in Peril?

byJill Hedgecock Walnut Creek, California

I was lying on a remote beach in habitat for other common pet rid their crops of pests, have resulted Costa Rica near dusk, listening to the species such as , lories and in rapid and widespread population quiet surge of calm ocean waves. lorikeets. declines in the eastern part of its Insects maintained their dull, monot­ While maintains a popu­ range. Scientists David C. Oren and onous hum behind us in the tropical lation of many cockatoo species Fernando C. Novaes predict, as a forest that bordered the beach. Sud­ which are so abundant they are often result of a biological study conducted denly, the peaceful air was disrupted shot as agricultural pests, a small tract from 1981 to 1984, that unless mea­ as a flock of squawking, screeching of Australian is the sole sures are taken to secure a biological flew into a nearby coconut tree. habitat for a number of sensitive reserve for and alter domestic trade Caught without my binoculars and in cockatoo and species. Species of this species, it is likely the Golden the fading light, I could just discern dependent on this rare and important Parakeet will be extinct east of the approximately 15 or so green, habitat include the Palm Cockatoo Rio by the year 2000. -sized birds. Occasionally, a (Probosciger aterrimus), which was Particularly susceptible species are flash of orange, presumably from recently (1987) added to the CITES island inhabitants, such as the St. feathering underneath the wings, endangered species list. Other parrot Lucia (Amazona versicolor), Puerto could be seen. After several minutes, species dependent on this rainforest Rican (Amazona vitto), Cuban (Ama­ these busy, boisterous birds disap­ include the Double-eyed Fig Parrot zona leucocepbala)and Saint Vin­ peared just as suddenly as they had (Opopsitta diopbtbalma), Red­ cent (Amazona guildingilJ Amazons. appeared. This W;JS not my first, nor cheeked Parrot ( geoffroyi) my only, encounter with wild psitta­ and the Parrot (Eclectus All large are also particularly susceptible to tropical rainforest cine birds during my brief visit to roratus). destruction. Although some parrot Costa Rica. However, it was one of Species most sensitive to deforesta­ species have been studied extensively the most memorable. tion are those with limited distribu­ for habitat requirements, such as the Like this flock of birds, which dis­ tion, specialized diets or specific Puerto Rican Parrot, no or limited appeared so suddenly, so are the rain­ habitat requirements. Such is the case information is available for breeding forests rapidly disappearing. Tropical for the or Queen of and natural habitat requirements for rainforest destruction, perhaps the Bavaria Conure ( guar­ the vast majority of parrot species. most ecologically disastrous event in ouba). The Golden Parakeet is found Without this critical information, human history, is occurring at an in a limited area in northern , tracts of rainforest left standing could alarming rate of 50 to 100 acres per south of the . This spe­ be of insufficient size or vital habitat minute!,2 While occupying less than cies requires extensive stands of tall requirements could be destroyed, 7 % of the earth's land surface (a mere Amazonian rainforest during the non­ dooming these species to . 2% of the globe), tropical breeding season and cleared areas Clearly, further field work is neces­ provide a home for over one-half the adjacent to the forest during breeding sary in this area. world's species~,4 To date, we have season. During both the breeding and already lost one-half of the original nonbreeding season, these birds All Indonesian cockatoos require tropical rainforest? forage for food primarily in the tall mature tropical rainfoest. In the Except for Australian cockatoos, forest. As a result of , Moluccas, where a growing human one-fifth of all birds and plants on species competition fOr habitat in the population has converted rainforests Earth evolved in the ? Golden Parakeet's range has devel­ to cultivated land, 26 parrot species Through 65 million years of evolu­ oped? The (Ara­ are known to occur. Species of cocka­ tion, primary rainforest habitat repre­ tinga solstitialis jandaya) utilizes toos in Indonesia include the Salmon­ sents the most biologically diverse the dried second growth which crested (Cacatua moluccensis), and the most critically threatened replaces the original rainforest habitat Sulfur-crested (Cacatua galerita) and habitat on the planet. Tropical rain­ of the Golden Parakeet once it has the Palm (Probosciger aterrinus) forest, best defined by rainfall (160 to been destroyed. Although the Golden Cockatoos. In addition to population 400 inches) and temperature (approx. Parakeet is protected as a threatened pressure, 90% of all Indonesia's trop­ 80 OF), are located in areas of Central species in Brazil, pressures from large­ ical timber has been allocated to and , Indonesia, north­ scale development, increased road Japan. Faced with this type of east Australia and west Africa. The access, increased value in the black onslaught, it is doubtful sufficient Amazon holds, by far, the largest tract market pet trade, as well as hunting rainforest habitat will remain to of rainforest. In addition to parrot pressure from local residents who accommodate the diversity of psitta­ species, tropical rainforests are the either shoot the bird for meat or to cine birds that currently exist in this 26 December / January 1991 area. Other species at risk due to rain­ forest destruction in Indonesia are the Black-Iored Parrot ( Judge us by the company we keep gramineus), the Purple-naped Lory (Lorius garrulus) and the Amboina King Parrot (Alisterus amboinensis) to name a few. Malay Lorikeets (Loriculus galgu­ las) occur in treetops in Borneo's rainforests. Malaysia has the highest deforestation rate in the world. The devastation of Borneo's rainforest, particularly Sarawak - an area in northern Borneo considered home by a tribe of indigenous Penan Indians ­ is massive. According to the Penan, "If we are lucky, we may come upon food after walking and searching for two to three days~' An estimated five USDA • u.s. Center for Disease Control • Mayo Clinic • Saudi Royal Family square miles of rainforest per day or Sloan-Kettering Institute • Walt Disney World • Busch Gardens • Opryland approximately three hectares a min­ Six Flags • Lion Country Safari • U.S. Army • U.S. Air Force • VA Hospitals ute is being cleared by the Malaysian Countless Zoos • Universities and Game Preserves throughout the Free World logging industry~ Eighty percent of the timber, mostly a type called Mer­ Write for our free catalog! anti, is imported by Japan. Products such as disposable chopsticks and plywood sheets used to mold con­ The Humidaire Incubator Company crete are developed from the wood. Department W, 21 7 West Wayne Street, New Madison, Ohio 45346 The plywood sheets are used only two to three times before being dis­ carded. One-third of Sarawak's for­ (513) 996-3001 • FAX (513) 996-3633 ests have already been destroyed. Serving the world for 59 years More and more parrot species are being added to the CITES (Confer­ ence on International Trade in Endan­ gered Species (endangered species list as their populations decline. According to Rosemary Low, author • • of the book Endangered Parrots, PAINTED trade accounts for only 3% of the rea­ FROM A A son parrots are endangered, while PAIR OF habitat destruction accounts for HYACINTH Royal 50%. While limiting trade of species MACAWS may reduce population pressures, KEPT AT Pair corresponding measures to protect MICHANNE by endangered species habitat must be ACRES Joe Longo implemented. Prevention of illegal smuggling and black market trade must be enforced for the bird popula­ • tions to recover and thrive. For some 18" X 18" species, such as the Yellow-eared Conure (Ognorhynchus icterotis) and the Maroon-fronted Parrot (Rhyn­ • HYACINTH MACAWS • chopsitta terrisi), habitat destruction is considered the sole cause of declin­ Order this unique limited edition, signed & numbered ing populations. Trade is considered to accelerate lithographic print - faithfully reproduced in full color. population declines of some species Each print is produced with a triple printed mat and such as the Palm Cockatoo (Probos­ is ready to frame. A must for every bird lover -Excellent ciger aterrinus), the Eclectus Parrot (Eclectus roratus), and the Blue­ Gifts. Order yours today streaked Lory (Eos reticulata) to $ 22.50 each Joe Longo Michanne Arts name a few. Although these species $ 2.50 handling/shipping 20714 SE 260th maintain a protected status (making Washington state residents add $2.03 state tax. Kent, WA 98042 trade of these species illegal in their $ 25.00 Foreign add $7.50 and please remit in U.s. funds. (206) 631-4245 home country), the law is often afa WATCHBIRD 27 ignored and the penalties are not enforced. The financial incentives for smuggling and black market trade of protected species increase as the birds become rarer and more valuable. Endangered birds that are considered a food source also must often perse­ vere hunting pressures. While the sale of a may feed a family for a week, the same macaw may provide just one meal. Even smaller birds, such as the Golden Parakeet, are con­ sidered a food source to some forest residents.

The BuffonJs Macaw (Ara ambigua) inhabits the Pacific slope ofeast Panama. Panama has lost approximately 60 % ofits rainforest. 12, 13

Artwork by Gamini Ratnavira

.::s:. ~ Q5 z c a ~ 1;) oQ) c "(\1 a: >. ...Cl o· a .c (L

Since World War II) over one-halfofthe worldJs rainforesthas disappeared.

.::s:. ~ Q5 z c a "~

Populations of the Chestnut-mandibled (Ramphastos swainsonii) have greatly decreased due to deforestation. 11

Indonesia is home to a variety of cockatoo species; 90percent ofall Indonesia Js tropical timber has been allocated to]apan.

28 December / January 1991 The HAGEN AVICULTURAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE (HARI) located in Rigaud, Quebec was established in 1985 to study the captive breeding and maintenance of companion birds. At present, the breeding colony houses 150 pairs of 40 various parrot species. The birds are housed in separate, double door rooms incorporating the latest techniques in environmental control. • Insulated walls and ceilings are totally waterproofed with PVC plastic sheeting. • Sloped poly-urethane concrete floors are drained to an environmentally secure in-house septic system. • Down draft ventilation is connected to a high tech air-to-air heat exchanger and Mark Hagen is Research multiple fan system which provides fresh warm air. Director at HARI. He has a Master of Agriculture • 400 watt sodium and fluorescent lights with timers provide photoperiodic from the University of manipulation. Guelph and specializes • Green House misting system provides continuous humidity control and a rain­ in Psittacine . like effect which the birds love. His continued Research includes Nutrition, • Large eight and ten foot suspended flights and gravity feeders provide privacy Incubation and other and minimal human disturbance. Psittacine Aviculture Research fields include disease control, pair bonding, nutrition and the influence of temperature, research projects. humidity and light cycles on breeding. Progress has been rapid in the area of feeding re earch at HARI. Hagen's new VME seed line (Vitamin and Mineral Enriched) incorporates the most effective supplem ntation for smaller bird species. HARI re earch determined that vitamin and mineral enrichment of dehulled seed kernel was more effective than other industry methods, such as coloring the outside hull or simply mixing seeds with poultry type pellets, which are often rejected by the birds. PRIME, a unique vitamin/mineral and limiting amino acid supplement which includes beneficial bacteria and digestive enzymes, was also developed by HARI. The formula i de igned for bird on a soft food or seed diet, ensuring that all es ential nutrients are made available in the diet. The TROPICAN line of formulated, fruit flavored extruded foods for parrots is the direct result of intensive nutrition research at HARI. The TROPICA line includes both a High Performance formula for breeding birds, moulting or period of stress and the Life-Time formula for normal maintenance conditions. Both PRIME and TROPICA have been fed to HARI' own colony of birds since 1985 with excellent results. Hari has raised many of the larger parrots and is presently supplying pet stores with tame babies.

-HAGE ®

U.S.A.: ROLF C. HAGEN (U.S.A.) CORP. Mansfield, Ma 02048 CANADA: ROLF C. HAGEN INC. Montreal, Que. H4R 1E8 U.K.: ROLF C. HAGEN (U.K.) LTD. Castleford, W. Yorkshiure, WF10 5QH When most people think of rain­ often sell logging rights much too what is happening to "our" pet birds. forest destruction, they think of slash cheaply. The administrative costs of • If you own birds such as Blue & and burn techniques used for agricul­ managing the contracts and the loss Gold and Scarlet Macaws which tural development. In fact, the prob­ of tax revenue can actually exceed the breed readily in captivity, set them up lem is much more complex. For amount the government receives to nest. Not only will raising these instance, road-building is a severe from the logging concessions. This birds be enjoyable, but you can help problem. Why? Because not only report challenges the idea that eco­ meet the demand for domestic pets does the open space create barriers nomic benefits outweigh the harmful and diminish the import of wild which some mammals, birds and consequences of deforestation. birds. some butterflies will not cross, but it Most of us were affected by the • Educate your friends and family also opens up the land to logging drought last year and although scien­ and encourage them to participate. trucks. In a ten year study of the tists were not certain of the cause, For further information, contact Amazon rainforest launched by many said the condition was aggra­ the Rainforest Action Network, 301 Thomas Lovejoy, it has been noted vated by the loss of the rainforests. Broadway, Suite A, San Francisco, CA that, in a 25 acre section of rainforest, Other global issues such as the green­ 94133. 75% of the population of low flying house effect also are being com­ birds disappeared in only six weeks pounded by rainforest destruction. References after the adjoining land was cleared? The greenhouse effect is the term 1. Brand, S. and Carstensen, J. 1988. Lush, Once the commercially valuable used to describe global warming as a Wet and Wild. Saving Tropical Rainforests. hardwoods have been extracted by result of the trapping of the sun's rays The Chronicle Whole Earth Catalog. The logging companies, small-scale agri­ by the build-up of gases, particularly San Francisco Chronicle. April 6, 1988 (calculated from data from the National culturists move in and after only a carbon dioxide, in the atmosphere. Academy ofSciences). few years must abandon these fields These light rays, which would nor­ 2. Brody, J. 1987. Concern for Tropical Rain­ and destroy even more rainforest due mally reflect out into the atmosphere, forests has Begun to Blossom. The New to nutrient depletion of the soils. are heating up the planet and could York Times, Octrober 13,1987. 3. Linden, E. 1989. Biodiversity: The Death Unlike soils in temperate forests here dramatically alter regional climates. of Birth. The Problem: Man is recklessly in the United States, tropical soils are The destruction of rainforests contri­ wiping out life on earth. Time, Jan. 2, actually quite nutrient-poor with the butes to the build-up of carbon 1989. majority of nutrients retained in the dioxide in the atmosphere in two 4. Hale, E. Unique Corner of the World vegetation. Once the vegetation is ways. Carbon dioxide is generated Battles for its Life. USA Today. October 4, 1989. destroyed or removed (logs), so also directly by the burning of vegetation. 5. Brand, S. and Carstensen, J. 1988. Lush, are the nutrients. According to a recent Environmental Wet and Wild. Saving Tropical Rainforests. Although agricultural plants cannot Defense Fund newsletter, 6,000 fires The Chronicle Whole Earth Catalog. The grow, grasses can still be planted and were counted as a small aircraft flew San Francisco Chronicle, April 6, 1988. cattle brought in. Once this stage is over Brazil in one day. Second, with 6. Steinhart, Peter. National Wildlife, Dec.! Jan. 1984. reached, the destruction of the rain­ the loss of rainforest vegetation, 7. Oren, D.C. and Novaes, F.c. 1986. Obser­ forest is virtually irreversible. In plants which would normally convert vations on the Golden Parakeet, Aratinga , the conversion of C02 to oxygen during the process of guarouba, in Northern Brazil. Biological rainforest to cattle pastures has been photosynthesis are no longer present. Conserv.36:329-337. 8. Stout, Jenny. 1989. Logging: Environmen­ the primary cause of deforestation. It is estimated that an area of rain­ tal and Social Devastation. Take Action for With the loss of the canopy for an forest equivalent to the size of Penn­ the Indigenous Peoples of Sarawak, Malay­ extended time, in combination with sylvania disappears every year. By the sia. Rainforest Action Network. nutrient depleted soils, the intense year 2000, most of the smaller, Sahabat Alam Malaysia. 1989. The Battle sun rays bake the clay soils to hardpan for Sarawak's Forest. unprotected tracts of rainforest will 9. Petit, Charles. 1989. Small Clearings Can rendering the land useless. Of the be gone and by the year 2050, all Break Wildlife Survival Chain. San Fran­ beef exported from Central America, unprotected rainforest will have dis­ cisco Chronicle. September 28, 1989. 90% is brought into the Untied States, appeared. And with the rainforest, 10. H. Jeffrey Leonard. 1987. Natural most of it going to fast food restau­ the birds and dependent Resources and Economic Development in Central America: A Regional and Environ­ rants!O Due to the lack of labelling upon it disappear. mental Profile. Transaction Books, New laws, once the beefarrives in the U.S., Fortunately, there are many ways Brunswick, NewJersey. it is stamped USDA approved. With­ individuals can help to stop the 11. Ridgely, Robert S. 1981. Guide to the Birds out an indication of origin, it is destruction of the rainforests and of Panama. Third printing. Princeton virtually impossible to track its University Press. Princeton, NewJersey. assist in the preservation of pet bird 12. Ibid. destination. After a one-and-a-half species. Here are just a few sugges­ 13. lCBP. 1985. Conservation ofTropical For­ year boycott on Burger King spear­ tions: est Birds. Proceedings of ICBP Tropical headed by the Rainforest Action • Don't buy products made from Forest Birds Symposium, Cambridge. A.W. Network, this fast food chain can­ rosewood, mahogany, teak and other Diamond and T.E. Lovejoy, eds. 14. Smiet, F. 1985. Notes on the Field Status celled contracts to buy rainforest tropical hardwoods unless you can and Trade of Moluccan Parrots. Biological beef. Other fast food restaurants confirm these woods were produced Conserv.34:181-194. which are believed not to use rain­ from a renewable source. forest beef are McDonald's and • Letter writing - members of the Wendy's. Rainforest Action Network are pro­ Jill Hedgecock is a free lance writer in Walnut Short-sighted economic policies vided with monthly newsletters on a Creek, California. She has been working on are another cause of deforestation. rainforest issues for nearlyfour years and is specific rainforest issue. currentlypursuing a Master's degree in Envir­ According to a report by the World • Write articles for your local bird onmental Management at the University of Resources Institute, tropical countries club newsletters letting them know San Francisco.•

30 December / January 1991