would know exactly how though I could sense what Reemie appropriate that answer is. We also wanted or needed at any particular asked Mattie why she doesn't eat time, but my only confirmation very much. Mattie replied, "I'm a was to do whatever I thought she young bird and I can live on the air wanted done and see if she liked it and love." We asked Reemie what or would go along with it. I needed she thought of Mattie and Reemie to speak with Reemie. I had a said, "Stupid, just because she million questions to ask and a does tricks, so what?" Clearly, million things to say. I wanted to Reemie doesn't think too highly of be just like Dr Doolittle. I always Mattie. We asked Mattie how she did. felt about Reemie and her Years and years ago I had heard response was, "Reemie is my about Beatrice Leidecker, who was friend. She teaches me things. one of the first people to publicly Some of the things you think are reveal that she was able to bad habits, like not eating communicate telepathically with vegetables, she taught me. She said animals. More recently I had heard they aren't good food, don't eat Left, Csil/a, right, Sasha. Photo:Bonniejay.

14 IF I DAD A MILLION ByMichaelReynolds,Hon.Director,WorldParrot Trust

'If you had a millionpounds to wetlands is so vast, so awesome, giveaway,what would you do with that we all have a duty to it?' This is an intriguing question, contribute to it in whatever way we and one which, if answered can. To quote Edmund Burke: genuinely, challenges the 'Nobody make a greater mistake imagination, integrity and common than he who did nothing because sense of the writer. The first thing he could only do a little.' When I to say is what I would not do with founded The World Parrot Trust it, and that is, give it to any charity six years ago I had a vaguely '11 other than the World Parrot Trust. defined feeling that the parrots Most charities are respectable had a special role to play in the and sincere in pursuing their future of the planet we share with objectives, but reports of the them and countless millions of misuse of funds are not other life forms. As the Trust has infrequent, and anyone progressed, and received the considering a donation to charity support of thousands of like- should be cautious and somewhat ~ minded people around the globe, Ii' sceptical. When confident that a that feeling has intensified and ~ charity is well run, the next become clearer. The parrot, more question a potential donor should than any other exotic creature, has ask is: 'how valid is its objective?' established an extraordinary role Funds raised for the relief of in perhaps fifty million households human suffering are always in the around the world. The parrot's forefront, and rightly so. If owner (does anyone really 'own' a however, we take a pace back from parrot?) may see it as a the contemplation of today's companion, a 'prestige pet', a part catastrophes and consider the of his hobby, a potential goldmine, appalling disasters that await our or simply an inherited liability, but children and grandchildren, I would suggest that every parrot different priorities emerge. is a kind of undercover agent, How can we halt the explosive subtly reminding us that there is a growth of our human population, whole kaleidoscopic world of the pre-eminent threat to our nature that must be considered. planet? If I thought that, perhaps, By displaying its colour, voice, half of my million pounds could be intelligence and personality, the used effectively to persuade the parrot refuses to be ignored. Many human race to restrict its of the 330 species are used as reproduction to one child per 'flagship species' to draw attention couple, I would gladly make that to conservation concerns, and it investment. But such a trifling sum has to be noted that parrots are would add nothing of any frequently featured by advertisers. consequence to the vast Our experience is that business international expenditure on the people are happy to exploit the crucial matter of population parrots, but very slow to control. contribute towards their survival Is thisbird a 'subversiveundercoverwildlifeagent'? Photo: Mike Reynolds. To save the planet for our and well-being. One day I hope a descendants we need to save what cheque will arrive to prove me is left of the natural world. I regret spectacularly wrong. highlight the need to save the be invested to give the trust a to say that much of the funding I hope the reader will accept my forests and the oceans, but there is sound financial base and provide that reaches animal charities is ill premise that the parrots occupy a one essential difference: tigers, income over the long term; one considered. Kind-hearted people unique niche in our world: they apes and whales don't live in our third to fund many of the give millions every year towards occur naturally in a wide band houses. The parrots do, and that important and urgent projects we the welfare of domestic animals, around the tropics, and have been gives them their special value as currently seek to support; and one but does it really make sense to transferred - without their being educators and potential lightning third to a new educational spend millions to keep, for consulted - to virtually every site conductors for the flash of programme which would feature example, five thousand donkeys in of human habitation. It follows realisation, understanding and the parrots as the most logical unproductive comfort? Entire eco- therefore, that we have an sympathy that our species spokespersons for the systems could be saved from opportunity to use those fifty urgently needs to receive if it is to preservation of our natural world. destruction by a tiny percentage of million squawking, subversive ensure its own survival. Only one thing remains to be such expenditure. A case in point undercover wildlife agents to alert That is why The World Parrot said: I don't happen to have a is the protection of hundreds of their human associates to the Trust will receive every penny of million pounds. If you have, or can square miles of Peruvian rainforest essential task of aiding the my (hypothetical) million pounds. help us raise significant funds, by Or Charles A Munn III of the survival of the parrots in the wild. It has the ability to make better please get in touch. My phone Wildlife Conservation Society, This can only be done by use of it than any other charity I number is (UK)01736. 753365, the using a budget which is a fraction preserving the habitats within know about. With its volunteer fax is (UK)01736. 756438. of the largesse bestowed on the which the parrots have evolved spirit, it is probably the world's donkeys. their survival skills over millions most cost -effective charity. The The task of preserving the of years. Other flagship species million pounds would be split into world's remaining forests and have been used successfully to three equal amounts: one third to

15 INTE RNA TI0 NAL NEWSROUND-UP

CANADA PERU has even been documented in USA human cultures, where it has been Veterinary Student Sponsored lames Gilardi, a graduate student in said to provide minerals needed by (Editedextract from The Canadian World Parrot Trust, Evolution and Ecology at UCDavis, pregnant women or to improve the "The Times Union") in conjunction with the Parrot is trying to zero in on the reasons digestibility of certain foods like Smugglers of prized cockatoo eggs Association of Canada and that parrots feed on clay at licks in potatoes that may be toxic if eaten sentenced for feathering their concerned Canadian Parrot Clubs, southeastern Peru. His research is raw. lames is in the process of nests. analysing samples of parrot food is sponsoring a second-year being conducted in conjunction With the same savvy smuggling with Dr. Charles Munn of the and clay for their mineral levels. He veterinary student from the techniques of international drug Wildlife Conservation Society, who then hopes to determine if the clay University of Guelph, Ontario, in runners, crooks are sneaking out her summer project of assisting Dr. has been studying parrots in Peru might provide for any possible of the Australian outback with an Charles Munn in Peru, Bolivia and mineral deficiencies in the diet. He for over 17 years. lames spent three exquisite commodity that BraziL has also analysed samples from 70- seasons there observing feeding commands up to $13,000 on the Catherine Soos will study the behaviour and collecting samples of 80 favoured nuts, seeds, bark and fruits for protein, lipid and American black market bird eggs. habits of the Blue-and-Yellow, Red- the foods the parrots eat, as well as These aren't just any bird eggs, and-Green, Scarlet, and Blue- samples of the clay from seven carbohydrate levels. He has found ofcourse. licks. the macro-nutrients to be highly throated macaws in Bolivia, Rather, they are the prized eggs variable among the various foods. including the nesting behaviour of lames has documented some 15 of the cockatoo, a colourful bird the Blue-throated macaws. She will lames is also considering the different species of animals eating adorned with a white plumage search for and document the clay. The parrots range from the hypothesis that clay consumption allows the birds to forage on a tinged with pink, red or yellow. concentrations of Hyacinth macaw recently discovered Amazonian Cockatoos are similar to a parrot nests, including the documentation Parrotlet to the large macaws wider variety of foods, ones that might be toxic without the but prettier, and thrive in the of the nesting behaviours of (Scarlet, Blue-and-Green). In Southern Hemisphere. But some ameliorating effect of the clay in Hyacinth macaws in the Pantanal, addition to parrots, he has seen species, much in demand by bird Brazil area. Catherine will also cracids and pigeons feeding at the their systems. This would be a particularly useful strategy during lovers and private zoos, are research the feasibility of taking licks, as well as mammals, such as endangered, creating a profitable groups of aviculturists or other tapirs, capybaras and squirrel times of the year when prime food sources may be scarce, as during business opportunity for people interested parties to south-eastern monkeys. Many parrots feed year like Malcolm Delacorte, loseph F Peru and Bolivia for the purposes round at licks in some locations, the dry season. He is currently DeMaio and Matthew Pisciotta. testing this theory with captive of studying/observing parrot like Tambopata Reserve, but stop On Friday apparently in the quail and parrots from the species in their native habitat. for several weeks at others, like first case of its kind in this area, .'..'..'. Psittacine Research Project. Manu National Park, where no birds the three Ulster County men were are seen at licks at the end of the lames' studies belong to the sentenced in Albany for smuggling World Parrot Trust Does Internet growing research area of nutritional breeding season in May and early cockatoo eggs. The Canadian World Parrot Trust is ecology, which combines field work June. lames has also reported Delacorte, a wealthy 57-year old in the process of constructing a observations of chicks being fed with laboratory research to explain behavior observed in the wild. By man guilty of repeated Australian World Parrot Trust Home Page on clay by their parents. Most of the smuggling "eggscursions", drew a the Internet World Wide Web. The combining the nutritional research species he has observed eating clay five-month jail term, despite ill- Home Page will contain information are also found in habitats where no with his development of censusing techniques and studies of foraging health, plus five months of home on the World Parrot Trust, its goals licks have yet been reported, but detention and was fined $5,000. behavior, he hopes to answer some and objectives and current field biologists are finding that clay DeMaio, 24, and Pisciotta, 27, both licks are more common than once broader questions of habitat use projects. Administered by the of whom already did six months in Canadian World Parrot Trust, the thought. and social behavior of Peruvian Various theories have arisen to parrots. an Australian prison for what Home Page will also contain links authorities say was their first and explain the clay eating behavior. It to pages containing information on only egg-running effort, got off all International World Parrot Trust with probation and 150 hours of Branches, The Parrot Association of community service. They also have Canada, and Canadian Parrot Clubs. to pay the Australian government It is anticipated that other links to about $1,000 each in fines. aviculhiral information will also be What the prosecution and the incorporated. sentences handed out for For further information contact misdemeanors show is that the Canadian World Parrot Trust on the government is taking a hard and Internet at dim look on people who, in the "[email protected]". eyes of some animal lovers, are raping the Australian wilderness in ITALY the name of greed. " I consider these very serious Our thanks to Freddie Virili who is crimes", the sentencing judge, US setting up the Italian branch of Magistrate Ralph W. Smith said in court. " I have done research ... WPTand has introduced many new members. He recently persuaded that points out the consequences the owner of Parco Zoo Punte that could result." Among those consequences are Verde to join the Trust as a Life extinction of the Australian Member and she is kindly setting species. Roughly 80% of the birds up an exhibition about WPTin the zoo. Parrots at the Tambopata clay lick. die in transit, according to some

16 estimates and may cause the Parrot Smuggling Suspects through 1990, according to Thanks introduction of new diseases into Indicted Assistant U.S. Atty. Sergio Acosta, Special thanks are due to Diana this country, Silva, formerly of North Tony Silva, an exotic bird expert Holloway, a member who is Riverside, was also accused of lying Some of the smugglers, who was charged in December with actively raising funds for the including Delacorte, rationalise to the grand jury last August when World Parrot Trust USAby their crime as a humanitarian smuggling endangered parrots into the U.S., was indicted Tuesday on he responded negatively to the speaking at bird clubs and selling effort. Judge Smith, however, was question: "Have you ever smuggled goods. She raised over $500 in the additional tax and perjury charges. birds into the United States?" less than impressed with Silva and his mother, Gila last month, Well done Diana and From August 1989 through Delacorte's explanation and said Daoud, who was also charged in thankyou very much for working January 1992 Silva was curator at he wasn't even remotely hesitant the smuggling, each were indicted sohard. Loro Parque, Tenerife. about sending the man to jail. on four counts of concealing .'. .'. J. .'. .'. .'. income from the IRSfrom 1986

WORLD PARROT TRUST.Benelux WORLDPARROTTRUSTBENELUX vehicle will be used for educational HOLDS 10TH PARROTSYMPOSIUM purposes and was painted by a group of 'young offenders', The splendid marble hall of Interestingly, the previous use of Antwerp Zoo was the scene for the 10th annual parrot symposium the van was moving large amounts of cash for a security service. held on 29th April 1995. To The day after the symposium, the celebrate this important World Parrot Trust held an anniversary, a committee under informal meeting at Antwerp Zoo the leadership of Ruud Yonk to discuss progress and long term create a 'Lustrum Book' containing plans. Present were Han Assink, the proceedings of all ten John van Betteray, Romain symposia, plus additional articles Bejstrup, Pierre Claassens, Juim from distinguished authors Fiege, Stella Roomans and Ruud including Christoph Imboden, Yonk of WPT Benelux, Line Wadum Rosemary Low, Roger Sweeney, and Michael Iversen of WPT Gerry Dorrestein, Roland van Bocxstaele and others. Denmark and Michael Reynolds of WPT UK. Subjects discussed were The production of this limited finances and fundraising, in situ edition was kindly funded by P conservation projects, educational Sluis &Co. Copies are available from our Benelux or UK addresses activities, research into pet parrot welfare, a new parrot action plan at a cost of £20 or Dfl.50. Many and other related matters. The articles are printed in both English and Flemish, meeting agreed that, as emphasised in Mike Reynolds' talk The attendance at the symposium at the symposium, the World was very satisfactory and the Parrot Trust's strength lies in its membership of WPTBenelux complete independence, its roots continues to grow. Outside the in responsible aviculture and its Antwerp Zoo, a remarkable vehicle commitment to the survival and could be seen. This was a WPTvan well-being of the parrots spectacularly decorated with themselves. parrots and tropical plants, This The back end of the bus

Speakersat the symposium receive copiesof the Lustrumbook from Ruud Vonk. John van Betteray with the WPTBenelux bus.

17 BEE SUITS DONATED PRAISE FOR MALCOLMELLIS PRINT

The family firm of B J Sherriff Having received her painting of the from Falmouth in Cornwall has Cuban Amazon by Malcolm Ellis, generously responded to our Mrs Sarah Reynolds from Norfolk appeal for bee suits and supplied writes: two complete outfits. A member from Fakenham in Norfolk has Dear Mrs Venning also donated a second hand suit, I am now writing to you to thank gloves and veil. These items were you very much for sending the taken out to Peru by Hilary French painting of the Cuban Amazon by at Christmas and are now in use by Malcolm Ellis which I have just field workers during their received. The painting is absolutely inspection of nests, providing lovely, somehow even more beautiful than I had imagined and I protection against the haircutter Malcolm Ellis & Cuban Amazon painting. bees. am thrilled with it and feel grateful Hilary writes to say: and privileged to be the proud owner! Mr Ellis is an artist of It is also particularly gratifying to "Everyone at Tambopata was considerable talent and he has know that the painting was done delighted with the suits. They were specially for the Trust, and that light and very comfortable to work caught the general Amazon character perfectly and the oil proceeds from the sale will go in, plus most importantly, they towards your work. I see that Mr kept the bees out! From a safety paint is most appropriate for the unusual bloom and iridescence of Ellis would be prepared to paint point of view the head covering/ other parrots on a commission protection allowed plenty of room the Psittacine plumage. I really do basis and I may well take him up for a safety helmet. think this is a work of art and I do I am sure that these suits will hope you will pass on my feelings on this in due course; we "own" a most beautiful male Blue-fronted enjoy an active life!" and thanks to Mr Ellis and tell him that his work is very much Amazon and a painting of this appreciated and the work has a species would go very well with very good home. In time a great the one I have and make a perfect many people will see the painting, pair! but for the moment it will remain Yours sincerely hidden until my husband's Mrs Sarah Reynolds birthday!

WOO'S A LUCKY BOY TUEN . IN DANISU

Notes from Michael Iversen of on translation which takes time and WPT Denmark:- energy we have been paid back with "For most people parrots are a steady flow of new members, not attractive because of their ability to only from Denmark but from talk and act in a human way. They Sweden and Norway as well who are special because we feel that we are joining the World Parrot Trust can communicate with them. When because we have been able to WorldParrot Trust - Denmarkwas communicate with them. Let us launched in 1992 we were aware hope this is only the beginning also that communication is what it takes for our fellow World Parrot Trust to spread out the word about branches, good luck". parrot conservation. To communicate you have to speak peoples' language. Therefore it has been our aim Beesuit in action. from the beginning to translate the English WPT material into Danish. Today we MARATUON SUCCESS have more or less achieved our aims including the almost complete translation of Eleanor McMahon, one of our many PsittaScene. On top of this, we enterprising members, has raised £300 for the Trust in the London were attending a bird exhibition in Copenhagen in December '94 Marathon. She gathered sponsors, where we had our stand next to a donned her World Parrot Trust T- pet food distributor. We made shirt, and set out. As an such good contact with him that he inexperienced runner, she found it offered to fund production of a quite a challenge, but reached the Danish version of the leaflet "Who's finishing line in five hours twenty a Lucky Boy Then?" just like that. minutes. She said "It was very We learned from this that interesting asking people to sometimes it is worth it to be sponsor me. Most think of parrots straight forward with people and in cages and not as free flying wild get the message out. Now it is easy birds. So I had to do quite a bit of education". to feel the changes from when we started with all our material in Well done Eleanor Danish. Even though we work hard

18 St Vincent Parrot Hyacinth Macaw Amazona guildingii Anodorhynchus In 1993 the Trust sent the hyacinthinus third of its Caribbean The World Parrot Trust 'parrot buses' to St Vincent. has funded biological It has also funded a report studies of this species by by Andrew Greenwood Dr. Charles Munn and his MRCVSinto the breeding Brazilian colleagues. programme in the Further field work is now government aviaries on St under way, and our Vincent, and the improvements and avicultural HYACINTHFONDneeds help. support which will follow.

Echo Parakeet Psittaculaecho Red-tailed Black Cockatoo Calyptorhynchus TheWorldParrot banksii Trust is in . , graptogyne partnership with Q~',,:: Jersey Wildlife ~ ' The Trust has a Preservation , six year Trustin a f commitment to longterm Red-tailed Amazon this programme programme to Amazonabrasiliensis to help preserve savethis an endangered Only1,000birdsremainand parakeet, which sub-species of is the world's ,~ many chicks are taken from this cockatoo in nests for the pet trade.Weare rarest parrot Victoria and ~ ">,~~iA workingwith the Brazilian South Australia. with only about ~;-~\ biologists, Dresden Zooand 30 remaining. ZGAPto protect them. PLEASEGETIN TOUCHIFYOUWOULDUKETO HELPTHESURVNALOFANYOFTHESEBIRDS. AIMSOFTUBWORLDPARROTTRUST Theobjectiveofthetrust is to promotethesurvivalof all parrotspeciesandthewelfareof individualbirds. 1. By educating the general public on the threat to parrot survival, 5. By encouraging co-operation in the breeding of parrots by and seeking their interest, concern and support. aviculturists and zoological institutions and better liaison between 2. By action to protect and preserve the natural habitats of the captive breeding community and conservation bodies, with the parrots. aim of creating self-sustaining populations of endangered species. 3. Bygathering and disseminating information on the status of 6. By promoting high standards in the keeping of parrots as pets. parrot populations in the wild and in captivity. 7. By encouraging research projects, Le. the veterinary care of 4. Byadvocating effective controls on the international trade in parrots and the preservation of genetic diversity. wild-caught parrots, and its replacement by captive-bred birds. 8. By any other means that may be appropriate.

,------I Members receive our quarterly : UELP SAVE TUE PARROTS OF TUE WORLD newsletter PsittaScenewith news I about parrot conservation, ,I Please join the Trust, or encourage friends to join. aviculture and welfare. , , SUBSCRIPTIONRATES(pleasetick) Name...... , , D OKand Europe(Single)£15 Address...... I . " ,...... , , D OKand Europe(Family)£20 ...... , , Zip/Postcode ...... , D Fellow(LifeMember)£250/0S$400 PleasechargemyAccess/Visa Acc/No. I I I Corporate (Annual) DDDDDDDDDDDDDDDD I BENELUX ,I D AllOverseasAirmail£.17/0S$25 Exp.date Amount £/OS$...... (paymentby Access/VIsapreferred) .' Mrs.JFiege.Graafse\reg37,5-15I NA-MILLNetherlands. ," , SIgnature...... FRANCE , M et ~Ime Prin, 55 Rue de la Fassiere, -151-10Ingre, France. , D Additional donation of £/US$ OR:I enclose cheque payable to the WPT. DENMARK , M Iversen, AIsikemarken -18 2860 Soborg, Denmark. : I heard about the World Parrot Trust from ...... I I I , 19 , r , PARROTSIN TUB WILD

TURQUOISBPARROT(lVeophemapulchella) One of Australia's many endemic parrots, the Turquoise Parrot has undergone a remarkable recovery over the past 60 years. Considered abundant during the middle of the last century, its numbers dramatically declined early this century; so much so that it was regarded as close to extinction. This sudden deterioration to its population was probably due to extensive areas of preferred habitat being cleared for agriculture and stock grazing. Coupled with several years of severe drought which further depleted the food supply, Turquoise Parrots rapidly disappeared. In the 1940's their numbers gradually increased due to a decrease in grazing and later the dedication of several national parks and other reserves from which domestic animals were removed. Turquoise Parrots occur in undulating eucalyptus woodland from south-eastern Queensland, through New South Wales and into north-eastern Victoria. Favoured areas are woodlands and forests adjoining clearings and farmlands. They feed on the ground, foraging for seeds of various native and introduced grasses, composites and other ground plants. Seeds and fruits are also extracted from low shrubs. They nest in hollows in trees; the preferred site having a vertical entrance. Typical locations are hollows in fence posts, tree stumps or the vertical trunk of a tree from which the top has broken away. Four to six eggs are normally laid. Several years ago Len Robinson initiated the provision of artificial nest-sites by locating suitable hollow logs in favoured nesting areas in north-eastern Victoria. When this proved most successful he elicited the help of friends so that close to an additional 200 potential nest -sites have been provided over the past ten years. Fortunately today, Turquoise Parrots once more grace most of their former haunts in increasing numbers. Photo and text: Len Robinson Weintend to continue this series of 'Parrots in the Wild',and would welcomesuitable photographs from readers.

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