DOCSLIB.ORG

Greater Vasa Parrot Breeding Survey Bydave Blynn Norcross, Georgia

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text

Load more

Greater Vasa Parrot Breeding Survey byDave Blynn Norcross, Georgia Introduction LimitedTime This article presents anecdotal infor­ for Success WISH mation on the known successful Thirty-three babies have hatched in breedings of the special Greater Vasa the USA since 1988, 18 of those from LIST Parrot, Coracopsis vasa. My know­ one pair. The imported adult birds ledge of these events is limited and now in the USA must all be at least the numbers too few to consider this a nine years old or older. While that definitive study of their habits in cap­ may be old in the wild, one lived in tivity. I do hope that this information captivity for 52 years. We should have for AFA's Office and Committees will encourage others to experiment at least another five to ten years to -- with this unusual species so that we learn how to breed the Greater Vasa Funds are tight ... and we're very can preserve the bloodlines now Parrot consistently if we want to save prudent about our expenses ... but existing within North America. the bloodlines now residing here. Cer­ there are things that would make life tainly, all of these imported birds are and business sooo much nicer! If any Unique Characteristics mature enough to reproduce. Domes­ of our members can donate any of Greater Vasa Parrots are unique tically raised babies have shown these items, we would be very grate­ birds, differing greatly from most other breeding characteristics at three years ful! Please call the office, (602) parrot species. They have long limbs of age, although none have yet repro­ 484-0931, to be sure the dona­ (Silva), unlike any other living species, duced in the USA. tion is what we're looking for except for the Lesser Vasa Parrot, Cor­ and stillinneed. acopsis nigra. Cloacas extend in both BreedingTable females and males during breeding I have compiled a table ofbreedings Looking for donations from the season. The skin of both sexes turns showing some characteristics of the Phoenix area: yellow-orange when in breeding con­ successful events. While the table • Secretary's chair dition. The females' beaks grow wider strongly suggests what we have to do, • Small front lobby corner table and they also lose their head feathers. please remember that I do not have • Small free-standing storage cabinet Females probably will breed with information on all the unsuccessful more than one male, if available. They breeding attempts. It is possible that Looking for donations from also develop a pouch under the lower most of the Greater Vasa Parrots, suc­ anywhere, U.S.A.: mandible which fills with a clear fluid cessful and unsuccessful, are set up in • FAX machine when feeding young. Their eggs hatch most common breeding conditions • Plant/floral arrangement for front in 17 days and the babies' eyes open shown in the table. If true, that would lobby in eight days. If conditions are ideal, invalidate the conclusions I draw from they will fledge in seven weeks. the information in the table. 11IANKS forthe donations: • Hendricks printing, Irvine, CA Problems BreedingTable Carton (1000) catalog envelopes Unfortunately, they are also marked Additional 4 cartons, 500 ea., #10 envelopes by some not-so-unique problems. Information • M. Jean Hessler, Costa Mesa, CA Their primary home range, Madagas­ All but one pair were fed a general Plant/floral arrangment for front car, is rapidly being deforested and parrot diet of seeds, fruits and vegeta­ lobby shortly there will be no place for them bles. One pair was fed a pelleted diet to survive. Four or five hundred were and fruits and vegetables. Nest boxes imported into the U.S.A. in 1984/85 reportedly ranged in size from a 15" x Bird Pet and Supplies and, probably, 200 or less are still 15" to a 16" x 24" base, with heights Retailers - alive. Only a few dedicated avicultur­ from 24" to 36". "Large cage(s)" are at did you know that one ofthe most ists are interested in these birds. They least 4' x 4' X 8' in size. "Outdoor I prestigious bird publications are not very attractive to the eye and cage(s)" were either all outdoor or The Watchbird there is little or no commercial market combined indoor/outdoor cages. is available for resale in your store? for them as pets. Additional importa­ "Others nearby" refers to other Great Call or write for infonnation: tion is unlikely, due to their low desir­ or Lesser Vasa Parrots within sight or I American Federation ofAviculture ability, our new federal law and the hearing distance. "Years bred" shows P.O. Box 56218, Phoenix, AZ 85079-6218 difficulty of exporting from Mada­ a single year, inclusive years, or first (602) 484-0931 gascar. year (further success being unknown). 56 June / July 1993 c c m>- Q) > oco Breeding Table Conclusions >­ .D Most breeding successes were in en o large outdoor cages with other vasa <5 £. a.. parrots nearby or large outdoor cages with an additional male in the cage. Tony Alexander's pair is a glaring exception to the nIle, since they are in a small outdoor cage with no other vasa parrots in the collection. This pair is perfectly matched, since they are the only pair that consistently repro­ duces in the USA. Continued onpage 58 This adult hen with young shows a beakgreatly widened, as much as three-eighths ofan inch. A hen in non-breeding season has a narrower beak similar to the cock bird. One can beak-sex the hens when they are ready to breed. Note also the bald head andyellow skin which is typical of Greater Vasa hens when they are on eggs oryoung. afa WATCHJ3IRD 57 A '93 Success? later. A third hen laid two eggs, which pages long, so please request them I have four Greater Vasa Parrot Betsy found on the floor of the cage. only if you need the notes for refer­ cages in one location with one female This was probably due to the location ence while rearing babies. and one to three males in each cage of the nest box. I had placed it at the (three of the males are young domes­ feeding end of the cage. This cage LesserVasa tic birds). When the first hen came grouping, with the extra males and Breeding Information into breeding condition, all of the nest boxes at the far end of the cages, The Lesser Vasa Parrot, Coracopsis other birds (except the '92 baby male) shows promise for the future. nigra is also known as the Black Par­ also came into breeding condition. rot. I have no Lesser Vasa Parrot One female, with two adult males, laid Additional Baby breeding information now. Three USA four fertile eggs stalting December 31, Information Available breeders say that their birds breed 1992. Three of the eggs pipped in the Arlene Chandler made extensive well in pairs and normally produce nest box, but none hatched due to notes on her two babies, one incu­ every year. If the information becomes cold weather. My daughter, Betsy bator hatched and one parent reared available, I will compile a similar table Paul, finally pulled them after a wait of to the age of four weeks. Betsy Paul is for the Lesser Vasa Parrots in the up to four days. She helped them making thorough notes on the four future. hatch and she began hand feeding babies she is feeding. By June '93, I four babies. A second female became will be able to provide copies of their Vasa Parrot Stud Books egg-bound. We removed her eggs, notes to people who are hand feeding Registration of the vasa parrots in but, unfortunately, she died four days babies. These notes will be ten to 15 the stud book is free. Your name and address will not be part of the stud book. That list is separate and not GREATER VASA (Coracopsis vasa) SUCCESSFUL BREEDINGS TABLE proVided to other people. While over 160 greaters are in the books, less than 60 lessers are registered. Your parti­ Large Small Indoor Outdoor Others Extra Years cipation may help save these distinct Cage Year Place Cage Cage Cage Nearby Males Bred Notes parrots for future generations of avi­ 4x4x8' (Less) or I/O G or L in Cage culturists. 1987 GER UNK UNK UNK UNK '87-? 1 Chart Notes 1988 SWITZ Yes XXX XXX YesINo '88-? 2 1. Dieter Meyer (then-East Ger­ many) has first world breeding. 0 1988 PHIL XXX XXX XXX XXX '88-? information is available. 1988 USA XXX XXX '88-92' 3 2. Laid eggs while in group, feltile, 1988 USA XXX XXX XXX '88 4 did not hatch, parents too busy being aggressive. Separated the pair and 1990 UK XXX XXX XXX '90-'92 5 they produced chicks. 1990 UK XXX XXX XXX '90-? 6 3. Small outdoor cage inside large wire enclosure. Consistent producers. 1991 USA XXX XXX XXX '91 4. Infeltile eggs in '89, then the male 1992 USA XXX XXX XXX '92 escaped and was not recaptured. 1992 USA XXX XXX XXX '92 5. Infertile eggs in earlier years, added extra males and they now pro­ 1992 USA XXX XXX XXX '92 duce yearly. 1992 SPAlN XXX XXX XXX UNK '92 6. One greater female, two greater 1993 USA XXX XXX XXX XXX '93 7 males and one lesser all placed in one cage in '90. Produced the first year. TOTAlS 12 1 1 1 11 9 4+? 7. Infertile eggs twice between '85 and '89 when only one male with hen. Pair moved to Georgia, placed outside with additional male near other vasa cages in August '91.
Recommended publications
  • TAG Operational Structure

    TAG Operational Structure

    PARROT TAXON ADVISORY GROUP (TAG) Regional Collection Plan 5th Edition 2020-2025 Sustainability of Parrot Populations in AZA Facilities ...................................................................... 1 Mission/Objectives/Strategies......................................................................................................... 2 TAG Operational Structure .............................................................................................................. 3 Steering Committee .................................................................................................................... 3 TAG Advisors ............................................................................................................................... 4 SSP Coordinators ......................................................................................................................... 5 Hot Topics: TAG Recommendations ................................................................................................ 8 Parrots as Ambassador Animals .................................................................................................. 9 Interactive Aviaries Housing Psittaciformes .............................................................................. 10 Private Aviculture ...................................................................................................................... 13 Communication ........................................................................................................................
  • Ownership of Parrots in Madagascar: Extent and Conservation Implications

    Ownership of Parrots in Madagascar: Extent and Conservation Implications

    Ownership of parrots in Madagascar: extent and conservation implications K IM E. REUTER,LUCIA R ODRIGUEZ S AHONDRA H ANITRINIAINA and M ELISSA S. SCHAEFER Abstract The trade of live parrots is a threat to wild popula- they are extracted from source countries for international tions but is understudied. Madagascar is home to three par- pet markets (Poole & Shepherd, ). In Ghana, –% rot species listed on CITES Appendix II: Coracopsis nigra, of grey parrots Psittacus erithacus have been lost since Coracopsis vasa and Agapornis canus. Prior to this study as a result of the trade in these species and habitat deg- there were no data on the ownership of parrots in radation (Annorbah et al., ). Likewise, in the Madagascar. We therefore aimed to investigate the extent Democratic Republic of Congo the live capture of parrots of the domestic pet trade in this group. Our objectives for the pet trade is a driver of the decline in P. erithacus were to quantify the prevalence, spatial extent, and timing (Hart et al., ). Although numerous studies have exam- of ownership. We collected data in July and August in ined the keeping of parrots as pets in Latin America, there nine urban towns across Madagascar, using semi-structured have been relatively few studies of this in Africa. household surveys (n = ). We found that the ownership Madagascar is home to three species of parrot: the lesser of pet parrots is widespread in time and space; %(%CI vasa parrot Coracopsis nigra, the greater vasa parrot –%) of interviewees had seen, and %(%CI–%) Coracopsis vasa andthegrey-headedlovebirdAgapornis had owned, a Coracopsis sp.
  • Ownership of Parrots in Madagascar: Extent and Conservation Implications

    Ownership of Parrots in Madagascar: Extent and Conservation Implications

    Ownership of parrots in Madagascar: extent and conservation implications K IM E. REUTER,LUCIA R ODRIGUEZ S AHONDRA H ANITRINIAINA and M ELISSA S. SCHAEFER Abstract The trade of live parrots is a threat to wild popula- they are extracted from source countries for international tions but is understudied. Madagascar is home to three par- pet markets (Poole & Shepherd, ). In Ghana, –% rot species listed on CITES Appendix II: Coracopsis nigra, of grey parrots Psittacus erithacus have been lost since Coracopsis vasa and Agapornis canus. Prior to this study as a result of the trade in these species and habitat deg- there were no data on the ownership of parrots in radation (Annorbah et al., ). Likewise, in the Madagascar. We therefore aimed to investigate the extent Democratic Republic of Congo the live capture of parrots of the domestic pet trade in this group. Our objectives for the pet trade is a driver of the decline in P. erithacus were to quantify the prevalence, spatial extent, and timing (Hart et al., ). Although numerous studies have exam- of ownership. We collected data in July and August in ined the keeping of parrots as pets in Latin America, there nine urban towns across Madagascar, using semi-structured have been relatively few studies of this in Africa. household surveys (n = ). We found that the ownership Madagascar is home to three species of parrot: the lesser of pet parrots is widespread in time and space; %(%CI vasa parrot Coracopsis nigra, the greater vasa parrot –%) of interviewees had seen, and %(%CI–%) Coracopsis vasa andthegrey-headedlovebirdAgapornis had owned, a Coracopsis sp.
  • Parrots in the Wild

    Parrots in the Wild

    Magazine of the World Parrot Trust May 2002 No.51 PsittaScene PsittaSceneParrots in the Wild Kakapo chicks in the nest (Strigops habroptilus) Photo by DON MERTON The most productive season since Kakapo have been intensively managed, 26 chicks had hatched by April. The female called Flossie Members’had two. Seen here are twoExpedition! young she hatched in February 1998. Our report on page 16 describes how she feeds her chicks 900 rimu fruits at each feed - at least four times every night! Supporting parrot conservation in the wild and promoting parrot welfare in captivity. Printed by Brewers of Helston Ltd. Tel: 01326 558000. ‘psittacine’ (pronounced ‘sit a sin’) meaning ‘belonging or allied to the parrots’ or ‘parrot-like’ 0 PsittaPsitta African Grey Parrot SceneScene Trade in Cameroon Lobeke National Park Editor By ANASTASIA NGENYI, Volunteer Biologist, Rosemary Low, WWF Jengi SE Forest Project, BP 6776, Yaounde, Cameroon Glanmor House, Hayle, Cornwall, The forest region of Lobeke in the Southeast corner of Cameroon has TR27 4HB, UK been the focus of attention over the past decade at national and international level, owing to its rich natural resource. Its outstanding conservation importance is due to its abundance of Anastasia Ngenyi. fauna and the rich variety of commercial tree species. Natural CONTENTS resources in the area face numerous threats due to the increased demand in resource exploitation by African Grey Parrot Trade ..................2-3 the local communities and commercial pressure owing to logging and poaching for the bush meat trade. Palm Sunday Success ............................4 The area harbours an unusually high density of could generate enormous revenue that most likely Conservation Beyond the Cage ..............5 forest mammals' particularly so-called "charismatic would surpass present income from illegal trade in Palm Cockatoo Conservation ..............6-7 megafauna" such as elephants, gorillas and parrots.
  • A Synopsis of the Pre-Human Avifauna of the Mascarene Islands

    A Synopsis of the Pre-Human Avifauna of the Mascarene Islands

    – 195 – Paleornithological Research 2013 Proceed. 8th Inter nat. Meeting Society of Avian Paleontology and Evolution Ursula B. Göhlich & Andreas Kroh (Eds) A synopsis of the pre-human avifauna of the Mascarene Islands JULIAN P. HUME Bird Group, Department of Life Sciences, The Natural History Museum, Tring, UK Abstract — The isolated Mascarene Islands of Mauritius, Réunion and Rodrigues are situated in the south- western Indian Ocean. All are volcanic in origin and have never been connected to each other or any other land mass. Despite their comparatively close proximity to each other, each island differs topographically and the islands have generally distinct avifaunas. The Mascarenes remained pristine until recently, resulting in some documentation of their ecology being made before they rapidly suffered severe degradation by humans. The first major fossil discoveries were made in 1865 on Mauritius and on Rodrigues and in the late 20th century on Réunion. However, for both Mauritius and Rodrigues, the documented fossil record initially was biased toward larger, non-passerine bird species, especially the dodo Raphus cucullatus and solitaire Pezophaps solitaria. This paper provides a synopsis of the fossil Mascarene avifauna, which demonstrates that it was more diverse than previously realised. Therefore, as the islands have suffered severe anthropogenic changes and the fossil record is far from complete, any conclusions based on present avian biogeography must be viewed with caution. Key words: Mauritius, Réunion, Rodrigues, ecological history, biogeography, extinction Introduction ily described or illustrated in ships’ logs and journals, which became the source material for The Mascarene Islands of Mauritius, Réunion popular articles and books and, along with col- and Rodrigues are situated in the south-western lected specimens, enabled monographs such as Indian Ocean (Fig.
  • Status, Distribution and Recommendations for Monitoring of the Seychelles Black Parrot Coracopsis (Nigra) Barklyi

    Status, Distribution and Recommendations for Monitoring of the Seychelles Black Parrot Coracopsis (Nigra) Barklyi

    Status, distribution and recommendations for monitoring of the Seychelles black parrot Coracopsis (nigra) barklyi A. REULEAUX,N.BUNBURY,P.VILLARD and M . W ALTERT Abstract The Seychelles black parrot Coracopsis (nigra) species (Snyder et al., 2000). Their conservation, however, barklyi, endemic to the Seychelles islands, is the only remains a significant challenge. Almost 30% of the c. 330 surviving parrot on the archipelago. Although originally parrot species are threatened (compared to 13% of all birds, classified as a subspecies of the lesser vasa parrot Coracopsis Hoffmann et al., 2010), primarily because of habitat nigra evidence now indicates that the Seychelles population destruction or capture for the pet trade (Snyder et al., may be a distinct species, in which case its conservation 2000), and the Psittacidae is the avian family with the status also requires reassessment. Here, we address the highest number (both relative and absolute) of taxa on status of the C. (n.) barklyi population on the islands of its the IUCN Red List (Collar, 2000). Twelve parrot species are current and likely historical range, Praslin and Curieuse, known to have become extinct since 1600 and historical assess the effect of habitat type on relative abundance, and evidence suggests that others have also been lost identify the most appropriate point count duration for (Stattersfield, 1988). Ten of these documented extinctions monitoring the population. We conducted point count were endemic island species. Such species have typically distance sampling at 268 locations using habitat type as a restricted ranges and population sizes, which make them covariate in the modelling of the detection function.
  • Revising the Phylogenetic Position of the Extinct Mascarene Parrot

    Revising the Phylogenetic Position of the Extinct Mascarene Parrot

    Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution 107 (2017) 499–502 Contents lists available at ScienceDirect Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution journal homepage: www.elsevier.com/locate/ympev Short Communication Revising the phylogenetic position of the extinct Mascarene Parrot Mascarinus mascarin (Linnaeus 1771) (Aves: Psittaciformes: Psittacidae) ⇑ Lars Podsiadlowski a, , Anita Gamauf b,c, Till Töpfer d a Institute of Evolutionary Biology and Zooecology, Bonn, Germany b Museum of Natural History Vienna, 1st Zoological Department – Ornithology, Burgring 7, 1010 Vienna, Austria c University of Vienna, Dept. Integrative Zoology, Althanstr. 14, A-1090 Vienna, Austria d Zoological Research Museum Alexander Koenig, Centre for Taxonomy and Evolutionary Research, Section Ornithology, Adenauerallee 160, Bonn, Germany article info abstract Article history: The phylogenetic position of the extinct Mascarene Parrot Mascarinus mascarin from La Réunion has been Received 4 August 2016 unresolved for centuries. A recent molecular study unexpectedly placed M. mascarin within the clade of Revised 25 November 2016 phenotypically very different Vasa parrots Coracopsis. Based on DNA extracted from the only other pre- Accepted 20 December 2016 served Mascarinus specimen, we show that the previously obtained cytb sequence is probably an artificial Available online 22 December 2016 composite of partial sequences from two other parrot species and that M. mascarin is indeed a part of the Psittacula diversification, placed close to P. eupatria and P. wardi. Keywords: Ó 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. Mascarinus Mascarin Coracopsis Psittacula Extinction Indian Ocean parrots 1. Introduction stated explicitly by Peterson (2013) and Dickinson and Remsen (2013) and applied by del Hoyo and Collar (2014). For taxonomic The Mascarene Parrot or Mascarin, Mascarinus mascarin names above the species level we follow the system proposed by (Linnaeus, 1771), was one of a series of bird species from the Mas- Joseph et al.
  • Birds of Madagascar and Their Conservation

    Birds of Madagascar and Their Conservation

    Birds of Madagascar and Their Conservation byMichael S. Putnam Department ofZoology University of Wisconsin tl Madison, Wisconsin I 100 plus Ecstatic Testimonials Striding up a steep hillside with the Council for Bird Preservation (Collar loud whisper of a rushing stream in and Stuart, 1985), 28 species of Warm, nurturing foods. the background, I stepped into a Malagasy birds are threatened and 14 mist-net lane I had cut a week before. species are considered as near­ Cook monthly, As I entered the clearing, a medium­ threatened. These species represent freeze in packets, sized brown bird squawked and flew between one-fifth and one-third of off from eye-level. Carefully search­ the island's endemic bird species. serve in seconds. ing the nearby vegetation, I became one of a lucky handful of foreigners The primary threats to Madagas­ At fine stores, orcall... to ever find a nest of the Brown car's birds today, habitat loss and Mesite (Mesitornis unicolor), a rare overhunting, have already eliminated 1(800) BIRD YUM forest-dwelling relative of rails. The many unique Malagasy creatures. 1 (800) 247-3986 large egg, delicately colored in sal­ Since people first arrived on Mada­ mon with liver-colored spots, rested gascar 1500 to 2000 years ago, much 13330 Bessemer Street precariously in a frail, dove-like nest of the island has been deforested, Van Nuys, CA91401-3000 positioned at the end of a sloping leaving the red lateritic soil exposed (818) 997-0598 sapling. This encounter with the and eroding, with little chance for Brown Mesite is just one of many forest regeneration.
  • Frequently Asked Questions Parrot Species Listed Under The

    Frequently Asked Questions Parrot Species Listed Under The

    Frequently Asked Questions Parrot Species Listed Under the Endangered Species Act TABLE OF CONTENTS GENERAL FAQs .......................................................................................................................... 2 GENERAL FAQs ABOUT PARROTS ...................................................................................... 4 FAQs FOR PARROTS LISTED AS THREATENED .............................................................. 5 FAQs FOR PARROTS LISTED AS ENDANGERED .............................................................. 7 PARROT SPECIES LISTED UNDER THE ESA as of 5/9/2014 ........................................... 10 1 GENERAL FAQs What is the process for adding a species to the list of threatened and endangered species under the Endangered Species Act (ESA)? In order for a plant or animal species can receive the protection provided under the ESA, it must be added to the Federal Lists of Threatened and Endangered Wildlife and Plants. A species is added to the list when it is determined to be endangered or threatened because of any of the following factors: a) the present or threatened destruction, modification or curtailment of its habitat or range; b) overutilization for commercial, recreational, scientific or educational purposes; c) disease or predation; d) the inadequacy of existing regulatory mechanisms; or e) other natural or manmade factors affecting its continued existence. An endangered species is defined as one “in danger of extinction throughout all or a significant portion of its range.” A threatened species is defined as one “likely to become an endangered species within the foreseeable future throughout all or a significant portion of its range.” The process of listing begins in one of two ways: through the petition process or the candidate assessment process. The ESA provides that any interested person may petition the Secretary of the Interior to add a species to, or to remove a species from, the lists of threatened and endangered wildlife and plants.
  • Impact of Protection on Nest Take and Nesting Success of Parrots in Africa, Asia and Australasia D

    Impact of Protection on Nest Take and Nesting Success of Parrots in Africa, Asia and Australasia D

    Animal Conservation. Print ISSN 1367-9430 Impact of protection on nest take and nesting success of parrots in Africa, Asia and Australasia D. J. Pain1,Ã, T. L. F. Martins1,Ã,w, M. Boussekey2, S. H. Diaz2, C. T. Downs3, J. M. M. Ekstrom4, S. Garnett5, J. D. Gilardi6, D. McNiven1, P. Primot7, S. Rouys8,9, M. Saoumoe´ 7, C. T. Symes10, S. A. Tamungang11, J. Theuerkauf12, D. Villafuerte2, L. Verfailles7, P. Widmann2 & I. D. Widmann2 1 RSPB, The Lodge, Sandy, Bedfordshire, UK 2 Katala Foundation, Puerto Princesa City, Palawan, Philippines 3 School of Biological & Conservation Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Scottsville, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa 4 Birdlife International, Wellbrook Court, Girton, Cambridge, UK 5 Institute of Advanced Studies, Charles Darwin University, Northern Territory, Australia 6 The World Parrot Trust, Glanmor House, Hayle, Cornwall, UK 7 Association pour la Sauvegarde de la Perruche d’Ouvea´ (ASPO), Ouvea,´ Loyalty Islands, New Caledonia 8 Marine Laboratory for Environmental Resources Studies, University of New Caledonia, Noumea,´ New Caledonia 9 Wildlife Conservation Research Unit, University of Oxford, Tubney, Oxon, UK 10 Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa 11 Department of Animal Biology, University of Dschang, Dschang, Cameroon 12 Museum and Institute of Zoology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Wilcza, Warsaw, Poland Keywords Abstract nest take; parrots; trade; CITES; protection. Wild parrots represent one of the greatest commercial interests in the legal trade in Correspondence wild birds. Although it is difficult to quantify, there is a considerable illegal trade in D. J. Pain, RSPB, The Lodge, Sandy, wild parrots. Thirty-six per cent of the world’s parrot species are listed by the Bedfordshire SG19 2DL, UK.
  • Greater Vasa Parrot?

    Greater Vasa Parrot?

    What Could Be Greater than the Greater Vasa Parrot? (Coracopsis vasa) by Susie Christian, Morro Bay, California species are very hardy and the Lesser adagascar! An exotic, trop­ Vasa Parrot, Coracopsis nigra, is consid­ ical island that lies off the ered a pest by the government. C. vasa M east coast of Africa, the occurs on Madagascar and the land of the Lemurs, Baobab trees, all Comoros, C. nigra on Madagascar, the manner of flora and fauna oddities and Comoros and Seychelles and Agapomis the Greater Vasa Parrot, Coracopsis cana, although originally probably vasa. Their scientific name, Coracopsis endemic to Madagascar, has been intro­ refers to their supposed resemblance to duced to the Comoros, Seychelles, crows and the word "Vaza" is Malagasy Rodriguez, and Zanzibar. Only C. v. for parrot, in the dialects spoken in the vasa is distributed in the east. C. v. south of the country. drouhardi, however, is found in the For a better understanding of the west and south of Madagascar where uniqueness of the Vasa Parrot, it seems it occurs in semi dry forests and savan­ helpful to have a brief picture of the nah. Most of the Vasas exported from land from which it originates. Madagascar are the western sub­ Madagascar is the fourth largest island species, drouhardi. in the world after Greenland, New The subspecies of the Lesser Vasa Guinea and Borneo. It has a land-mass from the Seychelles is highly endan­ of over twice the size of the British gered and populations are declining Isles. Approximately 120 million years on the Cormoros Islands.
  • Birds Calling but Couldn’T Lure Any Closer During the Heat of the Mid Afternoon

    Birds Calling but Couldn’T Lure Any Closer During the Heat of the Mid Afternoon

    Madagascar - Tom and Linda Arny 7th to 18th November 2007 Trip Report compiled by James Currie Tour Summary The tour started on the 7th November after meeting Tom and Linda at Johannesburg International Airport. We arrived in Tana in the late afternoon and commenced the journey to Perinet, ticking our first selection of egrets and herons in the Tana wetlands. It was dark by the time we arrived at Perinet and we embarked on a short evening walk, hearing both Long-eared Owl and Rainforest Scops Owl. The next morning saw us visiting Perinet Special Reserve where we were treated to superb views of Indri. We spent 3 nights in the Perinet/Mantadia area and visited Mantadia on two consecutive mornings, with the balance of the time being spent at Perinet. Highlights from Mantadia included crippling views of Madagascar Pygmy Kingfisher, nesting Velvet Asity and Pitta-like and Scaly Ground-Rollers with particularly good looks at the latter species, several good views of Nuthatch Vanga climbing up and down tree trunks, a pair of Madagascar Little Grebes, stunning looks at Greater Vasa Parrot, Madagascar Blue Pigeon, a greenbul flock that included Grey-crowned, Longbilled and Spectacled Greenbuls with a brief sighting of an unconfirmed Madagascar Yellowbrow, a troop of confiding Diademed Sifakas with Rufous-headed Ground-Roller calling in the background. Highlights from RBT Madagascar Trip Report 2007 2 Perinet included superb close-up views of both Red-breasted Coua and Madagascar Wood Rail, roosting Collared Nightjar, Madagascar Long-eared Owl, skulking Madagascar Flufftail, Red-fronted Coua, nesting Chabert’s and White-headed Vangas and a roosting Rainforest Scops Owl.