PROMOTING EXCELLENCE IN CONSERVATION AVICULTURE AND WELFARE World Parrot Trust in action Vol. 12 No.1 February 2000

Sisserou Thick-billed Parrot Manifesto Yellow-eared Parrot

psittacine (sit’˚a sîn) belonging or allied to the ; parrot-like island that Christopher Columbus would recognise today. Our organisation, the Rare Conservatory Foundation (RSCF), Sisserou to was introduced to Dominica through the urgings of a close veterinary friend and colleague, Matthew Bond, DVM, who had visited the island to see the Editor parrots first-hand. Bond was Rosemary Low, the Rescue instrumental in rejuvenating P.O. Box 100, interest in the Sisserou among Mansfield, Notts., – how an endangered parrot promotes U.S. aviculturists and United Kingdom conservationists in the early NG20 9NZ biodiversity protection in Dominica 1990’s. With such a wealth of nature in by PAUL R. REILLO, Ph.D. CONTENTS such a small, topographically challenging space, the Forestry Sisserou to the Rescue ....2-5 Staring out with lifeless eyes from her bottle of alcohol, Martha the pickled parrot casts a vigil over me as I write. Unlike so many and Wildlife Division of Thick-billed Parrot ...... 6 museum specimens archived only for their reference potential—for Dominica’s government has News for WPT Members ..7-8 measurement, genetic analysis, all sorts of comparative research— shouldered the daunting Martha’s preserved remains also carry an additional, sobering responsibility of studying and Manifesto ...... 9-12 epitaph: she was the last female of the rarest on managing the forest’s resources Yellow-eared Parrot ...... 13 earth, the , in captivity. And yet, despite her present and particularly its green, state, her story is one of hope for a parrot species facing . feathered ambassadors. Without Rainbow Lorikeet ...... 14-15 Brilliantly coloured, and among the largest of the Amazon parrots, question, the Forestry Division Psitta News ...... 16-17 the Sisserou, as it is known locally, is the national of Dominica, has been the lifeline to Dominica’s environmental well- Book Reviews ...... 18 the largest and most pristine of the Windward Islands in the West Indies. Sandwiched by Martinique and Guadeloupe, Dominica is a being, and the stimulus for vital WPT Info Page ...... 19 picturesque, volcanic land 29 miles long and 16 miles wide blanketed educational programmes that Parrots in the Wild ...... 20 by some of the finest virgin stands of rain forest in the Caribbean. It ensure lasting pride in is the only Caribbean island to have two large, endemic Amazon Dominica’s natural history. parrots, the Sisserou (Amazona imperialis) and the Jaco (Amazona Thanks to instructional arausiaca). These parrots are surprisingly well-known even though programming and financial few people have seen them in person—neither species has ever been assistance from the RARE kept in any number in captivity, and Dominica’s terrain defeats many Centre, MacArthur Foundation bird-watchers. In many respects, the rarity and obscurity of and the Nature Conservancy, Dominica’s parrots, particularly the Sisserou, has been the source of every Dominican, from child to fascination and intrigue for ornithologists and aviculturists for elder, is a spokesperson for decades. What we know about these is very recent. nature. And the Sisserou, undisputed symbol of Dominica More importantly, what we have endless environmental assaults and her lush forests, is yet to discover may well hold brought by man, many island everywhere — on flags, stamps, Cover Picture the key to their survival. species disappear quickly along T-shirts, billboards — even the with the ecosystems that This bird is the only Imperial While the Jaco, a robust, Coat of Arms. Amazon, or Sisserou, in surround them. Dominica offers captivity. It lives in a gregarious, noisy parrot boasts a the rare contemporary The logistical difficulty of government aviary on population of 1,300 or more alternative to this grim scenario, sorting out the Sisserou Dominica, West Indies. This individuals, the shy and elusive possessing forests so pristine population’s status with some male bird has a deformed beak, Sisserou is among the rarest of that it is the only Caribbean measure of confidence might but the picture disguises this Amazon parrots. There are to some extent. The following probably fewer than 200 article by Paul Reillo PhD describes the exciting new Sisserous inhabiting the rain development of the Morne forests surrounding Morne Diablotin National Park on Diablotin, the Caribbean’s tallest Dominica. WPT Canada and volcano. It is located in WPT USA have both helped Dominica’s Northern Forest with funding this park and we intend to stay in close touch Reserve. It was never abundant, with this important project. but was in serious decline following hurricane David in The World Parrot Trust does not 1979. necessarily endorse any views or statements made by contributors Since endemic island species are to PsittaScene. surrounded by unbridgeable sea, It will of course consider articles they are at much greater risk of or letters from any contributors on their merits. extermination. With nowhere to All contents © World Parrot Trust go to escape hurricanes, predation, poaching, and the The Caribbean island of Dominica. Photo: Paul Reillo

2 ■ PsittaScene Volume 12, No 1, February 2000 help explain why few tangible we were able to document Jaco conservation efforts appear to eggs and chicks in natural rain support the species in the wild. forest nests. These techniques permitted Forestry officers like To the astonishment of many Stephen Durand and Michael ornithologists in the U.S. and Zamore, who have studied the Europe, Dominica’s Forestry parrots since the monitoring Division has supported a parrot programme began nearly 20 monitoring programme since years ago, to finally see baby 1981. Vigilant foresters have parrots in the nest. We now clocked tens of thousands of know that the Jaco clutch size is hours observing parrots and three, and that in good years nest trees in remote areas, often with ample food, parents can from dawn to dusk throughout raise three chicks through full- the breeding season, January- feather and fledge two. We also June. Forestry’s programme has know the activity schedules for been championed by Forestry Jaco parents, how much time Officers Arlington James, they spend feeding chicks and Michael Zamore, Stephen Pair of Imperials Photo: Paul Reillo foraging, and that Jacos exhibit Durand, Ronnie Winston, a high degree of nest site to watch and wait was Matthew Maximea and Bertrand fidelity. unanimous. We cautiously Population Jno. Baptiste, assisted over the watched the nest from January Despite concerted efforts, estimates years by biologists from the through June, usually no more Sisserou nests have proven Wildlife Preservation Trust than once per week, observing To conduct a parrot census on elusive, and those known to International, U.S. Fish and when the birds came and went, Dominica, one would need at have had activity in the past Wildlife Service, Jersey Trust, and how they interacted with least a dozen teams of have been abandoned. All were BirdLife International, and Dr. one another. The female, the observers placed strategically beyond the reach of even the Peter Evans, who received smaller of the two, spent all over the island, most in areas craftiest of researchers and funding from the Loro Parque considerably more time in and that take most of a day to their fancy cameras. Population- Foundation. around the nest, and was vocal access. Wonderful as it would be level studies have not fared only when the male was nearby. to count birds as we see them, The parrot monitoring much better—rarely are more The male vocalised whenever he meagre resources demand a programme has yielded a wealth than two birds, presumably arrived at the tree—he even more indirect approach. Here’s of descriptive information about pairs, seen in a given patch of would direct his calls at us some one method: we know that Jacos species’ distributions, nest-tree forest. preferences, foraging 300 feet away and fly with an congregate, sometimes 30 or behaviours, diet and courtship. Just when the parrot team intimidating, noisy display. As more birds per roost tree. Helping Forestry with its parrot needed it most, a miracle of the weeks passed, both parents Estimates of local density, or programme is where our little sorts occurred in January 1999. spent increasingly greater time numbers of birds per unit area, organisation fits in. Since 1996, While scouting familiar terrain foraging and less time in the are known to equal or exceed scientists with the Rare Species in the Northern Forest Reserve cavity. Visits to the nest tree one bird per 30 acres (0.033 Conservatory Foundation have near the base of Morne yielded fewer observations as birds/acre), in many parts of the worked directly with foresters, Diablotin, Forestry officers took parents would spend up to three island. Given that there exists at tramping the hills of the a lunch break along a well-hewn hours out of the cavity, and only least 60,000 acres of potentially Northern Forest Reserve, trail, resting on the buttresses 10-15 minutes inside. We knew a suitable Jaco habitat and if the devising study methods for the of a 220-foot-tall Chatannye feathered chick was growing average density across all Jaco and Sisserou, and tree. Soon after, they recognised within, and by late May, fledging habitats is only 2/3 of our improving the aviary at the the unmistakable, hollow yodel was imminent. rough density estimate (0.022), Botanical Gardens in Roseau. of Sisserous above. The a very conservative guess at the With the help of donors and foresters had stumbled (and With June came the early Jaco population is ~1,300 birds. summer rains and the familiar corporate sponsors, Forestry sat!) on an active Sisserou nest Since the Sisserou has not been sounds of young Jacos and their has received boots, ponchos, tree. seen in greater local abundance waterproof binoculars, This tree was along a slope parents exiting nest trees and than roughly one bird per 200 specialised video equipment, unsuitable for time-lapse video filling the forests with chatter. acres, and its range is confined tools, forestry ladders and a surveillance—the 150-lb. Upon visiting the Sisserou nest to no more than 40,000 acres of Nissan 4x4 pickup truck. batteries would have had to be tree during the first week of forest within and adjacent to Martha’s friends in the aviary slogged nearly half a mile over June, the Forestry parrot team the Northern Forest Reserve, (a have benefited from an near-vertical terrain. To make found the area silent. Up-slope, distribution well documented improved diet. matters worse, the nest cavity the team discovered two adult following hurricane David in was complex—roughly 80 feet Sisserous accompanying a 1979), the total population, Jaco eggs and from the ground, and embedded clumsy juvenile exhibiting theoretically, cannot exceed beneath huge epiphytes at the characteristically erratic flight 200. Of course, as with Jaco chicks documented crotch of the 10-foot-diameter and performing uncoordinated habitat, much of the available In our first joint efforts with Chatannye. After observing the crash landings in the canopy forest has not been Forestry, we set out to gather parents entering and exiting the above. Given the close proximity systematically monitored, basic ecological data, nest, we surmised that the nest to the nest tree, and no offering hope that Sisserous are particularly breeding cycles and chamber was likely to be deep observations of Sisserous in this more locally abundant in areas clutch sizes. With a specially within the tree. By all measures, area during the season, we presently unknown to designed telescoping video our telescoping video probe surmised that the trio must be researchers. Unfortunately, until probe and a time-lapse recorder, would be useless. The decision the family we had anticipated. hard data can be assigned to

PsittaScene Volume 12, No 1, February 2000 ■ 3 these local sub-populations, 1998 one of the captive Jacos Martha’s ‘husband’ in the aviary. Natural World Heritage Site, potentially boosting our very laid a clutch of three eggs— For the time being, Mr. Sisserou sanctioned by UNESCO in 1997. rough average density estimate, infertile, but a first step. This lives a lonely life, though he The Cabrits National Park, the safe assumption is that 200 event, repeated in 1999, does get to argue with his Jaco encompassing the grounds of an or less Sisserous currently corroborates our field neighbours. As field exploration extensive English garrison at survive on Dominica. One sits observations of natural Jaco expands, more nest trees are Fort Shirley and over 1,000 alone in a cage at the Botanical nests: the Jaco clutch size is discovered, and data acres of marine sanctuary near Gardens in Roseau, Dominica’s unquestionably three. Even accumulate, the chance of Portsmouth, was added in 1986. capital. An eight-year-old male, Martha made history during her recruiting a mate for Mr. With the national trend toward blown to the ground during a time in captivity. She died egg- Sisserou increases, along with eco-tourism gaining momentum tropical storm in 1992, he has bound. Sadly, her advanced age the number of conservation and banana profits beginning to been alone since June 1998. and poor health spelled disaster options. Early in 1998 we slip in the early 1990’s, all around. Despite their influence as realised that what the Sisserou government saw an opportunity needed was a novel approach, educational icons, as Is aviculture an option for the to create another park, the and soon. But when you don’t ambassadors for conservation, Sisserou? Maybe we could pull Morne Diablotin National Park. and even as effective examples know what specifically to do to In 1991, it almost happened. an egg or chick from the active help conserve a species, because of carefully managed breeding nest to provide a mate for our The culmination of a dozen-plus programmes in zoos and the root causes of its population lone bird. With new blood-sexing status are beyond grasp, then years of brainstorming, small conservatories, endangered techniques, we could even verify land grants, encouragement creatures born in captivity what do you do? That’s when we a chick’s sex before we took it. started thinking about the from conservation, local and virtually always die there. Even Maybe we could learn enough international groups and much so, captive breeding can offer an Sisserou as a conservation about raising and breeding fulcrum to leverage protection political manoeuvring, the undeniable refuge from Sisserous, even from a single Forestry Division’s 1991 extinction, especially for island for the entire rain forest pair, to propose a bona fide ecosystem. proposal to create Morne species like the Sisserou, captive breeding programme. Diablotin National Park was reduced to such low numbers Bringing all or part of the In early October 1999 we knew inspiring, particularly in light of that a direct hit from a single Northern Forest Preserve under government’s precarious hurricane could wipe it out the birds were not entering the Dominica’s National Parks finances. The Park would forever. When contemplating the nest, even though they were in System has been the dream of include nearly 10,000 acres of Sisserou’s status in the wild the area keeping a close eye on many conservation groups and while staring at the only caged us. Cradled in a saddle, I inched pristine rain forest, all within the Forestry Division, since the government-owned land, Sisserou on earth, even the along the 80-foot climb to the late 1970’s. In the mid-1980’s, stretching from the Syndicate staunchest of field nest cavity and got a clear view RARE (with its "Project area across Morne Diablotin conservationists has to admit of the cavity entrance, thickly Sisserou"), the Wildlife that it would be nice to have at camouflaged with anthuriums; Preservation Trust International, itself, encompassing vast least a few breeding pairs safely after inspecting from a safe The Nature Conservancy, riverine valleys and all known tucked away somewhere. distance, I descended. We Rosemary Low and other nesting and foraging areas for proved we could get to the the Sisserou. It would include a RSCF has long supported conservation collaborators cavity, and likely get inside—if small interpretative/welcome Forestry’s position that the un- proposed a new national park need be. centre for visitors, releasable birds in the Roseau which would forever protect, under Dominica’s constitution, complementing a mile-long, flat, aviary should be given every Sadly, our discoveries offer little trail loop (currently known as opportunity to reproduce. In immediate consolation for the primary rain forest habitat of the Jaco and Sisserou. Of the Syndicate Nature Trail), particular concern was the where visitors could experience eastern boundary of the some of the finest old growth Northern Forest Reserve, known forest in the Caribbean without as the Syndicate Estate area, having to become mountain because of the pressures placed goats. The trail had been upon it by agriculture. Case-in- manicured by the Forestry point: more rain forest trees in Division years before. Signs or near the Northern Forest identify rain forest plants and Reserve have been cut down in trees, many in excess of 200 the last twenty years than feet, as the trail winds along a during the previous 100. scenic ridge overlooking the Picard River Gorge, which spills from the base of the mammoth New national parks Morne Diablotin, which at 4,747 To their credit, and despite the feet, is the Caribbean’s highest economic enticement to sacrifice volcanic peak. Visitor access forests to farming, each of the would be naturally restricted to two previous Dominican the Nature Trail and the famous government administrations has Morne Diablotin Trail (offering managed to create a new Dominica’s most physically national park. Morne Trois demanding day hike), defining Pitons National Park, Dominica’s the Park as a true bioreserve for most famous, was one of the one of the most biologically Caribbean’s first national parks, diverse and largest remaining established in 1975, and became oceanic rain forest ecosystems Red-necked Amazon, or Jaco. Photo: Paul Reillo the Caribbean’s first and only in the .

4 ■ PsittaScene Volume 12, No 1, February 2000 The park plan was pursued with 21st birthday in November In late September 1999 we thereby buy the Sisserou and its vigour by the Ministry of 1999, and the soon-to-follow decided to put RSCF on the line forest more time might simply Agriculture and the millennium—identified a rare and use every asset imaginable have ended. All of us know that Environment, which was opportunity to create a park to close the deal. I called in the work has really just begun, prepared to present it to conceptualised nearly 20 years favours from everyone I knew, and that the Sisserou’s future is Dominica’s Cabinet, so that the before. We suddenly found begged some from friends who far from secure. Money and Morne Diablotin area could be ourselves in the real estate owed me none, and charged effort must be committed now if protected formally and business, a somewhat unusual forward. RSCF threw its the parrot research and permanently under the National role for a scientific organisation, mortgage money into the pot conservation efforts are to be Parks and Protected Areas Act of as we immediately co-ordinated with the blessings of the donor expanded. The arduous process 1975. That’s when the Division with government to help who had given it, along with of managing this bioreserve— of Surveys discovered a underwrite the land purchase, every spare dollar we could scripting policies and privately held tract of 1,301 and get the Morne Diablotin find. A single contributor, Mr. programmes, inventorying its acres within the proposed park. National Park on the books as Peter Allard—a true hero already resources—will challenge the How could the government quickly as possible. underwriting RSCF operations international conservation establish a national park around and the establishment of a community’s technical private property that in the I don’t know which is more companion wildlife sanctuary in resources. I welcome this future, future could be legally logged, compelling, the feeling of moral Barbados—was footing a full continually reminded how a shy farmed, or used in some other superiority while undertaking a third of the bill, $250,000. bird came to symbolise, and manner incompatible with a good cause, or the feeling of Grants and gifts took care of a ultimately rescue, the rain surrounding nature preserve? complete inadequacy and big chunk, and in the end RSCF forests on this beautiful island. resignation when even best was in debt for over $200,000. With the Morne Diablotin Conservation efforts fall short. Since the land But at least the money was in National Park comes a promise was in an area with a long the restricted escrow account, to maintain a course set long agricultural history, its value, the contracts were signed, and ago by Dominica’s extraordinary schizophrenia recognised by the owner and We at RSCF became intrigued by the die was cast. With much people, to sustain natural government alike, was fanfare and enormous pride, on resources by preserving them, the notion that a new national considerable—just over one park and the resultant 21 January 2000 the thereby setting an example for million U.S. dollars. If we could Government of Dominica the rest of us. Just as Martha protection for vast expanses of secure $750,000, government Sisserou habitat could hinge on officially declared the Morne has become my sentinel, so agreed to pay the rest over time. Diablotin National Park at the must humanity become nature’s a 1,301-acre land deal. A form of By mid-1999, a series of conservation schizophrenia State House in Roseau. steward. What a privilege it is to Dominican Cabinet decisions watch over the Sisserou as this overcame us in early-1998, as authorised creation of the Morne With six billion humans now the urgencies of parrot field magnificent species survives Diablotin National Park, its crowding the planet, arguably and inspires. research became tempered by boundaries, and the terms for sealing the fate of many the looming, unequivocal land acquiring the private land endangered ecosystems, it is Contact Address: conservation priority. A parcel. But despite all of the sometimes difficult to identify Rare Species Conservatory confluence of factors— presentations, grant proposals the people who truly stand Foundation government’s endorsement of and the many generous apart. I have been lucky enough 1222 "E" Road the park, a looming contributors—private to meet and work with many of Loxahatchee, FL 33470 USA agricultural/economic individuals, family foundations, them in support of the Dominica Tel: (561) 790-5864 downturn, national pride in the even corporate and zoo programme, without whom the Fax: (561) 792-2122 Sisserou, Forestry’s upcoming sponsors—we were missing the quest to create the Morne Email: [email protected] 50th anniversary and Dominica’s $750,000 mark by a mile. Diablotin National Park and Website: www.rarespecies.org

The summit of Morne Diablotin. The Parrot Team, from left Stephen Durand, Matthew Maximea, Ronnie Winston and Paul Reillo.

PsittaScene Volume 12, No 1, February 2000 ■ 5 Thick-billed Parrot - an historic agreement by ERNESTO C. ENKERLIN-HOEFLICH After two years of delicate negotiations an historic agreement was signed to protect the most important nesting area known for the Thick-billed Parrot. The Thick-billed Parrot is an endangered species endemic to the Sierra Madre Occidental of Mexico and the sky-islands that extend into the south west US in New Mexico and Arizona. Work conducted over the last five years in a collaborative project between Wildlife Preservation Trust International (WPTI) and Monterrey Tech (ITESM) with support from a number of institutions had identified this area as the most important nesting site with over 100 nests possibly representing around 10% of the total breeding population of the species. The site, comprising over 4,000 acres of a very diverse and beautiful forest and although not strictly old growth, had remained relatively undisturbed, unlike 98.5% of the Sierra Madre which has been logged; it was targeted for logging in 2002. Photo: Keith Ewart The agreement calls for a 15 the community is composed participate with conservationists responded; “Look I am quite year moratorium on any cutting primarily of very poor in all necessary work to achieve older than you and will certainly of timber in the area, Bisaloachic foresters/peasants who in the this. not be around here in fifteen (or Cebadillas) which represents years but my children and grand short term have to give up about The negotiation itself that day 10% of the timber potential of children will. They will benefit 6% of their expected annual was quite intense. The turning the 40,000 acre Ejido Tutuaca, a from this and we want it to income to make the deal point was when the most rural forest cooperative. To happen.” The crowd cheered. happen. They do this in the important community leader, a offset in part the losses in Another woman noted, “Give hope that the offer of man in his thirties who opposed timber potential a number of conservation for a better future him what he wants, he can take organisations notably The our offer, noted; “If you want a will come true and will shortly deal give us more money and it from our part and lets agree Wildlands Project, Pronatura offset this short term sacrifice. on conservation of Bisaloachic”. (Noreste) and Naturalia will give it quick, I won’t be around Over the life of the binding On the way back to Chihuahua provide the community with a in fifteen years to see what agreement they will make sure happened”. To this, one of the City the forester that supervises number of incentives including the common public land told me a “rent payment” representing that conservation values on the elderly community members, a land area are maintained and woman in her seventies that in all his years, over 20, over time 50% of the net value working with Tutuaca and many of timber that will not be assembly meetings, he had harvested. These organisations never seen women participate together with WPTI and ITESM until that day. I never thought will continue monitoring and you could convince them, he provide community services said. In the end everyone but including consultants to obtain one agreed on the plan, forest certification in their including the young leader. remaining forest, promotion of ecotourism and participatory Now, even before the first rural development. The material results of the importance of this strategy lies agreement reach Tutuaca, they in making the pristine forest are already different because worth much more in the long they have hope for the future in run to the people than timber so alliance with conservation. This that once the 15 year agreement will be formally announced at a expires they will continue protection based on self interest “fiesta” in the summer. When the and pride. sun set on 22 January, 2000 the horizon looked brighter for man It is important to consider that Thick-billed Parrot and parrot in the Sierra Madre.

6 ■ PsittaScene Volume 12, No 1, February 2000 News for WPT Members By MICHAEL REYNOLDS A lot has been happening in the world of the World Parrot Trust, and it is time to bring Emerald Exotic Bird Society $300 our members up to date. We should begin by passing on some excellent news on a Georgia Cage Bird Club ...... $400 variety of financial matters. You may recall that Steve Shaw reported in PsittaScene Vol Las Vegas Aviculture...... $100 10 No.3 about a legacy from our late member Kyle Brown. This generous and committed Michiana Cage Bird Club ....$200 member left WPT-USA the proceeds of a life insurance policy worth $50,000. This sum SW Virginia Cage Bird Club $250 has now been increased by a further $23,000 from the residue of Kyle Brown’s estate. Emerald Coast Avian Society...... $250 This means that in the USA we have, in addition to our modest operating account, an Ann Arbor Cage Bird Club ..$700 important reserve fund of $80,000. Dallas Cage Bird Club ...... $1,750 In the UK we have been advised that a legacy of approximately £94,000 ($150,000) will Tennessee Valley Exotic Bird Club $250 reach us in the next few months. This is a staggering amount of money by WPT We do not get many similar standards, and leads to a number of interesting options. The present intention of WPT’s donations from bird clubs in trustees is to allocate 50% of these exceptional funds (totalling $230,000) to our general other countries, perhaps project fund, and the other 50% to an improvement to our structure. This is the because the US clubs are unique appointment of a new (paid) director, to take over from me. I have done the job (unpaid) in that many hold annual fund for eleven years, but I am now almost 70, and it makes sense to hand the task over to a raising events, and are looking younger scientifically qualified person. The arrival of these funds makes this possible, for worthy organisations to and we expect to have a new director in place by the end of 2000. receive the proceeds. We are very grateful for this help, but More Good News how wonderful it would be if Other donations deserve to be many more of the 600 US clubs acknowledged, as follows: decided to help the parrots After making a donation of through WPT-USA. We invite $10,000 from his Texas State them all to join our crusade to Fair conservation booth in 1998, help the parrots survive. Steve Martin of Natural We have had several donations Encounters Inc. has repeated from Col. Eugene Klinedinst in this generous sum from the the USA. Recently he sent us 1999 show. The 1998 funds $550, and said he had went directly to support a group challenged his bird club to of 12 neotropical parrot match this amount. Last week he projects, as reported in the wrote again to say his club York February 1999 issue of Area Pet Bird Club had agreed. PsittaScene, while the latest Other club members may be $10,000 will go towards our able to emulate the Colonel’s support for Lear’s in NE excellent idea. Brazil. In PsittaScene for August 1999 we described the problems Additional facing the Cape Parrot in South Donations Africa, and asked for donations It is a fact that many more WPT towards its survival. One of our Golden at Paradise Park. Photo: Keith Ewart UK members - who wishes to members are sending an remain anonymous - sent in For several years now we have Support from USA additional donation when they $4,000, which was sent on, enjoyed the consistent support renew their subscriptions. These without deduction, to the of the Keith Ewart Charitable Bird Clubs in the United States are usually between £5 and project directed by Dr. Colleen Trust. Keith was a man of many have been great supporters of £100, or $10 to $200. These Downs and the University of talents, a brilliant film maker WPT-USA. In the last twelve ‘extras’ are very welcome for Natal. In his letter, our member and photographer, and the months no less than 18 clubs two reasons: first, we do not wrote: ‘I am pleased that my owner of some of the most have made large donations want to increase the low basic donation will greatly assist the treasured and pampered parrots totalling $9,690. Here is the list: subscription and possibly cause of the endangered Cape in the world. Before his death he discourage new members; Parrots - perhaps a little helped WPT with photography, Southern Maryland Cage Bird Club $500 second, the cost of printing and something in return for the and his trust has helped us fund CSRA Exotic Bird Association ..$500 distributing PsittaScene takes many years I have spent in West, the survival of eight parrot Maryland Cage Bird Club ....$750 50% of the subscription, and we Central and Southern Africa and species. We recently received a National Capital Bird Club ..$540 need extra income to boost our appreciated its wonderful further £3,000, which was Peninsula Bird Club ...... $1,000 project funds - the vital money wildlife, and the great divided equally between Lear’s Central Indiana Cage Bird Club $2,000 that actually goes to work companionship of an Macaw, Golden Conure, and the Aviculturists of Greater Boston..$100 around the world for parrot incomparable African Grey.’ Imperial Amazon. South Jersey Bird Club ...... $100 survival.

PsittaScene Volume 12, No 1, February 2000 ■ 7 Another consistent funder of enjoyable event of its kind I to all the people in the world WPT is the Kilverstone Wildlife WPT Finances have ever attended. The 200+ who keep or breed parrots, or Trust. Over the past five years While writing on the delicate delegates were young, talented have a scientific, commercial or we have received donations to subject of the World Parrot and enthusiastic people from other interest in them. We be spent on the South American Trust’s finances, I would like to most of the major US zoos. They estimate there are over 50 species that are the special take the opportunity to invite present the bird shows that do million people who keep captive parrots, so that leaves interest of Lord and Lady Fisher. members to consider including a so much to inform and educate legacy to WPT in their wills. As over 27 million annual visitors, 49,997,500 still to join the It was a sad day when their described above, and as a direct and due at least in part to the World Parrot Trust. Plenty of beautiful wildlife park in consequence of two large influence of IAATE, the message scope there! You could consider Norfolk, UK, had to close, but it legacies, we are about to move now is about the importance of copying page 19 of this is good to know that they are into an expansive second phase conserving wildlife, rather than PsittaScene, and giving it to still able to help the parrots and of development, with sounder how clever it is for a cockatoo to anyone who may be interested. other of the neotropics. finances overall, a more ride a bicycle. At the closing professional management, and banquet the World Parrot Trust Manifesto more funds available for our was given a conservation award, Finally, I would like to mention projects. After eleven years it is with a cheque for $500. the WPT ‘Manifesto for clear that the trust is here for Aviculture’ that is on the centre the long term, and has an four pages. We first published outstanding and unmatched this in 1998 and distributed it to record of achievement. For the embassies and relevant anyone wishing to make an government offices of the immediate or eventual financial majority of countries where commitment towards parrot parrots occur, or where they are conservation and welfare, we widely kept by aviculturists. The would seem to be the best and If any reader would like more aim was to present a positive most reliable people to support. information about IAATE, view of aviculture, and try to contact curb a tendency for unnecessary IAATE INTERNET:[email protected]. and even punitive new Another donation came the way legislation. We have now slightly of WPT in February 2000. I was More Members revised and updated this invited to be the keynote Manifesto, and will again send it speaker at the annual Needed out to offices worldwide where conference of IAATE, the May we ask members to seek out it may be of help to our hobby, International Association of NEW MEMBERS for WPT? Our interest, pastime, or obsession. Avian Trainers and Educators. numbers are steadily growing, If anyone would like to This took place in Memphis but not fast enough. We have comment on this news section, Lady Fisher from the cover of her Tennessee, and I have to say it 2,500 members, but that is a please feel free to email me or book ‘My Jungle Babies’ was the best organised and most trivial number when compared write to the WPT-UK address.

aviaries throughout the country in question, the numbers of offspring Letter from EB CRAVENS, Waiohinu, Hawaii produced each year begin to skyrocket. When a certain saturation point I just received my PsittaScene for Nov 99. I thank you for such a is reached, monumental adverse effects ensue. quality quarterly with high ideals and numerous conservation Prices start to plummet, numbers of excess birds, free birds, adopted programmes in the field to back them up. While reading through ‘Some and unwanted birds increase manyfold. Diseases among mediocre and thoughts for the Millennium’, I was inspired to write this letter, by your unprofessional breeders may proliferate and are passed into other mention that the European Union has no plans to introduce any collections when these poor and dirty facilities give up and sell off legislation to prohibit the importation of wild parrots. birds without telling buyers they are sick! It perhaps should be noted that the U.S. Wild Bird Conservation Act, Commonly kept and bred hookbill species become so common they while a landmark for the international conservation scene as far as it cannot be sold at any price…. goes to stop the importing of wild-trapped psittacines for the pet And the number of innovative, expert aviculturists, those who led the trade, does not, in fact, stop all the wild bird trade in softbills, finches, field and shared their knowledge and who now decide to totally get thrushes, barbets, jays, beeeaters, and on and on…. out of the psittacine breeding business, also skyrockets. So many of But more to the point of this letter, it would be well for those my close friends and mentors have done this in the U. S. that I lament aviculturists and bird breeders in the European Community (and their over their loss to the world of parrot aviculture. close brethren in South Africa!), to begin looking into the future where Make no mistake, a continued millennium 2000 importation of cheap their parrot breeding interests are concerned. wild-trapped psittacines into your country is going to cut the throats These birdkeepers and the associated trappers and importers who of those aviculturists who presently earn a living producing parrots for regularly supply them have historically been predominately AGAINST the pet and breeder trades. restrictive legislation on the free importation of more wild-trapped If it were my choice as a breeder in a nation with a slower growth parrots into their countries. curve of parrotkeeping than that seen in the U.S., I would certainly But, as an active writer, speaker and aviculturist in the U.S., a country begin to agitate for a stop in the importation of any more wild-trapped that has taken the captive breeding of psittacines to a massive level of psittacines. The sooner this is accomplished, the sooner a stable numbers in the past decade, let me assure those defenders of parrot avicultural community can begin planning for the future days when importation that they are working to curtail a significant portion of trading and shipping of captive-raised only parrot species should be their own futures. more commonplace between breeding countries, even continents. I wish you all the best of luck in the European Union. May your The longer imported psittacines are brought into birdkeeping nations, avicultural foresight extend further ahead than that of most of we the more breeding pairs become available, often at very affordable Americans. prices and the more amateurs and hobbyists begin to acquire said extra pairs to set up their own breeding operations. When this copious With much aloha amount of imported parrots is available in birdkeeping households and Sincerely, Eb Cravens

8 ■ PsittaScene Volume 12, No 1, February 2000 AA MMaanniiffeessttoo ffoorr AAvviiccuullttuurree

Victorian child with Leadbeater’s Cockatoo AA MMaanniiffeessttoo ff

Published by The World Parrot Trust on behalf of many millions of parrot aviculturists and pet owners worldwide and despatched to the appropriate authorities in every major country where parrots live in the wild or are kept as pets or breeding birds. This manifesto will also be sent to relevant international bodies and institutions and to the media. Comments are invited from interested parties.

A Brief History of Aviculture This activity is almost as old as mankind itself. We have confined poultry, pigeons and other birds for domestic and commercial reasons and kept songbirds and other caged birds in Charming, educational, but demanding. our homes. So the keeping of birds, often called ‘aviculture’, is Pet parrots live in forty million homes worldwide. by no means a modern development. Until the last thirty years, the hobby of bird-keeping centred on low-cost birds such as canaries, fancy pigeons and domestic strains of budgerigar. What is comparatively new is the discovery that the successful breeding in captivity of some birds, primarily members of the parrot family, can provide a fascinating hobby that also brings a profit opportunity. This has caused a great expansion of interest in aviculture and an increasing demand for the importation of wild-caught parrots into many prosperous societies. With the ready availability of air transport, large numbers of parrots were removed from the wild, reaching a peak in the years 1970 to 1990. Many species were put at risk and not surprisingly this traffic Ancient ‘Sultan’ poultry. 1745 engraving of an was opposed by concerned nations and conservation bodies. All Ornate Lorikeet. but two common species of parrot are now covered by CITES, the Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species of Flora and Fauna. Together with national legislation and controls, this convention has gone some way to reduce this threat to the survival of parrots in the wild.

Aviculture Today Every aviculturist is a lover of nature, captivated by the beauty and character of the birds he or she keeps. The well-being of the birds themselves lies at the heart of the hobby and the devotion of bird keepers to their charges is usually plain to see. To succeed in the captive breeding of exotic birds requires study, dedication, intelligence, persistence, a natural understanding for wildlife, financial investment and endless hard work. For the majority of aviculturists today, it remains an enthralling and decent special interest, one that can last a life-time and be shared with family, friends and fellow enthusiasts.

Free-flying Scarlet at Pardise Park, Cornwall, U.K. 1995 ffoorr AAvviiccuullttuurree

It is unfortunate that within this community, as in any other group, there are a few individuals whose activities tarnish the reputation of the many. In the avicultural world there are some who are not genuinely concerned about the welfare of birds and who are prepared to act illegally, either for profit or to satisfy the ‘collecting mania’ that can sometimes be seen. These are the smugglers, many of whom have recently been brought to justice. International cooperation: at Paradise Park, UK, Rosa Elena Aviculture disclaims these people. They are not from Peru helps to hand-rear a rare St. Vincent Parrot. representative of our community. We also reject those who fail to give adequate care to their birds, or who treat their fellow hobbyists unfairly. In recent years much progress has been made in the science of aviculture and in particular the veterinary care of birds. Most aviculturists have the help of an expert avian vet and there is a wealth of publications on every aspect of the hobby. What is more, many avicultural organisations now fund conservation projects for parrots in the wild and these Spacious aviaries lead to breeding successes and awards. contributions will undoubtedly increase. When The World Parrot Trust was launched in 1989, one of its stated aims was to see the importation of wild-caught parrots for the pet trade replaced by aviary-bred birds. This aim was derided by some and strongly opposed by some commercial elements. Now, however, virtually every individual and organisation in our field has accepted the correctness of that aim. Attitudes are changing fast and illegality or excessive exploitation hold little attraction for aviculturists in general. Aviary-bred parrot chicks reduce the pressure on wild populations.

“Parrots are amusing and never die. Responsible Aviculture You wish they did” GEORGE BERNARD SHAW The concept of ‘responsible aviculture’, conceived and promoted by The World Parrot Trust, is gaining ground, encouraging high standards in avicultural practice and the need to accept a degree of responsibility for the conservation of wild populations, from which all captive birds have sprung. With our support groups in eleven countries around the world, we are able to detect a growing understanding of the need to improve the way aviculture is perceived, both by the general public and by regulatory authorities. In our opinion, this is a time for restraint in imposing further restrictions on ‘responsible aviculture’. Some Proposals We fully accept that the international community and every individual country has the right to regulate the movement and keeping of wildlife, in the interests of human health, avian welfare and conservation. Like all citizens, aviculturists simply ask that regulations be reasonable, easy to understand and comply with and operated with speed and consistency. We therefore propose the following:-

A glove puppet is used to rear Echo Parakeet chicks in 1. Enforce CITES effectively in every country. Mauritius. Advanced avicultural expertise and support Some countries have yet to join the convention, while others from the Mauritius Wildlife Fund, Jersey Wildlife Preservation Trust and The World Parrot Trust has helped have signed up to CITES but do not implement it effectively. increase the population of this critically endangered species from about fifteen to seventy-five in four years. 2. Use CITES to stop the mass importation of birds into developed countries. Large numbers of parrots are still being exported from Africa, Asia and . 3. Ensure that legal trade is sustainable and has regard for avian welfare. Some countries still allow export quotas that lack scientific justification. 4. Ensure that departments responsible for wildlife regulation act efficiently. In some countries unreasonable delays occur in processing documents. This painting of Hyacinth Macaws in the wild fully expresses the spirit and beauty of these superb parrots. 5. Do not create new difficulties for aviculture. Let us work together to keep every parrot species flying Most aviculturists are simple hobbyists, not major free, to be enjoyed by future generations. entrepreneurs. Do not burden them with unnecessary paperwork. Recognise and reward their contribution to parrot conservation, as continuing success in aviary-breeding reduces the demand for wild-caught birds. 6. Continue efforts to combat illegal activities. No responsible aviculturist condones illegal activities of any kind, or examples of cruelty or incompetence in the keeping of birds. 7. Please consult. Aviculturists are very approachable people and there are a number of organisations that represent them well. Please consult with them and arrive at practical solutions that will ensure the long-term health of this commendable hobby.

Summary: Please address all comments and enquiries to:- Aviculture is an ancient and natural human pastime which gives pleasure to millions of people. The World Parrot Trust, Glanmor House, Hayle, This fulfilling hobby has been compromised by the Cornwall, TR27 4HB, UK. actions of a small minority. Tel: (44) 1736 751026 Attitudes in aviculture are changing, will lead to the Fax: (44) 1736 751028 correction of past errors and the further development of Email: [email protected] ‘responsible aviculture’. Website: www.worldparrottrust.org Authorities should recognise the legitimate aspirations of Promoting excellence in parrot legitimate aviculturists and should work with them to conservation, aviculture and welfare. arrive at mutually acceptable regulations. Rio Toche study site in Colombia Intensive surveys were conducted in this area (at 2,000, to 3,400m) Renewed hope for during 11 months from 1998 to 1999. It includes a vast area of wax palms and forested valleys. Although Bernabe Lopez-Lanus was unsuccessful in locating Yellow-eared Parrots, there have been several probable sightings Yellow-eared Parrot since 1995, ranging from one by ROSEMARY LOW pair, to a flock of 24 birds. It is One of the species assisted last suspected that the species no year by the World Parrot Trust in longer breeds or resides in the conjunction with the American area and that its spasmodic Bird Conservancy was the occurrence may be related to Yellow-eared Parrot or Conure seasonal fruiting. (Ognorhynchus icterotis). A major boost to our hopes for its Several new areas were survival was given by the prospected for Ognorhynchus, location of a third flock of 20 including the highland areas of birds last May. This brought the Volcan Tolima-Ruiz on the edges total of known individuals to 82 of the Los Nevados national park birds. This discovery was made and the Alta Rio Quindio reserve at the study site in Colombia. in the departments of Quindio and Risaralda. Approximately Fieldwork was conducted by 60% of this area has an abundant Bernabe Lopez-Lanus from June presence of wax palms - but 1998 until September 1999 with there was no sign of nesting, despite intensive searches. the aim of locating the species, Yellow-eared Parrot then determining its ecological Efforts to introduce the project (above 3,000m) on the main yellow underparts and by the requirements, distribution and to local communities and enlist ridge of the Central Cordillera, distinctive vocalisations. When status. A total of 5,623 field their help in the detection of the begging for food the young bird hours have been accumulated in before slowly returning, feeding species included more than 50 flutters and bows down its the search for and study of this at lower elevations and arriving informal talks, 4 presentations in critically endangered species. It at the roost site by mid- head, and the bright yellow head feathers are agitated. local schools and the is associated with wax palms afternoon. The parrots feed distribution of 47 posters. (Ceroxylon quindiuense) (another extensively on the wax palms There is evidence within the (Those used for this species in endangered species) of which (490 observations) and on communal breeding area that Ecuador, entitled “Salvemos el only three groves remain in Citharexylon subflavescens (111 young have been extracted from Caripero”). Hunting is not Colombia. The study site is a observations) around the roost nest holes. Two heavily considered a serious threat in heavily-fragmented landscape, locations. Adult palm mortality damaged dead palms, Colombia; the Yellow-eared dominated by pasturelands is accelerating for unknown containing large holes made by Parrot has not been persecuted with only scattered remnants of reasons and palm recruitment is axe or machete, had chicks there for more than ten years. wax palm groves. almost nil. This gives great removed in or about 1990. One cause for concern. The Yellow-eared Parrot is the young bird was known in American parrot most In June a radio-transmitter was The Yellow-eared Parrot is attached to one Yellow-eared captivity. It was caught in a threatened with total extinction. strongly seasonal and highly cattle salt trough, fed on The project to try to save it is Parrot, thus this bird continues mobile. From at least 1983 until to provide daily data for one leftovers of food such as rice, one of the most important with 1989 a flock would appear at La beans and potatoes, then sold to which the World Parrot Trust has flock. An active nest, situated Planada Nature Reserve, Narino, deep within a dead wax palm a priest. Fortunately, it escaped ever been associated. It is almost on the same day each one week later and possibly supported by other leading cavity, was located on April 26. year. The birds often stayed The nest was intensively studied returned to the flock, which conservation organisations, until May. The flock increased in regularly passes over the including the German until an adult pair and a "nest size, reaching a maximum of 21 helper" successfully fledged one village. In another case, a Zoologosche Gesellschaft/Fonds birds in 1985. In 1990 the flock campesino trapped a young fur Bedrohte Papageien and Loro youngster on June 9. This nest did not appear and has never provided the first ever breeding bird, but it died a few weeks Parque Fundacion. It is good to been seen since. Sadly, it is now later. It has been suggested that know that international co- biology data. This was believed to be extinct. supplemented in Sepember with this species is difficult to keep operation is providing funding four additional active nests. At Nevertheless, the fact that 40% in captivity. Fortunately, the for the dedicated biologists Paul two nests there were co-operative of the known 82 birds are campesinos have no special Salaman, Bernabe Lopez-Lanus breeding assistants, or "helpers" believed to be young, gives interest in this bird, which they and Niels Krabbe and others - the first recorded instances in great hopes for the survival of call “guacamaya” (macaw). The who have put in so many hours a neotropical parrot. this handsome parrot. The FARC guerilla have prohibited in the field in their quest for researchers are able to the commercialisation and / or sightings. The information given At dawn the three flocks distinguish immature birds by capture of wildlife in the region here was obtained from their disperse far into highland forest the green speckling on the for the past ten years. latest progress report.

PsittaScene Volume 12, No 1, February 2000 ■ 13 The Rainbow Lorikeet - a modern witch hunt by ROSEMARY LOW In the league table of countries world-wide with a high number of endangered bird Rainbow Lorikeets are no species, New Zealand comes 11th. But a sizeable proportion of its unique endemic more susceptible to ‘avian species are already extinct. By about 1600 the Moa had gone, along with the Giant Eagle cholera’ (caused by the and about 32 other species. Since about 1840 ten more land birds have become extinct, bacterial organism including the Huia and the Stephens Island Wren. These more recent were Pasteurella multocida) than mainly caused by the introduction of alien mammals such as rats, cats and stoats and any other bird. This organism food competitors such as deer and brush-tailed possums. Since 1840 more than 80 alien can affect most types of species of mammals, birds and fish have become established in New Zealand. birds; rodents and wild birds are important vectors for this As the native fauna evolved in disease. the absence of land mammals, bloodthirsty animals such as 2. They are prolific. Rainbow rats and stoats caused the Lorikeets lay two eggs in a extinction of some species, clutch and might rear one or while others, such as the Kakapo two youngsters in each () are critically clutch. Is there any evidence endangered and survive in very that they rear as many as small numbers. In recent years three clutches in New the Department of Conservation Zealand? (DOC) has been acclaimed for its 3. The birds which have work in eradicating predators become established in the from offshore islands which Perth area live in mature have become intensively suburbia full of winter- managed reserves for flowering trees. There is not endangered species. enough food for them to live Here they breed and thrive in in the new suburbs or in the native bush. According to the absence of predatory Rainbow Lorikeet Photo: Rosemary Low introduced creatures such as Professor Recher of Edith rats, stoats, ferrets and weasels have very good grounds indeed. 5. Australian horticulturists Curtin University in Perth which, of course, are They have made the decision to regard them as a significant "the effect of the Rainbow unprotected species. spend NZ$245,000 (approx. pest. In Darwin, 80-90% of Lorikeet on the avifauna of Nevertheless, it would be quite £74,240) to trap and kill (by some tropical fruit crops are Perth is neutral". No private within the law there to breed breaking their necks or by lethal lost to Rainbow Lorikeets. or commercial fruit grower has complained about the and release these pests. injection) and to poison and 6. Because of their ability ‘to Recently however, another shoot the feral Rainbow lorikeets to the Vertebrate travel’ they pose a threat to Pest Officer. introduced species has been Lorikeets in the Auckland area. species which can survive declared a pest in New Zealand, In a ‘fact’ sheet issued by DOC only on the Hauraki Gulf 4. Observations in New Zealand a species which DOC considers to justify their action they make islands which have been indicate that small birds such potentially so deadly it has been various claims about Rainbow cleared of predators. as Bellbirds are ignored by designated as an ‘unwanted Lorikeets: the lorikeets and feed with organism’ and unlike rats, stoats Let us examine these claims them. Indeed, they might 1. They may carry avian disease etc., is now covered by the 1. They may carry disease. This benefit from the protective Biosecurity Act (1993). This … salmonella, avian cholera presence of the lorikeets and avian TB. is true of any bird. However, means that if you breed one of in February 1999 DOC against aggression by the these infamous creatures and let 2. They are prolific, with pairs larger Tuis. It has been known to rear as many as trapped and killed 17 it go, you could be jailed for a Rainbow Lorikeets in suggested that this could year. three successive broods in even help the Bellbird to one season. Auckland. According to the What manner of creature could Rainbow Trust, an restore the range it once had. be accorded such status, more 3. The six or seven Rainbow organisation set up to put in 5. More than a slight degree of lethal than a stoat, a potential Lorikeets released in Perth in perspective the impact of exaggeration here. I have no plague species which (according 1968 had expanded their these lorikeets in Auckland, figures for Darwin but in the to DOC) could carry disease like numbers and range by the not one of the birds killed northern part of Australia, in a rat? None other than 1980s and had become a showed any trace of avian or the Northern Territory for Australia’s Rainbow Lorikeet nuisance. The same could human disease, nor any example, tropical fruit losses ( haematodus happen in New Zealand. internal or external parasites. to flying pests average 2-3% - moluccanus) - one of the world’s 4. The lorikeets are aggressive The Trust asks why the result and this includes fruit bat most beautiful birds! Before you and often dominate all other of these post-mortem damage. If losses were in the gasp with incredulity, you will birds trying to use the same examinations were not made region of 90% fruit farmers doubtless believe that DOC must food source. public. As far as it is known, would have gone out of

14 ■ PsittaScene Volume 12, No 1, February 2000 business or netted their assured daily food source. Many crops years ago. In temperate reports of supposed Rainbow areas of Australia, with a Lorikeets actually refer to climate not unlike that of Eastern Rosellas. Auckland, Rainbow Lorikeets Why is DOC conducting this have a negligible impact on witch-hunt? The Rainbow Trust fruit or on other crops which says that the Department of are grown in New Zealand. As Conservation calls this an example, in the Lenswood ‘protecting our biodiversity’. area of the Adelaide Hills in Others call it a prostitution of Australia, crop damage science. reported by apple and pear growers averages about 5%. In February the North Shore Rosellas are the worst pests, Times Advertisier published the followed by Must Lorikeets. latest information from DOC as Rainbow Lorikeets are lesser follows: pests. The last time I was in “DOC staff are getting reports of the Auckland area, I saw feral lorikeets attacking native birds Rosellas. How is it that this In Australia Rainbow Lorikeets are an excellent tourist attraction. Photo: M. Reynolds and gathering in flocks around introduced parrot, along with hole-nesting species - Indian budgeted for the killing of North Shore City. the feral Greater Sulphur- Mynahs, Rosellas, Cockatoos and lorikeets. How can DOC afford crested Cockatoos in the ...Last year DOC backed off even Kookaburras - got there to squander such sums before it plans to kill the birds and will area, have escaped the first! Indeed, it has even been even has evidence that the attentions of DOC? now sell them to the bird suggested that by taking over Rainbow Lorikeet is, or is industry, as a way of recovering 6. If the Rainbow Lorikeets nest holes that the mynahs potentially, such a dreadful costs for the capture reached the Hauraki Gulf would otherwise be using, the menace? programme. Mr Keeling [the islands they would pose a lorikeets would be helping to The funds could surely be used conservation officer] says only threat to the endangered keep down these pests. But more appropriately to protect one capture of the birds was species for which these realistically, there are not Kaka from stoats. In a recent made in Birkenhead last year islands are a sanctuary. This enough lorikeets to make an published newsletter DOC stated and since then no further birds is a ridiculous claim because impact on the mynahs. that Kaka chicks are likely to be have been caught. Mr Keeling they would be unable to I deplore the liberation of non- at risk from stoat attacks this describes the DOC’s work as survive in native bush. Pollen native species as their influence year, adding: "We are in the ‘ground breaking’ because it and nectar from blossoms is rarely beneficial so I believe it luxurious position of having all involves catching lorikeets in form about 90% of their diet. was an irresponsible act to the kaka nests monitored and suburban backyards. He says They could not survive the liberate the lorikeets whose we will not allow more than two that DOC now has two officers winters in these islands any numbers have since increased. females to be lost. If this working on the lorikeet project more than they could live in On the other hand, some happens we will fall back on a and may employ a third officer. Tasmania. In fact, the native Australian birds have colonised contingency of intensive bush might not provide DOC will approach colleges and New Zealand’s shores naturally. trapping…" In other words, schools with new fact sheets enough flower sources for These include Silver-eyes and trapping will not be a priority them to survive the about the rainbow lorikeet White-faced Herons. until two female Kakas have programme in the hope children summers, so they would been killed. Given the small soon return to the mainland. There are two aspects of this will become an important source story and DOC’s attitude to the number of female Kakas of of information. Arborists and When I first heard about the Rainbow Lorikeets on which I breeding age known to survive, golf course managers will also campaign against the Rainbow would like to comment. First, this policy seems be given the information Lorikeet in the Auckland area, why has DOC chosen the incomprehensible. because they are also people my first reaction was that there Rainbow Lorikeet as the subject How can DOC justify spending likely to notice large lorikeet are as many introduced of its witch-hunt when other or budgeting so much money on flocks, says Mr Keeling.” European birds to be seen in the animals are known to have an eradicating Rainbow Lorikeets suburbs as native species. We So how many lorikeets are there extremely harmful or lethal yet leave nesting Kakas to the now in the Birkenhead- are not talking about an area of impact on the native avifauna? mercy of stoats? native habitat but one which has Northcote-Glenfield area? There is no such proof in the Furthermore, surely some kind been totally altered by man, by case of the lorikeet. According to Rex Gilfillan, who introduced exotic flora and of lorikeet census should be has closely monitored their fauna. More than 1,600 species Secondly, the sums of money carried out to confirm that this numbers from the start of this of introduced plants thrive in that DOC propose to spend on expenditure is justified. controversy, there are SIX! New Zealand today. eradicating the lorikeets are According to Rex Gilfillan, who nothing short of scandalous. lives in Auckland, reported I am asking WPT members to If the Rainbow Lorikeets had Last September DOC advertised sightings in the Birkenhead area make their views on this matter infiltrated island reserves and inviting applications for the which is at the centre of the known by writing to the Hon could thrive there, my reaction position of Rainbow Lorikeet controversy, have fallen Sandra Lee, The Minister of would be that they must be Project Manager - a contract for drastically. On January 18 he Conservation, Beehive Suite 6.6, eradicated at all costs, as a a minimum of two years. The sent me a fax to the effect that Parliament Buildings, Wellington, danger to the unique and budgeted salary for this position the Birkenhead lorikeet New Zealand (fax number 64 threatened endemic bird was in the region of NZ$58,000 population had fallen from 121 4473 6118) species. Or if, even in the (£17,575) per year or $116,000 last year to 3 at the present suburbs, the lorikeets could (£35,150) for the two year time. Some lorikeets may live in For further information please have a serious impact on native contract. On top of this is the areas outside Birkenhead but contact The Rainbow Trust, PO birds by taking over their nest sum of nearly one quarter of a from his own experience he Box 34-892 Birkenhead, New sites, this could be cause for million dollars already knows that the birds in the area Zealand or visit their web site at concern. But four introduced mentioned which has been do not move far from an www.rainbow.org.nz

PsittaScene Volume 12, No 1, February 2000 ■ 15 the day will be $90. Proceeds threatens to destroy two make this a venue of note. The will benefit the Gabriel valuable river systems. The dates are May 19-21. This year’s Foundation. flooded area will destroy some speakers include Joseph Forshaw from Australia, Please contact Chris Shank, of the richest rainforest veterinarian Louise Bauck from telephone 530 2268 33593 or on remaining in Belize, including Ontario and several speakers the Internet at the area inhabited by the from the USA. The symposium [email protected]. country’s last surviving population of Scarlet Macaws. aims to educate people on care, This is believed to number breeding, behaviour, nutrition, Indonesia: about 250 birds. The Belize health, intelligence and Red and Blue Lory Audubon Society is concerned conservation of parrots. It funds that the Belize Government is research into disease, Cape Parrot In 1994 the Red and Blue Lory intent on constructing the dam conservation and avian ( histrio) was placed on without having reviewed all the veterinary student scholarships. Information Appendix 1 of CITES. Two years options for electricity For further information contact Needed previously its population (only in generation. Electricity could be Roz Webb, Tel 250 479 1183, the Talaud Islands) was estimated obtained, instead, from wind email [email protected] or Craig Symes, of the University of at 2,000 birds and 50% of the power, solar energy and as a by- visit the symposium’s website at Natal, urgently needs data on population had been trapped that product from citrus fruit www.islandnet.com/~2parrot the breeding biology of the Cape year and exported. Placing it on growing and from sugar and Parrot (suahelicus & fuscicollis). Appendix 1 of CITES had Parrots Need Help All or any of the following sawmill industries. Furthermore, absolutely no impact on stopping Chalillo is fringed by limestone information would be very that trade. Who, on the Talaud sticker useful: which means there are probably Islands, had even heard of CITES? cave systems in the region. This 1. Date each egg laid From 1996 to 1999 the Action would have serious implications Sampiri project, a joint British and for dam construction. 2. Hatching date Indonesian effort, operated there. 3. Weights of chicks It did much to educate the people The has only just of the Sangihe and Talaud Islands survived in . It 4. Method of rearing (hand- to the importance of their is already extinct in El Salvador, reared and from what age, or endemic avifauna, especially the nearly extinct in Guatemala parent-reared) lory. Despite intensive efforts by where it survives only in the 5. Notes on development some local people, trapping Peten region, it is almost extinct (including attaining adult continued, though on a smaller on the Pacific side of Honduras plumage) scale. A joint effort between and Nicaragua and a small Action Sampiri and North population survives in Costa C.A.P.E. (Children’s Alliance for 6. Age of breeding pair; wild- Sulawesi’s Forestry Department Rica. Surely the Belize the Protection of the caught or captive-bred resulted, in 1999, in the endemic population is more important Environment) Campaign species from Talaud and Sangihe than the construction of a dam? 7. Sub-species plus country or As the result of our appeal area of origin, if known at last being protected under At least Costa Rica is aware of Indonesian law. Will this stop the the eco-tourist potential of the "Parrots need help", the C.A.P.E. 8. Remarks on breeding pairs trapping of the Red and Blue species and how many visitors it in India, responded strongly. Lory? We shall see… already attracts to their country. They launched a campaign for Please forward all information to the protection of parrots and Craig Symes at the Research their habitat at the City Birds Centre for African Parrot Sanctuary in Chandigarh, where Conservation, Dept of Zoology most of the birds are parrots. and Entomology, University of The Alliance produced a Natal, Private Bag XO1, colourful sticker, using our Scottsville, Pietermaritzburg, phrase "Parrots need help to Natal 3209, South Africa. survive in the wild … to thrive in our homes". Cockatoo Seminar in California Bird Stamp Cockatoo Downs Walkabout Collecting 2000 will take place on May 6th I have been collecting bird at Cockatoo Downs in Grass stamps for many years now and Valley. This seminar will focus have over 2,000 in my entirely on cockatoos. Sally collection. Bird stamps are a Blanchard, Sam Foster and Julie very popular theme for stamp Red and Blue Lory Scarlet Macaw Weiss Murad will speak on collecting and many can be companion cockatoos, and WPT valuable. There are many member Stewart Metz will Belize: Chalillo Canada parrots featured on stamps and discuss cockatoo conservation Dam The Canadian Parrot Symposium they are quite beautiful and programmes. A highlight of the (West) is held annually in decorative to collect. If members day will be the display and The projected Chalillo Dam in Victoria, BC, in the lovely setting and friends have any stamps interaction of Chris Shank’s free- Belize will cover about 760 of the Dunsmuir Lodge. Its they do not want would they be flying cockatoos. The cost for hectares of rainforest and sweeping vistas and hiking trails kind enough to send them to me

16 ■ PsittaScene Volume 12, No 1, February 2000 International Bird Contest - Japan Media event at the Rainforest Café, London. at my home in any quantity and Rosemary Low asked him for an competitions and contests for condition, new or used. I will outline of parrot keeping in hand-tame birds. There is a bird WPT’s Press then catalogue them and present Japan today. He reported: contest twice a year. Conference them for auction with all proceeds donated to the World “There are many bird fanciers in I saw a Red-fronted Macaw in a In August 1999 WPT and WWF Parrot Trust. Japan but the professional bird shop some years ago but it held a joint press event at the breeders breed only budgies, did not have a certificate to Rainforest Café in London, to Please send to: cockatiels and finches because show that it had been legally launch the Parrot Action Plan Mr R J Lee, 26 Lansdowne they want to produce many imported. Also, a few years ago and the John Cleese video, and House, Christchurch Road, chicks all year round. Few rumours were circulating that present the Carolina Medal to Bournemouth, BH1 3JS, Dorset people try to breed big parrots there were Palm Cockatoos in Carl Jones. This was extremely or send to WPT UK and we will such as amazons, cockatoos and Tokyo but I never confirmed successful, resulting in forward them. macaws because they require a their existence. Very few birds extensive tv and radio coverage, spacious aviary. It is difficult to are smuggled into Japan. and large articles on the threats find space for aviaries in our to parrots in most of the major Letter country. And these birds are I keep Queen of Bavaria’s UK newspapers. At the time we from HITOSHI SHIMURA very noisy! , Major Mitchell’s Cockatoos, Horned Parakeets, did not have photographs from Parrot Keeping in Japan There is a growing interest in Golden-shouldered Parakeets the event, but now have this Japan imports substantial hand-tame parrots among young and Grass Parakeet mutations. I shot showing (l to r): Julian numbers of parrots, some of women at the moment. Dealers have already succeeded in Pettifer, President of the RSPB, them from Europe. However, import hand-reared birds from breeding Golden-shouldered who kindly presented the medal there is not a lot of contact with the USA, Europe and other Parakeets. to Carl Jones; Carl Jones; Paul Japanese parrot lovers, mainly countries. I am a member of the Toyne of WWF; Mike Reynolds. because of the language Tokyo Piichikukai bird club. It I visited Paradise Park five years problem. Some of our members has a membership of 160 ago. This coming May I will be In foreground, members of the may have met Hitoshi Shimura people, from children, up to 85 going to Plantaria Bird Park in press. Our thanks to everyone from Tokyo at the parrot year olds. We meet every other Germany and Parc Paradisio in involved. conventions in Tenerife. month and hold photo Belgium.”

The IUCN/SSC Parrot Action Plan will be published very soon and we will introduce and describe it in the May 2000 issue of PsittaScene. Galahs Rainbow Lorikeets Also in the May 2000 issue we will feature the ‘Jewels of Nature’ project. This is the most ambitious publishing project for parrots ever created and will make a great contribution towards their conservation.

PsittaScene Volume 12, No 1, February 2000 ■ 17 Book Reviews by ROSEMARY LOW A Guide to Australian White Kea, Bird of Paradox The mischievous and Cockatoos destructive nature of the Kea The 15th title in the highly (Nestor notabilis) is successful Australian legendary. It is, I believe, the Birdkeeper A Guide to... most intelligent (and among series, covers the the most endearing) of the Australian White more than 200 species of Cockatoos. The term parrots which I have had in "white" is used to mean my care. New Zealand’s non-black, thus Galahs and mountain parrot evolved in Gang Gangs are included, harsh conditions; it needed in addition to the Cacatua to be very resourceful to species. The author is survive. Unfortunately, only Chris Hunt from Victoria an estimated 3,000 survive who, with his wife Maree, today. Yet it is an enormous breeds cockatoos, some of tourist attraction in some which are hand-reared for localities - and has also the pet trade. attracted much unfavourable publicity due to its playful habits, This is a very practical such as turning vehicles into junk heaps. guide, starting off with advice on purchasing cockatoos, In Kea, Bird of Paradox, Judy Diamond and Alan Bond from the transportation and the quarantine of new arrivals. The correct University of Nebraska, explore certain aspects of the Kea’s way to handle a cockatoo, with and without a towel, is illustrated history and natural history. They start by reconstructing the pre- with photographs. Housing, rodent control and aviary design are human environment in which the Kea evolved, an environment it discussed, along with the fact that suspended cages are not shared with moas and other long extinct species. They continue suitable for most cockatoos because they like to forage and play by describing how an expansion in Kea numbers appears to have on the aviary floor. This section includes a photograph of an coincided with European settlement of the high country. But soon upright cylindrical outdoor cage for a pet cockatoo. Sadly, I have seen these cages used on many occasions in Australia, although Keas had earned a reputation as sheep killers - and there was a they are totally unsuitable as the cockatoo is hardly able to open bounty on their heads. Thousands were killed. its wings. There is much good advice on size and gauge of wire In chapter 3 they describe the social behaviours of birds which mesh. they studied. These are illustrated with delightful line drawings The section on nutrition is very well illustrated and the need for (this description does not do them justice) of different aspects, fresh cut branches is emphasised. Australians, of course, are able such as play behaviour, and a male feeding a fledgling. (There is to supply a wealth of natural foods such as branches containing no colour in this book - only black and white photographs and eucalyptus gum nuts. In Europe we have to make do with pine drawings). Mark Marcuson’s drawings are simply outstanding. cones. They include those which show bill shapes of male and female, and "facial expressions" (in fact, the way the head feathers are The section on hand-rearing includes a useful table of weights of erected) to demonstrate aggression, defensiveness, chicks being hand-reared, from the ages of 15 days to weaning. To wean Greater Sulphur-crests at 54 days seems too early, to submissiveness etc. me, likewise Long-billed Corellas at 7 weeks. But then in my The chapter on growing and learning describes the role of young opinion most hand-feeders wean cockatoos much too early, often birds in Kea society. In another chapter, aspects of behaviour and with lasting psychological damage. The husbandry section covers ecology are compared with those of the other member of the 41 pages. It is followed by a 19 page section on diseases, , the Kaka. In the sixth and final chapter the authors contributed by Stacey Gelis, BVSc, MACVSc, an avian vet and describe modern contacts between Keas and people. These are aviculturist. This is a very valuable section, especially that not just damaging to human property but often result in Keas describing what to do with a sick bird, and the problems caused by dietary deficiencies. Discussion on the diseases to which risking or losing their lives. cockatoos are most susceptible, such as PBFD (circovirus), The book seemed to end abruptly at page 150. As far as it went it polyoma and chlamydiosis, is followed by information on was excellent - but there were so many other aspects which could disinfection, treatment and supportive care. Bacterial infections, have been explored. The species’ breeding biology was hardly aspergillosis, candidiasis, bumblefoot, worms, parasites and mentioned. Here avicultural experience could have been drawn heavy metal poisoning are all covered in a lucid and readable upon to include an enlightening and fascinating chapter. For manner. The various causes of feather plucking are also detailed, example, those who have worked with Keas for so many years at including allergies (dust mites, grasses, etc). Paradise Park would have been an invaluable source of The following 40 pages are devoted to species descriptions, with information. notes for each one on breeding, sexing, mutations, etc. For the Galah there are tables showing expectations from pairing Pages 151-230 consist of appendices, notes and index. Kea, Bird together the various mutations. This book is profusely illustrated of Paradox is published by University of California Press (ISBN 0- and contains a wealth of useful information. It is essential 520-21339-4, California and London). In the UK it costs £18.95 reading for all keepers and breeders of cockatoos, Australian or plus postage from, for example, Natural History Book Services in otherwise. Totnes.

18 ■ PsittaScene Volume 12, No 1, February 2000 Working for Parrot Conservation and Welfare Worldwide The World Parrot Trust was founded in 1989 as UK Registered Charity Parrots’, and to win over the majority of aviculturists, pet owners and No. 800944. International expansion has been rapid and the Trust now scientists to its point of view. The task is huge – our resources are has linked charities and support groups in Africa, Australia, Belgium, limited. We need the commitment of everyone in the ‘parrot community’: Canada, France, Germany, Holland, Italy, Scandinavia, Spain, Switzerland those who keep, breed, study and protect the parrots. Beyond those and the USA. special interests, we look for support from everyone who understands the crisis facing the world through the loss of biodiversity. We aim to Funds raised for the parrots have now reached £1,000,000 ($1.6M) and continue using the special charm of the parrots to win the hearts and have been used to initiate and support conservation and welfare minds of thoughtful people everywhere. projects in 20 countries for 37 species of parrot. Despite this wide- ranging activity, the Trust is run on a volunteer basis, with only two part Michael Reynolds time administrators worldwide. This uniquely cost-effective approach is Founder and Hon. Director made possible by substantial financial and logistical support donated by World Parrot Trust Paradise Park, the UK home base of the World Parrot Trust. The objective of the Trust is to promote the survival of all parrot species Mike Reynolds meets ‘Pablo’, and the welfare of individual birds. It pursues these aims by funding a hand-reared Echo Parakeet field conservation work, research projects and educational programmes. released to join critically The Trust seeks to promote the concept of ‘responsible aviculture’ where endangered wild Echoes in the interests of the parrots themselves are given priority over Mauritius. commercial, political, career or other human concerns. The World Parrot Trust and its members wish to be recognised as the ‘True Friends of the Join us Aims of the Trust If not already a member, please join. Receive our PsittaScene The survival of parrot species in the wild, and the welfare of captive birds. newsletter, know that you are actively contributing towards our These aims are pursued by: aims and projects. Educating the public on the threats to parrots. Opposing trade in wild-caught parrots. Help fund our Projects Preserving and restoring parrot habitat. Studying the status of parrot populations. We are currently supporting parrot conservation, education and Encouraging the production of aviary-bred birds. welfare projects in 20 countries. Your generosity towards the Creating links between aviculture and conservation. parrots could help us expand current schemes and start new Promoting high standards in the keeping of parrots. ones. Supporting research into veterinary care of parrots.

WPT NATIONAL CONTACTS Switzerland YES, I WANT TO HELP SAVE THE Lars Lepperhoff, Lutschenstrasse 15, 3063 Ittigen United Kingdom Tel: (41) 31 922 3902 Karen Allmann, Administrator, PARROTS OF THE WORLD Glanmor House, Hayle, Cornwall TR27 4HB Germany New Nos: Tel: (44) 01736 751026 Fax: (44) 01736 751028 Representative needed – email: [email protected] Call WPT-UK SUBSCRIPTION RATES (please tick) Name...... Mike Reynolds email: [email protected] Italy Address ...... USA Cristiana Senni, email: [email protected] Joanna Eckles, PO Box 50733, St. Paul, MN 55150 Freddie Virili, via Matarus 10, 33045 Nimis, Udine. UK and Europe (Single) £15 ...... New Nos: Tel: 651 275 1877 Fax: 651 275 1891 Email: [email protected] Australia ...... Benelux Mike Owen, 7 Monteray St., Mooloolaba, UK and Europe (Joint) £20 Queensland 4557...... Peter de Vries (Membership Sec.), Jagershof 91, 7064 DG Silvolde, Netherlands Tel: (61) 7 54780454 email: [email protected] ...... Zip/Postcode ...... Tel: (31) 315327418 email: [email protected] Africa Fellow (Life Member) £250/US$400 Belgium enquiries: Romain Bejstrup (32) 32526773 Netherlands enquiries: Ruud Vonk (31) 168472715 V. Dennison, PO Box 1758, Link Hills, Corporate (Annual) Please charge my Mastercard/Visa No. Natal 3652, S. Africa Canada Tel: (27) 31 763 4054 Fax: (27) 31 763 3811 Mike Pearson, PO Box 29, Mount Hope, All overseas Airmail £17/US$25 Spain Exp. date ...... Amount £/US$ ...... Ontario L0R 1W0 Tel: (1) 905 385 9500 Fax: (1) 905 385 7374 Andrés Marin and Ana Matesanz, (or equivalent currency, payment C/Cambados No. 1, 2° Dcha, by Visa/Mastercard preferred) Signature ...... email: [email protected] Denmark (Scandinavia) 28925 Alcorcon (Madrid), Spain OR: Michael Iversen, Hyldevang 4 – Buresoe, Tel: (34) 91 6100621 email: [email protected] 3550 Slangerup Plus donation of £/US$ ...... I enclose a cheque made payable to the WPT WPT Web Sites: email: [email protected] Central: http://www.worldparrottrust.org France Canada: http://[email protected] J. & G. Prin, 55 Rue de la Fassiere, 45140, Ingre. Italy: http://www.mediavillage.it/wpt Or join us on our website: www.worldparrottrust.org Tel: (33) 2 38 43 62 87 Fax: (33) 2 38 43 97 18 Denmark: http://www.image.dk/fpewpt

PsittaScene Volume 12, No 1, February 2000 ■ 19 Parrots in the Wild

White-breasted Parakeet albipectus This parakeet is found only in south-east Ecuador. Up until 1990 very collected has been incorporated in the Global Action Plan for Parrots. little was known about this endangered bird. However, support from Here the parakeet is listed as vulnerable, CITES Appendix 2. The The World Parrot Trust and other conservation groups enabled Dr parakeets’ one known safehaven is Podocarpus National Park in Loja Paul Toyne to lead a series of expeditions called Parrots in Peril Province, where within its altitudinal sub-tropical range of 940 - comprised of British and Ecuadorian scientists to find and study this 1800 m it is fairly common. However, outside of this protected area beautiful parakeet (see Psittascene Vol 6 No 3 for more information). habitat loss due to agricultural encroachment, gold mining and road The expeditions were a success and much of the information building appear to be the biggest threat.

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