Winter 2019/20 Winter 2019/20 CONTENTS

Home , Grey parrot, Timneh parrot, World Parrot Trust

Magazine of the

Message from the Chairperson 4 Alison Hales 30TH ANNIVERSARY SINCE 1989 The Timnehs of Sierra Leone Glanmor House, Hayle 5 WPT-supported research Cornwall TR27 4HB UK info@parrots.org +44 (0)1736 751026 www.parrots.org The Malherbe’s Parakeet 9 New Zealand’s winged gem

ABOUT THE WPT WPT Africa Conservation Program Capture for the live-bird trade, 12 2019 in review habitat loss and other factors put wild parrots at risk. One in three parrot species are currently Pet Pages: threatened in the wild. 14 Why Train a Parrot?

As an international leader in parrot conservation and welfare, the Paradise Park UK World Parrot Trust works Where birds inspire with researchers, in-country 16 organisations, communities and governments to encourage 20 Mshindi the Survivor: effective solutions that save parrots. Rescued Grey Parrots thriving in the wild 20 Since 1989 the WPT has grown to send a message of hope become a global force that moves quickly to address urgent issues and support long-term projects. PsittaNews Over that time WPT has led or 14 22 Parrot News and Updates aided conservation and welfare WPT Contacts projects in 43 countries for more 16 than 70 species of parrot. Parrots in the Wild Peach-faced Lovebirds CHARITY INFORMATION 24 United Kingdom: # 800944 United States: EIN 62-1561595 Canada: BN 89004 1171 RR0001

ON THE COVER

Photo © Aaron Fellmeth Photography

Also known as the Orange-fronted Parakeet, the Malherbe’s Parakeet (Cyanoramphus malherbi) is listed as Critically Endangered (IUCN) in its native southern New Zealand, with fewer than 300 individuals left in the Editor: Desi Milpacher wild. These birds are threatened by feral predators, loss Layout, Design & Production: Michelle Kooistra of nesting trees and disease. Fulfillment: Karen Whitley & Charlotte Foxhall The World Parrot Trust does not necessarily endorse Learn more on Page 9: The Malherbe’s Parakeet: any views or statements made by contributors to PsittaScene, and will consider articles or letters from New Zealand’s winged gem. any contributors on their merits. Visit parrots.org/ psittascene for Guidelines. Anyone wishing to reprint PsittaScene articles in full or in part needs permission from WPT and the author/photographer(s) and must state that it was copied from PsittaScene. All contents © World Parrot Trust Winter 2019/20 PsittaScene.org 3 | Editorial

“Wow!” I whispered, barely containing

my excitement. Martin © Rowan leave a In front of us was a pair of Timneh LEGACY Parrots, engaging in what appeared A message from the © Corey Raffel Macaw Hyacinth to be a courtship display. There was for parrots a distinctive ‘head bob’ followed by Chairperson a clamping together of beaks and the regurgitation of food. So with this issue of PsittaScene the World Parrot Trust starts its fourth decade! How proud would Then some playful nibbling, more my father be to know how much has been bobbing and more feeding. After achieved since he had the idea to start a trust to help parrots, and how much more is planned a few minutes, the male sidled thanks to the support of so many parrot-lovers up to the female, leaned in for around the world. another nibble, reached over his leg, their cloacae met and the act This time we bring you the story of an individual Grey Parrot, trapped in Africa but later released was complete. by WPT partners. Find out what news there is of Mshindi eight years on, and how she got her I looked over at Momoh and Arnold, name. Rowan Martin also writes about Africa’s and we all smiled. other Grey Parrots, the Timnehs, and their small population in Sierra Leone. “Wow”.

On the other side of the world, Luis Ortiz- Catedral tells you of his work with Malherbe’s Parakeets, the Critically Endangered species better known as the Orange-fronted Parakeet.

And we haven’t forgotten companion and aviary birds in this edition. Pamela Clark considers training as a route to creating rewarding The Timnehs of Sierra Leone relationships, and we spend a day at Paradise Rowan Martin, PhD. WPT Africa Programme Director Park where visitors can get close-up with free- flying parrots in deepest Cornwall where the Trust started all those years ago. e already knew we were in a importantly, to identify ‘hotspots’ and strategies special place. Since setting off to protect them. just after dawn to survey for Timneh Parrots were only recognised as a TimnehW Parrots we had encountered distinct species by the IUCN (International numerous small groups flying overhead Union for Conservation of Nature) in 2012, and and feeding on palm fruit. in 2016 were categorised as globally Endangered. Alison Hales While little is known about their numbers in the WPT Chairperson What will be your legacy? As the mist lifted on the morning there was a wild, it’s clear that they are much rarer than their sense the parrots were becoming more active. brighter, brasher cousins the African Greys, and By including the World Parrot Trust in your We were in a remote coastal region of Sierra recent work in Guinea-Bissau had given us cause will, trust or beneficiary designation, you Leone, one of only five small West African for concern. are creating a personal legacy that will have countries where Timneh Parrots occur. a lasting impact for parrots and the places Our research suggested there are no more than where they live. Since 2018 World Parrot Trust (WPT) has been 1,000 throughout the entirety of Guinea-Bissau For more information about including WPT working with local ornithologists in Sierra and probably far fewer. The remaining Timneh in your planned giving opportunities, visit Leone, Momoh Sesay and Professor Arnold Parrots are largely restricted to just two tiny and www.parrots.org/legacy, or contact the Okoni-Williams of the University of Sierra Leone, remote islands, with numbers elsewhere depleted branch nearest to you (see page 23.) to determine the status of these parrots and by trapping and forest loss.

4 PsittaScene.org Winter 2019/20 Winter 2019/20 PsittaScene.org 5 Fortunately, initiatives led by IBAP (National parrots greater than the entire estimated national Institute for Biodiversity and Protected Areas), population. Many more were exported as captive- with the support of WPT, Save Our Species and bred despite there being no captive-breeding MAVA have been successful in working with local facilities. Fortunately, in 2017 these ‘loopholes’ were communities to find alternatives to trapping. closed down when CITES transferred the species to For now, the tiny populations in Guinea-Bissau Appendix I. The governments of Sierra Leone and remain stable, but there is an urgent need to Guinea strongly supported this change as vital for build on these efforts to protect wild populations protecting their wildlife. elsewhere. The recent research by Sesay and Okoni-Williams Back in Sierra Leone, the focus has been on in Sierra Leone also uncovered a small but possibly

making rapid assessments of five areas in the significant local trade in parrots as pets. Timneh © Rowan Martin more forested southern and eastern parts. In ~ Jamie Parrots were found for sale in a market stall in particular we were targeting potentially suitable, Freetown and several pet owners were identified. but largely unknown, patches of habitat outside Two-thirds of people interviewed were unaware that of existing National parks and other protected Timneh Parrots were a globally threatened species, areas. Adapting an approach developed in Guinea- while a similar number did not know that their Bissau, the surveys combined direct observations trapping and sale was prohibited under national law. with interviews with local community members. Momoh Sesay discussed the situation with the stall The people who live alongside the forest have a holder, who no longer sells parrots. These findings vast knowledge of local wildlife, their lives deeply suggested that significant gains could be made entwined with the threats facing the parrots. through raising awareness and that even apparently As well as gaining insight into the status of the small actions can make a difference. parrots we also wanted to understand people’s attitudes and the values they place on wildlife. Encouragingly, the National Protected Areas Such information is fundamental to building Authority (NPAA) of Sierra Leone, which is the effective conservation. © Rowan Martin national government body that oversees the implementation of wildlife trade laws, is taking Of the 62 people interviewed, the majority had action. Following a tip off in 2018, a group of Timneh © Rowan Martin seen Timneh Parrots flying over, or feeding on Parrots were seized in a village not far from the site foods such as the fruits of oil palms, in the past we were surveying. The parrots were found together year. At three of the five sites, people reported with a baby chimpanzee, and all were reportedly en how they saw them less frequently and in route to an expatriate working at a nearby mine. lower numbers than in the past, but at two sites numbers were considered stable. Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary stepped up to take in the chimp and the parrots. With support Seven individuals admitted to having captured and guidance from the WPT, the parrots have been Timneh Parrots, describing how they sold them to rehabilitated and by the time you read this article middlemen or took them to the capital, Freetown. should be flying free again in the wild! Parrots would be transported on public boats along the coast to Kambia district where they then Direct observational surveys were also a central part crossed the border to Guinea. Additional interviews of our investigations, complementing information conducted with law enforcement officials based in obtained through interviews. At each site we walked the Kambia district verified this route. a number of transects, collecting data on parrots as we went. Much of the coast of Sierra Leone is Historically, Sierra Leone’s western neighbour cloaked in mangrove forests and in many places the has been a major exporter of both Timneh and tangled mass of roots and branches rising from deep, Grey Parrots. In the mid-2000s, Guinea issued sucking mud is all but impenetrable on foot. CITES permits annually for exports of wild

Upper right: Momoh Sesay and a field assistant conduct a Upper and lower right: Confiscated Timneh Parrots at Tacugama survey transect. Lower right: Patrick Dauda and Momoh Sesay Chimpanzee Sanctuary. Middle right: An examination of one of search for Timneh Parrots in Gola Rainforest National Park. the birds reveals damaged flight feathers.

6 PsittaScene.org Winter 2019/20 © Rowan Martin © Rowan Martin THE MALHERBE’S PARAKEET New Zealand’s winged gem Luis Ortiz-Catedral, Michael Skirrow and Crystal Dalbeth Photos © Luis Ortiz-Catedral

The Malherbe’s Parakeet (Cyanoramphus malherbi) (also known as Orange-fronted parakeet or kākāriki karaka in Māori) is one of the rarest New Zealand forest birds, and also one of the least studied. The taxonomy of the species alone has a 200-year history.

It has been considered a colour morph, a The captive breeding program, which includes hybrid or a subspecies by various authors the Isaac Conservation and Wildlife Trust due to the similarity in colouration between and the Auckland Zoo, continues to produce it and many Cyanoramphus species. Recent numerous juveniles that are released into © Rowan Martin molecular work has determined that the mainland population. Establishing Malherbe’s Parakeets are in fact a separate populations via release of captive-bred birds Above: Traversing Timneh Parrot habitat. species with a fascinating evolutionary history. has been successful for the Red-fronted Parakeet (Cyanoramphus novaezelandiae) Unfortunately, by the time their recognition and Yellow-crowned Parakeet (C. auriceps) as a species came up, their numbers in New — close relatives of Malherbe’s Parakeets — On several occasions Momoh as important as once thought, or Zealand forests had gone down to alarming so there is substantial evidence that in took to boats to conduct populations in these relatively levels. Like many other New Zealand species, principle, another Cyanoramphus species surveys within extensive areas accessible areas have collapsed. Malherbe’s Parakeets are threatened by could thrive on predator-free islands. However, of mangroves. Although both introduced predators. their survival and persistence on islands is not African Grey and Timneh Our attempts to verify reports of fully understood. Parrots are known to frequent roosts used by large numbers Their survival nowadays is thanks to the mangroves, they are more of parrots just outside of Gola ongoing work by the New Zealand Department From 2009 to 2018 we have monitored of Conservation, which manages the remaining commonly thought of as birds of National Park found no signs Timneh Parrot Malherbe’s Parakeets on Chalky, Maud and mainland populations of the species by creating closed canopy rainforest. these roosts still existed, sadly (Psittacus timneh) Blumine Islands and have also collected suggesting that numbers have predator-proof nests, and by controlling opportunistic information on the Yet during surveys the most been driven perilously low by IUCN Red List Status: introduced predators like stoats Endangered behaviour of these birds. Our sightings of Timneh Parrots were heavy trapping. and rats. Starting in 2005, an analysis shows that in the made in mangroves. It’s possible CITES Listing: ambitious new approach Appendix I short term, Malherbe’s that due to their inaccessibility, Against this backdrop, the sense was implemented: World population: Parakeets establish these swampy areas act as vital of joy among our team at seeing Malherbe’s Parakeets Likely much fewer than 100,000 well in their new refuges for parrots in the region, signs of breeding was even are being bred or providing nest sites safe from greater. There was no doubt this Range: homes and can SE Guinea, Guinea-Bissau reared in captivity poachers. Local people reported was a deeply precious site. Just as reproduce within (Bijagós islands), and southern and released to seeing parrots in mangroves most in Guinea-Bissau, this ‘island’ of Sierra Leone, Liberia and western months after Côte d’Ivoire . offshore predator- frequently during the breeding forest had been protected in part release. season, supporting this idea. through its remote location. Threat Summary: free islands. The species has been heavily traded on the international Multiple surveys of some of the The challenge now is to market: 176,052 individuals have most extensive areas of rainforest ensure these sites, which are been exported from range states becoming increasingly rare, since 1975. Habitat loss is also in Sierra Leone, such as the Gola significantly impacting the species’ Rainforest National Park, have receive adequate protection, range. In many countries there has repeatedly found numbers of supported by local communities, been marked losses of the birds’ preferred nest trees. Timneh Parrots to be extremely government and the low. Either such habitats are not international community.

8 PsittaScene.org Winter 2019/20 Winter 2019/20 PsittaScene.org 9 Female in forest canopy © Luis Ortiz-Catedral

Male parakeet on Blumine Island © Luis Ortiz-Catedral

Fiords near Chalky Island, where the first reintroduced population was established © Luis Ortiz-Catedral

Parakeet at nest burrow © Luis Ortiz-Catedral

Finding Malherbe’s Parakeet nests on A few years after their initial release, established after release and there have been offshore islands is an interesting activity. we have registered juveniles hatched records of juveniles hatched on site. However, it It starts with watching a parakeet or two on Chalky, Blumine and Maud Islands. is uncertain how small or large their population flying regularly to a specific location, then We have also attempted to estimate is there. In 2020 with the support of the New approaching the area carefully to register population sizes based on these records, Malherbe’s Parakeet Zealand Parrot Trust, we will attempt to unravel (Cyanoramphus malherbi) breeding behaviours, like courtship and by mapping areas of greater activity. the mysteries of the Malherbe’s Parakeets on feeding or nest guarding. Then, when Based on our records, the population of IUCN Red List Status: Tuhua Island. Critically Endangered the parakeets leave the area, we need parakeets on Maud Island appears to be CITES Listing: to inspect available hollows and cavities in very low numbers…so low that we only We will conduct an island-wide survey and Appendix II in the area using a flashlight and mirror. have sporadic detections. collect information on their nesting biology that World population: Some cavities are high in the canopy, hopefully can help us understand how well they Fewer than 300. and we can spend hours looking through On Chalky Island Malherbe’s Parakeets are establishing there. With plenty of offshore Range: thick foliage with binoculars scanning for coexist with the more abundant Yellow- islands and the technology to control introduced New Zealand, formerly through- potential hollows…only to find out that crowned Parakeet. Malherbe’s Parakeets out North and South Islands, now predators more efficiently on the mainland, only on South Island in South the nest we are looking for is located on there number approximately 50-100 we believe that the future bodes well for these Hurunui, Poulter and Hawdon a fallen log, on a rock crevice or a hollow birds. On Blumine Island numbers appear River valleys. Captive bred birds beautiful birds, and we hope that many more introduced to Chalky Island, on the ground! higher with around 200 Malherbe’s island populations are established to conserve a Fiordland, and Maud and Blumine Parakeets. Their distinctive chuckle can Islands. Also introduced in the truly enigmatic New Zealand endemic. north to Tuhua Island. On Maud Island we documented seven be heard overhead as they forage on the Threat Summary: nesting attempts that differed significantly tall beech trees. This species has suffered from from the “standard” nest type that the feral rat and stoat predation, and Special thanks: also loss of nesting beech trees species uses on the mainland. This is A fourth island, Tuhua, also had Our work on Maud, Blumine and Chalky Islands has through harvest and burning. Also actually good news as it shows that Malherbe’s Parakeets introduced from been supported by the Auckland Zoo Conservation lost is low-lying brush to deer, Fund, Massey University, Brian Mason Scientific & cattle and possums. Psittacine captive-bred or captive-reared birds have captive stock but their numbers have beak and feather disease found behavioural flexibility that allows them not been established. Similar to the Technical Trust and the Mohamed bin Zayed Species in a few individuals; regular Conservation Fund. We have also received help from monitoring now occurs. Sex ratio to use the resources in their new homes. other three islands, parakeets readily numerous volunteers to whom we extend our thanks. skewed towards males due to predation of females.

10 PsittaScene.org Winter 2019/20 Winter 2019/20 PsittaScene.org 11 From groundbreaking investigations leading to better protections for parrots WPT Africa WPTConservationWPT Africa WPTAfrica Conservation Africa Conservation Program Conservation Program Program threatenedProgram - 2019 - by 2019 trade in to- heartwarming2019 inreview review in tales review of parrots rescued from trafficking ClickClick on textonClick- 2019text and on inand photos textreview photos and for photos forlinks links to fornow moreto linksthriving more information toin theinformation more wild, it’s information been another important year for parrots in Africa.

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NewIllegal Newresearch trade: research NewIllegal research trade: New research Illegal trade: SurveysConservation of trade in planning: Cape Parrot Illegal trade: SurveysIllegal trade: of trade Surveys inConservation of trade workshop inAction Dec Planning held collaborationin collaboration collaborationlaunched launched with launched withcollaboration with launched with parrots in markets in Dec Dec parrots in marketsparrots in in marketsHogsback in South AfricaUniversity University of Exeter,University ofDec Exeter, UK, of UK,to Exeter, Universityto UK, toof Exeter, UK, to Nigeria completed Nigeria completed Nigeria completed examineexamine bird birdtradeexamine trade in Westbird in West tradeAfricaexamine Africa in West bird Africa trade in West Africa The WPT Africa Conservation Program would like to thank everyone who has worked so hard The WPT AfricaThe Conservation WPT Africa ProgramConservationIllegal would trade: Program like Surveys to thankwould of trade everyonelike into 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12 PsittaScene.org Winter 2019/20 The WPT Africa Conservation Program would like to thank everyone who has worked so hard to protect parrots in 2019 including our partners, donors and the many unsung heroes Pet| Pages

The first signs of illness in a parrot can often be fluctuations in weight. Weighing your birds on a weekly basis is a recommended practice, so teaching them to step onto a scale is a very useful and practical behaviour to train.

It not only makes it easier for you as the caregiver to monitor their health, but it can also be a useful behaviour to employ in

veterinary checks as well. Dreamstime.com | Kaminski Kathy ©

why train a others have been identified. This type of on cue. We can also teach some simple, a trainer.” I had to point out to her that training results in a number of desirable fun behaviours like turning around or she previously had very effectively outcomes, in addition to solving these waving. Anyone can teach these things! trained her parrot to scream and lunge urgent problem behaviours. We become You would be amazed at how forgiving, aggressively. The fact that her training better able to read body language. flexible, and adaptable parrots can be was unintentional doesn’t matter. It was

© Chris Shank Chris © Parrot Positive reinforcement training creates in the face of our own lack of training her reactions to her parrot’s behaviours greater trust between bird and owner. skills. They still learn quite readily and that reinforced them to the point where ? It also affords the parrot a much greater have fun doing it. They love this type of they became serious problems that degree of control over his existence, social attention. required professional help to resolve. We would not adopt a puppy without the expectation that we will need increasing quality of life. We must accept that We really don’t have a choice. We must to train some basic behaviors, if we expect to have a well-behaved adult Often I hear the expressed concern accept that we are all trainers. We have we are all trainers. dog. However, when we bring a parrot home, we rarely entertain this that a parrot isn’t food motivated. If the responsibility to think about what you think about it, this can’t be correct. We have the responsibility we are training our animals with our same expectation beyond the need to teach the parrot to step up. Parrots need food to live, so they must social attention...all of the time. As I by definition be food motivated. What to think about what we are once heard zoo trainer and consultant owners usually mean when they say training our animals with Barbara Heidenreich say, “If an animal consultations typically follow a similar s a behaviour consultant, this is that their parrot has not seemed our social attention... is aware of you, you must be aware of pattern. We improve the diet, evolve social interested in taking a treat in exchange the animal.” I have never heard better I regularly speak with relationships to eliminate pair bonding for a cued behaviour. If parrots are not all of the time. advice. Once we come to recognize well-meaning people activities, and increase enrichment and motivated to earn training treats, it is this reality, interactions with our Awhose parrots roam the floor other opportunities for making choices. typically because they are getting too However, training is not necessarily parrots become smoother and better Then we discuss the most appropriate chewing up the baseboards and many fatty and carbohydrate-rich foods easy for people in the beginning. It behaviour results. I have trained myself behaviour change strategies, including in their daily diet. can be tiring because of the focus it to think always about what I might be About the Author chasing four-legged pets, who the alteration of behaviour patterns takes. For many of us, so used to having teaching the bird every time I have an attack less preferred family through the use of positive reinforcement. Thus, we often must improve the our attention fragmented, this type of interaction. I have come to realize that In other words…training. Pamela Clark CPBC, CVT is members, and who scream for bird’s diet before we can modify his focus can seem like very hard work. my first impulses are often incorrect. And often, beginning training sessions an IAABC certified parrot prolonged periods. Parrots, behaviour. If you convert the parrot behaviour consultant whose In these cases, training involves the to eating formulated foods and fresh reveal our own lack of brain-hand-eye I now consciously ignore behaviour base of experience includes like all animals we keep as development of desirable responses and vegetables with limited fruit, you will coordination. This means practice for us, that I don’t like, which includes highly the inhibition of undesirable responses. work also as a trainer, companions, need guidance. have a parrot who is “food motivated.” even when training simple behaviours aroused body language. I also work For example, we can teach a parrot to talk veterinary technician, The best practice is always to reserve like targeting. It can take a bit of hard at trying to catch my birds in If they don’t receive it, they instead of scream when it wants attention. breeder and rehabber. seeds and nuts, as well as anything repetition to get to the point where we the act of displaying behaviour that develop behaviours that aren’t We can teach a parrot to stay on a perch else the parrot values, for use as don’t feel so awkward. I do want to see again in the future. rather than get down to cruise the floor. reinforcement. It’s a win-win situation. When I do, I am quick to say a crisp To book a consultation or read consistent with a happy, socially Positive reinforcement is the behaviour The bird still gets to have treats, but has The truth is, however, we are all trainers. “Good!” and follow that up with a food more of her free resources — well-balanced household. change strategy of choice. This is the to earn them rather than finding them Animals are always learning with every reinforcer. If we want to have well- including her popular behaviour process of offering the animal a valued in the food bowl. single social interaction they have with behaved, happier parrots, we must blog — visit her website These behaviour problems develop item after it has performed any behaviour us. Their learning ability doesn’t switch assume the responsibility for guiding pamelaclarkonline.com, from a lack of training and lack of that we have cued or would like to see Basic behaviours that we should off and on. If they are always learning, their behaviour, remembering that any or find her on Facebook understanding about how behaviour again in the future. Any behaviour that teach our parrots include stepping then we are always teaching. This past behaviour that we reinforce with our works. Inappropriate diet, social (@TheParrotSteward). gets a reward will occur more often in the up, stepping off, going back into the year, I had one unhappy client react attention is likely to be offered again in interactions, and environmental deficits future. Most often, when training begins, cage, stationing, targeting, stepping to my encouragement to teach her the future. may also play a role. Thus, behaviour food treats are used as reinforcers until onto a scale, and going into a carrier parrot to station, by saying, “I am NOT

14 PsittaScene.org Winter 2019/20 Winter 2019/20 PsittaScene.org 15 © Paradise Park © Desi Milpacher

PARADISE PARK UK: Where Birds Inspire by Desi Milpacher Established more than 45 © Paradise Park years ago, UK’s

Paradise Park Upper left: Curator David Woolcock engages is a little slice of the crowd during one of the daily free-flight shows. otherworldliness – an engaging Upper right: Black-cheeked Lovebird chicks are family outing, deemed fit and healthy at their latest check up. a worthwhile Lower left: Parrots are educational not the only birds to see, and in August 2019 the experience and Park welcomed its first © Raana Scott through the spring Caribbean Flamingo chick (inset). and summer Lower right: Well- especially, appointed gardens shimmer with colour. a cheerful, © Paradise Park © Paradise Park bustling place.

It has big aspirations, t’s easy to imagine that many commendations; a recent full-time employees. Long-term you’ve been transported zoo inspection assessment was rich associations with Cornwall College serving as a to the tropics on arrival at with praise for top-notch animal and the University of Exeter has led I husbandry, captive breeding to hundreds of students getting wellspring of Hayle’s wildlife sanctuary in programmes, fundraising for valuable hands-on experience, and the far south west of England. conservation and educational there are volunteers as well. aid for wildlife messages. This place is lush with trees, Inhabitants of the Park include conservation “It’s wonderful that all the hard flowering shrubs, tree ferns and unusual Keas and Eclectus Parrots, in the UK and stands of bamboo. Time and the work by staff in the care and welfare conures of every colour, exuberant mild and moist climate in the county of the animals, and the ongoing macaws and cockatoos, tiny beyond. of Cornwall have allowed the trees conservation projects, were recognised lovebirds and more – all calling and to grow large, creating a mini- by the inspection team,” says Alison capering with each other. In the rainforest canopy that envelops the Hales, Paradise Park co-owner and lorikeet encounter flight there are extraordinary wildlife collection World Parrot Trust Chairperson. ooohhs and ahhhs from the visitors within. It has big aspirations, serving as the birds swoop back and forth as a wellspring of aid for wildlife Many of the staff came originally overhead like energetic rainbows, WILDLIFE SANCTUARY • CORNWALL UK conservation in the UK and beyond. through student placements, getting eventually settling on waiting hands The Park’s efforts have earned it summer jobs before becoming to feed from small pots of nectar.

16 PsittaScene.org Winter 2019/20 Winter 2019/20 PsittaScene.org 17 © Kate Boyce-Miles

Left: Trained free-flying macaws settle onto a rest station during a show. Left and centre: Much preparation goes into the daily feeds; each species has a specific diet regimen. Right: A Yellow-shouldered Amazon collects coins for WPT conservation. Upper right: A Timneh Parrot free-flies. Lower right: A Keeper works with Scarlet Macaws featured in the free-flying show.

Paradise Park’s The Park is home to over 130 bird Red Squirrel, threatened by invasive The Blue-throated Macaw, a Bolivian Free Flying Bird Show where visitors presenters to deposit it into a charity Conservation Projects species, as well as Red Pandas, Red Grey Squirrels, for release. endemic, has found a firm friend get the thrill of seeing expertly box. It has taken 30 years but over Operation Chough : Squirrels, Asian Otters and a posse in Paradise Park, which has been trained birds engage in natural £90,000 has been given to the World Conservation project established of domesticated pygmy goats, With the ‘Red Panda Experience’ a breeding it for several years. Six behaviours. The staff develop strong Parrot Trust at these shows. And, in at Paradise Park in 1987. sheep, and rabbits. Every morning lucky participant, for a fee, gets to young macaws hatched at the bonds with the birds, giving them a stunning finale, a group of World Parrot Trust (WPT): Keepers arrive knowing they have be up close and personal with one facility travelled to Bolivia in 2013 as health checks and going through screeching macaws sets off together, Founded in 1989, WPT has busy days ahead of them. Summer of the Red Pandas trained to meet part of the decades-long project to routines for them to prepare for their in tandem, to circle high above the supported projects for more and winter the birds and mammals visitors. There’s nothing quite like bolster the tiny wild population. starring roles as ambassadors for awestruck crowd. than 70 species of parrot in have complex feeding regimes, it, and best of all the encounter has their species. 42 countries. along with daily cleaning and regular raised over £12,500 towards the In 2015, the Park received a pair At the end of the day visitors leave Barn Owl Project Cornwall: enclosure maintenance. charity Red Panda Network. of Grey-breasted Conures from Cockatoos, conures, keas, choughs, with their need to connect with Collaboration with Cornwall Bird Chester Zoo as part of a breeding kookaburras and owls take part animals and nature having been met. Watching and Preservation Society. Mealtimes are especially brisk: in And critically, the World Parrot Trust program; five chicks hatched in their in engaging the audience about Final feeds and checks take place as Red Squirrel Project: the kitchen the Keepers chop fruit has been given the most support as first season and new pairings with individual birds, their characters, the Park’s residents settle down for Captive breeding project to help and veg to suit large or small beaks; it was established at the Park by the unrelated birds have taken place. native habitats, conservation, and the evening. Another day looking establish more breeding groups within Cornish collections for they also prepare dry and sprouted late Mike Reynolds in 1989. The beautiful Mitchell’s Lorikeet unique adaptations. In another after these incredible beings and eventual release. seeds, a variety of nuts, specialist has thrived to create a strong demonstration, several determined delighting and enlightening visitors pelleted foods, nectar and a range of breeding group, and a productive Roseate Cockatoos, or Galahs, and is done. Tomorrow the inspirational Red Panda Network: meats, all to suit the needs of their “I am very proud of the pair of Yellow-crested Cockatoos Yellow-shouldered Amazons fly to work begins again. Has established the world’s first dedicated animal care team protected area dedicated to Red special charges. These are put into have contributed greatly to the pick up a coin from a member of Pandas in eastern Nepal. row on row of stainless steel dishes and the work they do. Not just captive population. the audience, then go back to the lined up on long tables. Vital extra with the animals and birds, but Blue-throated Macaw Project: A pioneering effort to save the enrichment includes chewable toys also interacting with visitors, Many of Paradise Park’s birds are especially during the flying Critically Endangered Blue- made from natural items, unusual on mutual breeding exchanges © Kate Boyce-Miles throated Macaw. displays and feeding events. vegetables such as heads of lettuce, with other collections. All of the Brussels sprouts or figs and fresh These are great opportunities Park’s birds are entered into an Learn more on the website: branches, flowers and berries. to pass on important international database which paradisepark.org.uk information about some very helps ensure, genetically speaking, that the right birds get partnered Read the PsittaScene article Clearly, wildlife conservation is rare and endangered species Escape to Paradise – The Origins topmost on everyone’s minds and how we can all help make together - diversity is the key to a of Paradise Park and the WPT: tinyurl.com/y3he5txy after caring for the animals. The a difference in the fight to save healthy population. Park is involved in a number of them from extinction.” projects, such as the decades-long Educating the public about wildlife commitment to the Red-billed ~ David Woolcock, is year-round but most notably, Chough (a member of the crow Paradise Park Curator from Easter all through the summer family), and breeding the native season, the Park has an afternoon A Blue-throated Macaw, part of the free-flying show, glides around the picnic area.

18 PsittaScene.org Winter 2019/20 Winter 2019/20 PsittaScene.org 19 Dr Julius Kasigwa, a vet with UWEC who played a key part in the rescue operation, was thrilled at the news. “It’s as if he’s saying ‘Here I am; still alive and enjoying nature, see my ring, eating the fruits of nature’.”

A week later, WPT Africa Programme Director Dr. Rowan Martin visited the site as a guest expert on a Grey Parrot tour led by Elaine Henley. A parrot with a leg ring was spotted again; instead of stuffing its face with palm MSHINDI THE SURVIVOR: fruit, this time it was cavorting with another Rescued Grey Parrots thriving in the bird, playing and preening and looking every bit a part of a well-bonded pair. Not just wild send a message of hope surviving - but thriving. Article by Rowan Martin, PhD Photos © Elaine Henley Subsequent research has made use of video footage gleaned from previous visitors to the same spot and has revealed that multiple ringed birds have been showing up in the same tree for some years. Information like this is vital for building a picture for how parrots IN THE EARLY 2010S, THOUSANDS UPON THOUSANDS OF GREY PARROTS WERE seized from illegal trade are faring in the wild, BEING TRAPPED IN THE WILD, STUFFED INTO BOXES AND SENT TO BREEDERS AND and informing how rescued parrots can best be managed. PET DEALERS AROUND THE WORLD. UGANDA WAS ONE OF THE MANY COUNTRIES THROUGH WHICH WILD PARROTS FLOWED OUT OF AFRICA TO THE REST OF THE The project, along with a further release in 2013, received a huge amount of media WORLD AND IN 2011, THE UGANDA WILDLIFE AUTHORITY (UWA) TOOK DECISIVE attention in Uganda and provided a unique ACTION LEADING TO TWO SEIZURES EACH OF OVER 100 GREY PARROTS. opportunity to communicate messages to the general public about the devastating impact of the trade. Similar to other East Through the FlyFree programme, fitted with a leg ring so that they this individual Mshindi - Swahili African countries, it is illegal to keep Grey World Parrot Trust supported could be monitored as they made for “Survivor”. Parrots as pets in Uganda and there have UWA and the Uganda Wildlife their way in the wild. been no large seizures of Grey Parrots in Conservation Education It’s incredible to think what this Uganda in recent years. In 2016 Uganda stood Centre (UWEC) in developing a Now fast forward eight years to parrot has been through. Plucked alongside other range states from across rehabilitation plan, providing an eco-lodge, the Chimpanzee from his forest home, Mshindi had East, Central and West Africa in calling for the House, on the edge of the forest been stuffed in an overcrowded technical support and emergency transfer of Grey Parrots to CITES Appendix I. Top: Survivor Mshindi takes flight. funding for the construction of just a few kilometres from where box and transported hundreds of This long overdue move placed tight Middle: Mshindi bonding with another parrot. temporary aviaries. these parrots were released. A kilometres before being rescued, restrictions on the international trade and Bottom: The ‘Shades of Grey’ tour visits a small eco group of parrot enthusiasts on held as evidence, quarantined, ended all commercial trade of wild parrots. tourism enterprise in the Ssese Islands. Following quarantine, medication a tour to view Grey Parrots are rehabilitated and then given a and health checks, the parrots snapping photos of a handsome second chance in the wild. The sight of Mshindi posing defiantly is not judged fit for return to the wild flock gorging on palm fruit. just a tribute to the hard work invested by were released by UWA and Imagine the excitement when Once free Mshindi then faced all UWEC, UWA and many others in rescuing Acknowledgements UWEC in Kibale National Park, a one of the parrots was spotted the usual trials of being a wild these parrots in Uganda but also to those WPT would like to say a big thank you to Elaine Henley and Lori DeLeo protected area of lowland forest sporting a ring. Elaine Henley, a parrot - escaping predators, who have been working across Africa to of Shades of Grey Parrot Tours and Johnnie and Agnes Kamugisha, for their support for WPT, their efforts to protect Grey Parrots in in western Uganda. Following Clinical Animal Behaviourist who finding food and navigating end the trade and protect habitat for these Uganda and their diligent observations which led to this discovery. standard practice, each bird was took the photo, chose to name parrot society. A survivor indeed! fantastic birds.

20 PsittaScene.org Winter 2019/20 Winter 2019/20 PsittaScene.org 21 Psitta| News WPT CONTACTS News Shop to Save Parrots ONLINE Gift ideas for parrot lovers Parrots returned to the wild in Bolivia parrots.org Need the perfect gift for the parrot facebook.com/WorldParrotTrust On December 17, 2019 fifteen Blue-and-yellow enthusiast in your life? Come check twitter.com/parrottrust Macaws (Ara ararauna), one Red-and-green out the World Parrot Trust online store. instagram.com/world_parrot_trust Macaw (Ara chloropterus), 12 Canary-winged With beautiful calendars, exquisite art Parakeets (Brotogeris chiriri) and three White- pieces, funky phone cases, comfy eyed Conures (Psittacara leucophthalmus) apparel, gorgeous jewellery and were released back to the wild in Bolivia after huggable plushies, you’re sure MAIN BRANCHES an intensive 20-month rehabilitation by the to find something for everyone Biodiversity Staff of the Santa Cruz Government, on your list. UNITED KINGDOM (Main Office) Karen Whitley, Administrator with permanent support from WPT and partner Glanmor House, Hayle, Fundación CLB - Parrot Conservation Bolivia. Best of all, sale proceeds go Cornwall, TR27 4HB towards conservation efforts to Tel: (44) 01736 751026 The birds had been confiscated from illegal trade protect parrots. It’s the gift that [email protected] nearly two years ago and had been sent to the keeps on giving! UNITED STATES CLB facility. In attendance at the release was the Lauren Schmaltz, Administrator Minister of Environment María Elva Pinkert, the Start shopping: P.O. Box 985, Travelers Rest, SC 29690 www.parrots.org/shop Tel: (1) 864 610 2129 Director of Protected Areas of the Santa Cruz [email protected] Government Juan Carlos Añez Chávez, the head of the Wildlife Rescue Project of the Secretary © Dirección Recursos Naturales Gobierno CANADA Michelle Kooistra, Administrator of Environment of Santa Cruz Government Autónomo Departamental Santa Cruz Events 4377 Gordon Dr., Kelowna, BC, V1W 1S7 Raul Rojas, and Alejandra Rojas Iriarte of the Tel: (1) 250 766 7828 Fundación CLB Board of Directors. [email protected] Think Parrots 2020 Sunday 14th June 2020 Kempton Park Racecourse, Why do parrots waste so much food? Sunbury-on-Thames, Surrey, UK TW16 5AQ ADDITIONAL BRANCHES

‘The extent, frequency and ecological functions of food wasting by parrots,’ a study recently published in Nature Research’s Back for another year, the popular Think Parrots event is always Africa Rowan Martin Scientific Reports by lead author Esther Sebastián-González and eleven researchers from six different institutions includingWPT an excellent gathering for those who are passionate about [email protected] partner Fundación CLB - Parrot Conservation Bolivia, found that food wasting is a widespread behaviour found in the parrot parrots and want to provide the best care for their birds. This Australia Nicholas Bishop species they studied. Their research has also shown that 86 species of birds, mammals, reptiles and fish feed on wasted food (either year’s event will once again see exhibitors offering a wide range [email protected] intact or half-opened) by parrots, and that 28 different species potentially acted as secondary dispersers of wasted fruits and seeds. of parrot goods and services, masterclasses and of course the free flight shows throughout the day. Don’t miss out, get your Benelux Ruud Vonk Read more: tickets now! [email protected] tinyurl.com/uygmcm7 Belgium Ronald Coens Get your tickets: [email protected] www.thinkparrots.co.uk Brazil André Saidenberg [email protected]

13th Annual Parrot Lovers Cruise India Avin Deen October 25 - November 1, 2020: Southern Caribbean [email protected]

What might you see? It might be wild parrots soaring and Magazine of the Indonesia Oka Dwi Prihatmoko frolicking freely through the skies. It might be a stunning sunset, [email protected] shared with the one you love. It might be clear blue water, teeming Italy Cristiana Senni with aquatic life the likes of which you never could imagine. [email protected] And you might see it all with new friends who are as crazy about parrots as you! Don’t miss out - contact Carol Cipriano to book Japan TSUBASA [email protected] your cabin today.

Winter 2017/18 Netherlands Ria Vonk 8 [email protected] [email protected] ( 1-510-200-5665 (USA) get past issues online at: Latin America Rosa Elena Zegarra Psittascene.org [email protected] parrotloverscruise.com English, Dutch, German, Italian, Sweden Maria Rogstadius Portuguese, Spanish, Swedish [email protected]

22 PsittaScene.org Winter 2019/20 PARROTS IN THE WILD: Peach-faced Lovebird (Agapornis roseicollis) The Peach (or Rosy) faced Lovebird’s native range is southwestern Africa, but in the last four decades the species has become naturalised in the US. Photographer Corey Raffel spotted these two birds, either an adult feeding a youngster or two adults allofeeding, in Phoenix, Arizona. Here there’s no evidence that the introduced parrots have affected native wildlife.

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