( I \/ /' ) and captive-breeding efforts; the 2nd ( '/ )( '( '/ (' / \( '/ )\ )/ I Workshop on Population Management and Captive Breeding of the Spix's Macaw; and the official meeting of the Permanent Committee for the Recovery The Spix's Macaw ofthe Spix's Macaw. This meeting high­ lighted the importance ofthe collabora­ tive nature of this program, which is Conservation Program proving to be a model of international a Non,.Extinction Story public/private collaboration in endan­ gered species management. Natasha Schischakin Conservation Coordinator, Houston Zoo, Misleading Headlines Houston, Texas However, recently published articles species is dependent on the success of promote a much different scenario. In he Spix's Macaw Cyanopsitta the captive-breeding and field program. London, The Times headline screamed spixii, one of the world's most The global captive population has that "Collector's may drive world's rarest T critically endangered species, grown significantly from a low of 11 parrot to extinction" and the World was recently the focus of three days of known birds to 60 (54 ofwhich are cap­ Parrot Trust's PsittaScene August 1999 meetings in Houston, Texas (September tive-hatched); new holders are partici­ newsletter article entitled "More on 30 - October 2, 1999). Endemic to one pating in the program, the field research Spix's Macaw" claimed that "the holders small area of Northeastern Brazil, in a program has collected valuable data on of the captive birds simply refuse to co­ habitat known as the "caatinga' (an arid the natural history of this species and operate" and included much erroneous region of flat savanna scrubland inter­ the ecology ofthe region, a strong com­ information. Readers of these articles spersed with seasonal creeks and munity outreach program is in place, cannot be faulted for believing the sto­ gallery forests), the Spix's Macaw was habitat protection and restoration pro­ ries, as these seem to be reliable and considered to be extinct in the wild 10 jects are ongoing, and basic-research on knowledgeable sources. years ago. Nevertheless, this species is psittacine reintroduction techniques has Unfortunately these type of misin­ now recovering through the concerted been successfully completed. The formed statements are great for "sound efforts of the Brazilian government and progress of the last 10 years has been bytes" that attract media attention, but an international committee whose dramatic. do not contribute to the conservation members include the aviculturists that The meeting, hosted by the Houston of the species. This is not the first time hold this endangered species, govern­ Zoo, included a symposium entitled that the Spix's Macaw has been used as ment officials, conservationists and "The Spix's Macaw - Conservation a political and fundraising tool, a "sym­ ornithologists. and Management of an Endangered bol" of how aviculture contributed to With only one known remaining Species," focusing on the last 10 years this species' demise. bird in nature, the conservation of this of field research, community outreach The Actual Story If those headlines are false, then Spix's Macaw Captive Population 1989-1999 what is the actual story? It is a story that involves a great amount of hard work, 60 ...------.-, both in the field and in the captive­ f breeding efforts. It is also a story of success against great odds, and inter­ ::~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~--~I-I national collaboration between public and private sector that is unparalleled. ~ I m How can one make that statement .u------~-.,-~~ ---t.,:~.~::::,~\"~.'.:,::.:.::',',~.~:':.:.: ~ considering the recent reports? The 3 0 ~.., ~..:::.:•.:':-,:...... f---_ i~ - :::,':~'i.::,,':J.'.~,;,:~,,;:.:'.::.~: answer is easy - with facts and data. ----f~ h ;.~~,.:::.:','~;:,.:~".'.::::.::('.',>:,::.:.~~',,:":,:": ~ ~ ..::..:.,... 2 0 IL~ L.·.~.,.:.;.:::,',;:::.·.;~~. ;.~.:.~.:.:,:.;:::~; :'~ *1:,:.~.,,'.I::,·::,·.~,i,;;~ . . • !,.,.. -*....::'. - ...... ~.~.',;.~,:.~" ? ~ The Vanishing Spix's Macaw ~ 1>;~~ ~;,:rz. ·;~('---:I:,'~--IIa:;'c ...--i.:~.,:~.:.;.~.~,:.:,: f--- \~; To truly understand the current situ­ II~ II~ ation of the Spix's Macaw conservation 1: niT t1 rI effort, one must first go back to the late 1980s when only a handful of on1ithol­ 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 ogists and aviculturists realized that this species was on the verge of quietly o wild-caught captive-bred ~ total population vanishing. In an attempt to draw atten-

46 November/December 1999 tion to this situation, a meeting was held by Loro Parque, a major bird park in the Canary Islands, Spain (which had a pair of Spix's Macaws in its collec­ tion). Although this attempt was unsuc­ cessful, it laid the groundwork for the future international program. The status of the Spix's Macaw was at the center of much controversy at the 1988 meeting of the now extinct IUCN-SSC Parrot Specialist Group in Curitiba, Brazil. Although everyone talked about the need to develop a recovery program, there was no chance for a consensu as the partici­ pants differed greatly on how to pro­ ceed as politics and personalities got in the way of any agreement. Much of the meeting was spent on arguing about the legality of individual captive birds and not on steps to develop an urgently needed recovery effort. Many ornithologists and conservationists were already considering the Spix's Macaw extinct, believing that the few captive birds scattered throughout Brazil and the world were relics of no con ervation value. At that time, it was much ea ier to blame the wildlife trade and aviculture for this species' demise than to formulate a strategy to save it.

Spix's Macaw (Cyanopsitta sPixii), the female that was reintro­ Enter lBAMA duced to the wild. It was not until 1989 that the pro­ gram officially began with the establish­ Photo courtesy of Birds International, Inc. ment by the Brazilian wildlife authori­ tie ofIBAMA (Brazilian Institute for the Environment and Natural Renewable Resource) of a temporary working group to review the status of this species and to make recommendations to the government for its recovery. This was a new approach for the govern­ ment, which considered this a pioneer­ ing group. As a member of this original group, it was clear to us that the situa­ tion was beyond critical. The wild pop­ ulation was believed to be extinct and we came up with only 11 confmned birds worldwide in captivity (although many more were rumored to exist). The working group's directives from the government were not to decide that the species was extinct, but to develop a last minute management plan to save it. The focus had to be on The future ofthe SPix's Macaw program - part ofthe 1999production at Birds the few remaining birds in captivity International, Inc. Some ofthese birds are destined to be reintroduced to the wild. and the first priority was to set up a

the afa 'V TCHBIRD 47 breeding program for the existing birds in Brazil. It was not an easy task - as everyone was willing to participate, but no wanted to give up their bird to move it to another location. All were unsexed and a few were held as single specimens. At that time, the Brazilian government and the holders were reluctant to use laparoscopy, consider­ ing it too risky. To solve this problem, the Houston and National Zoos supported th~ sex­ ing of the Brazilian birds through kary­ otyping, a technique which was acceptable to all. After obtainin~ the necessary USFWS, USDA (first time they allowed importation of psittacine samples without quarantine or irradia­ tion) and CITES permissions I collect­ ed blood-feather samples from all known birds in Brazil. Unfortunately The last Spix's Macaw in the wild. there was a short 24 hour window to get them to the laboratory. With help from the U.S. State Department repre­ including previously unthinkable the oversight of the Committee (in sentative who was waiting at the strategies such as amnesty. It was which they also· participate). plane's door to help with customs, the widely believed that many holders Unfortunately, in the six years that the samples and I made our connection in kept birds "underground," but were amnesty decree was in effect, not one Miami and arrived safely at the Avian unwilling to join the conservation new holder was admitted to the Genetic Sexing Laboratory of Marc effort because of the prosecution and Committee under its conditions. Many Valentine in Memphis, TN in less than confiscation threat. If that were true, of the dozens of supposed illegal birds 16 hours! We were finally on our way there was a very real risk that they turned out to be "phantoms," never to starting the program. would simply disappear without ever actually materializing. Despite this, I am being included in the recovery pro­ always hopeful that we will find new A Permanent Comfnittee gram. In 1990, the Brazilian govern­ birds that have been "underground." Another of the working group's ment passed an amnesty decree to all duties was to establish the structure for holders of Spix's Macaws. Although Found - the Last Wild Spix's the Permanent Committee. Everyone very controversial in some circles (who Soon after the first meeting of the recognized that this had to include all were not involved in the recovery Committee in 1990, reports came of international holders, and that it would effort), it meant to show the goodwill the discovery (or re-discovery) of one have to be a group which represented of the Brazilian government towards remaining bird near the small rural all the stakeholders in the program. any holders and to encourage full par­ town of Cura~a in Northeastern Brazil. The Brazilian government accepted ticipation in the program. This was a An ICBP (now BirdLife International) the recommendations and in 1990, very pragmatic approach to a very seri­ organized expedition had discovered established the Permanent Committee ous problem and placed the recovery its location with the help of Brazilian for the Recovery of the Spix's Macaw. of the species above politics. ornithologist Carlos Yamashita who This was a ground-breaking event, as Some individuals continue to believe had information on the bird's exis­ it brought together many different fac­ that current holders involved in the tence. Although they knew the ba ic tions, including Brazilian governmental Committee do so because of the area, it was still a difficult task, much officials, zoo representatives, national amnesty offer, but this is incorrect. All of like "searching for a needle in a and international holders of the the Spix's Macaw holders' birds are haystack." Luckily, they were success- species, ornithologists, and conserva­ legal in their respective countries and ful and found it. . tionists together with only one single recognized as legal by the Brazilian Elation at the discovery soon goal- to save this species. government. The birds in Brazil are changed to shock when ICBP chose to The newly formed Committee con­ property of the government and inform the world of this discovery tinued to focus on emergency mea­ include the birds donated by Loro through a major press briefing, com­ sures needed to save this species. The Parque to Brazil in 1977. All holders plete with a detailed map (including situation was so critical that all ideas have agreed to manage their birds as the major roads) of the region map­ and avenues were open to discussion, part of one global population, under ping the bird's exact location. The

48 November/December 1999 Brazilian wildlife authorities had feared claimed that the Spix's Macaw popula­ data and from interviews of the older that by providing such detailed infor­ tion previously numbered in the thou­ people in the community. This is an mation of the location of this priceless sands, but there is no evidence to sup­ especially significant number for the bird, ICBP actually endangered it. The port such a figure. Spix himself recog­ recovery. effort, as the captive-breeding region was now open not only to new nized the species' scarcity in 1819 program has now reached 60 birds, the poachers, but also to anyone thinking when he collected the type specimen same as the historical wild population. they could get rich quick, or for some and described the species as "gregari­ misguided soul to take the 'last one" ous and rare" in the accompanying Field Biologist & the Cowboys from the wild. notes. This was a juvenile bird, later After arriving in the area, the first The Brazilian wildlife authoritie described as Cyanopsitta spixii by field biologist of the project, Marcos scrambled to ensure protection, but Wagler in 1832. It is the only collected Da Re quickly realized that he could only to realize that it was nearly impos­ museum specimen of this species (all not track the bird alone because of its sible to provide enough security due others are derived from captive collec­ large home range and daily move­ to the large range of this single bird tions). Such a diminished population ments, so he turned to community for and without local support. Luckily, this was certainly at great risk ofextinction, help. In particular, the "vaqueiros" or last Spix's Macaw was clever enough and poaching for the wild bird trade cowboys ofthe region were erJisted to to escape capture, adding to the myth (conducted mostly at the bidding of help keep track of the Spix's. This that it somehow possessed supernatur­ one infamous middle-man from a strategy had the additional benefit in al powers. nearby town, whom the government that it involved the local people in the now believes has moved on to coordi­ project and gave them first-hand Field Program Begins nating the poaching of Lear's Macaws) knowledge of how rare and important The re-discovery of thi last bird caused the final catastrophic decline of this species really was. Although many added a new dimension to the conser­ this species in the wild. Although no had alway noticed the bird, some vation program and provided a unique one disputes that the final blow came even obtained watches to track the opportunity to learn about the natural from the illegal trade, the principal time that they saw it, becoming addi­ history of this species in the wild. It cause for the species' decline is tional volunteer "field-team" partici­ also brought a field re earch compo­ believed to be the loss ofprimary habi­ pants and providing needed manpow­ nent to the recovery effort that had tat in the region resulting from 500 er and help to the project. concentrated on the captive popula­ years of human colonization. tion. Although there were some ques­ Field researchers believe that in the Macaw Enters Local Mythology tions as to the value derived from last century, the Curac;;a population of As they learned more about the sit­ studying a single specimen, the infor­ Spix's Macaws probably did not num­ uation of the Spix's Macaw, many sim­ mation collected has proven invalu­ ber more than 60 individual birds. This ply could not believe that it could be able. A field biologist has been perma­ figure was extrapolated from habitat down to only one bird, remembering nently stationed in the region since 1991, collecting valuable biological data on the last Spix's Macaw, includ­ ing details about daily movement pat­ terns, seasonal adjustments to drought, food habits, and habitat utilization. Historical data was also collected, which included information on popu­ lation numbers, range, poaching, and habitat status. Research concluded that the Spix's Macaw requires a large home range and that it utilized certain habitat i lands on a seasonal level for food. Even the observations of the attempted reproductive efforts of the Spix's Macaw with an Illiger's Macaw (Ara maracana) provided details of its reproductive behavior patterns.

How Many Were There? Information from the wild bird has allowed researchers to form a better idea of pOSSible historic population A uthor in front ofthe rural schoolhouse. numbers for this species. Some had

the afa W TCHBIRD 49 Before and afterphotos ofthe Raul Coelho theater in Curafa where the local community put on a play in the dilapidated old theater in the center ofthe small town. This play was toldfrom the viewpoint ofthe last Spixs. It traced with music and action the events ofhis life) including the loss ofthe (jamily" to poachers) his loneliness) the needfor a mate) as well as the future which would include the return ofhis mate. This fairy tale ended with the smallfuzzy chick peering happilyfrom the nest cavity and the proudparents watching over it. The story and the community use ofthe old theater so moved Wolfgang Kiessling of Loro Parque) Spain) that he arranged a grant to help restore the bUilding the flock was used to roost in the trees last bird (as in the case of the Spix's famine in the region, hitting the locali­ along the creek beds ofthe area. It was Macaw). We could bring it-into captiv­ ty of the Spix's Macaw range especial­ a great revelation to find out that ity and forget about the wild, but then ly hard. It became particularly difficult indeed that was true. Since then, the we would be left with a living muse­ to maintain the project on the same last Spix's has become part of the local um collection. The Committee has level. How could we continue protect­ mythology and his life is often equated chosen to fight this battle and to secure ing a single bird when people were to their own experiences. The. story a place for this species, not only in dying? There was only one thing to do, they tell is that the Spix's Macaw has nature, but also within the community. and that was to use the program and faced hard times and endured, just as the Spix's Macaw to bring relief to The poverty ofthe region, the harsh­ they have. He lost his family, survived those who were suffering the most. ness of the climate, and the difficulty of poachers and is still in the wild, a true In a campaign coordinated by the life, are all-important factors in the daily survivor, just as they are. They have workers of the Brasilia offices of management of the field project. The faced drought and famine, lost family IBAMA, the National Park of Brasilia support from the locals for the program members to death and migration to the was opened to the public on a week­ provides a safety-net for the last Spix's large cities, but those that are left still end, asking for the donation of a kilo­ Macaw and to those that are to be re­ hold on to their way of life. Just like gram of non-perishable food for the introduced in the future. The capture of the Spix's Macaw holds on to his area entrance fee. This volunteer effort by a Spix's Macaw has become unthink­ and way of life in the wild. They feel government employees raised seven able in the region - a cultural taboo. that they are both true survivors and tons of basic food items in the name of No barbed-wire fence or armed guard are linked by their lives in the "caatin­ the Spix's Macaw. It was transported to could have achieved this outcome. The ga." I believe there is a great amount of Curas;:a, by the trucking company of community projects resulted from very truth in this view. one of the Brazilian Spix's Macaw real needs of the people of the area An often asked question is why is holders, Mauricio dos Santos. The food and included a campaign against the Spix's Macaw program involved in was distributed through the rural hunger, the building of rural school­ the community outreach efforts when school teachers network, as well as the houses, and even the restoration of a we should be concentrating on ensur­ city public schools. century old theater. Certainly not your ing the safety ofthe last bird. Shouldn't Now many people ofthe region not usual community-based education and we be hiring guards and putting up only fully support the conservation outreach programs. fences? The truth is that no matter program, but also credit the Spix's what, conservation is always local in Macaw with helping them and their scope. It always comes down to very Famine - and Relief families survive the famine. Seeing the basic issues, such as providing one's When the field project was initiated, effects and devastation of this drought family with food, shelter and basic sur­ the intent was to work with the local brought a very realistic and somber vival. No matter how lofty the global community and get their support for attitude to the program, providing a vision, securing the program locally the project. But then the effects of a different perspective on the intricacies where the species is - even if it is the prolonged drought created a major of conservation.

50 November/December 1999 Education - a 50-50 Program Zoo are contributing to this pioneering of his mate. This fairy tale ended with Another issue that affected almost project. It is hoped that by investing in the small fuzzy chick peering happily every family in the rural area was the basic education, the children of the from the nest cavity and the proud lack of education opportunities for community grow up to be literate adults parents watching over it. It was a story their children. This was identified as a who can understand how to manage of hope and of success in adversity ­ major problem by biologist Marcos Da and conserve the scarce resources of a powerful and emotional message to Re soon after beginning the field pro­ the region, including the species of the all attending. ject. Education was valued and chil­ area. This investment shows that the The effort and community spirit so dren made a great effort to study, program is a member and partner ofthe impressed everyone, that Wolfgang walking long distances to designated community, not an adversary. Kiessling of Loro Parque, Spain, houses ofa "rural schoolteacher" (local arranged a grant from the Loro Parque women who had been trained by edu­ Theatrics Foundation for the restoration of this cation extension agents in providing The restoration of the theater was theater that was matched by the com­ an education up to fourth grade to quite extraordinary, but even this pro­ munity in both funds and laoor. Finally, local children). Classes were held in ject became controversial in some cir­ in 1996, the renovation was completed tiny rooms in the small shacks or out­ cles. How does the restoration of an in time for the re-inauguration of the side in the yards. Although they tried, almost century old theater in a nearly "Teatro Raul Coelho" and the celebra­ these schoolteachers had nothing to forgotten small town in Northeastern tion of its 100th anniversary. The the­ help the students. Books were almost Brazil affect conservation? ater has become the heart of this small non-existent, notebooks, pencils and Considerably. It started through a town and is central to many events and supplies were shared. series ofcoincidences and luck. After a celebrations, reminding them of the Da Re came up with a solution Spix's Macaw Committee meeting in value of pre erving and ensuring the through a SO-SO partnership between Brazil, many of the participants trav­ security of the Spix's Macaw and the the project and the community. The eled to Curas;a where the local com­ project. Spix's project provided the materials munity put on a play in a dilapidated How to Establish a and the locals provided the labor in the old theater in the center of the small Wild Population? construction of local one-room school­ town. This play was told from the The establishment of a wild popu­ houses that could serve the local chil­ viewpoint of the last Spix's. It traced lation has always been one of the dren and as community centers. That is with music and action the events of his goals of the recovery program for the how a cooperative program called the life, including the loss of the 'family" Spix's Macaw. However, before initiat­ "Rural Schoolhouse Program" was start­ to poachers, his loneliness, the need ing a reintroduction for such a critical­ ed and the first Ararinha Azul (Spix's for a mate (therefore the pairing with ly endangered species, four important Macaw) Schoolhouse was built. the Hliger's female), as well as the goals had to be completed. The Houston Zoo and the Santa Ana future which would include the return 1. The captive population had to reach a stable, self-sustaining repro­ Photo by Natasha Schischakin ductive level from a genetic and demo­ graphic standpoint to absorb the removal of potential breeders. 2. There had to be a safe and viable environment to return this species to the wild. 3. There had to be a local infra­ structure capable of supporting the reintroduction and monitoring of the released birds. 4. The reintroduction techniques had to be developed which were appropriate to this arid region. Throughout the program, there have been many calls (and even demands) from various groups for the immediate reintroduction of captive birds to the wild, not understanding that such a simplistic approach could in fact threaten the species in the rush to save it. These demands were often A group photo ofthe students ofthe rural schoolhouse and visiting Spix s Macaw Committee members. made without much comprehension of the difficulties involved in reintro-

the afa WATCHBIRD 51 duction programs for psittacines or even any idea of the status of the cap­ tive population and the availability of birds for release.

Let the Last One Fly Free In late 1992, after almost two years of field research, the Committee spon­ sored a Population and Habitat Viability Analysis (PINA) Workshop, facilitated by the IUCN-SSC Captive Breeding Specialist Group Ch~irman Dr. Ulysses Seal. It was at this meeting that it was decided that this last surviv­ ing bird would not be captured for the breeding program as it was more important to the conservation effort in the wild. The field data had clearly shown that its survival skills and knowledge of the wild made this last bird an important potential "teacher' The SPix's Macaw re-introduction facility was bUilt on site} but still logistically difficult for future reintroduced Spix's Macaws. as trucks had to bring in the eqUipment. It was built around a tree and has a smaller holding facility to manage the birds. And Find a Mate After the decision to leave the wild bird. Because of its behavior, the field bird in nature was made, the reintro­ biologists believed that it was a male. duction of another bird to join the last On the other hand, as anyone who one was be considered, so the captive works with psittacines well knows, population was closely examined for same sex pairings are not uncommon potential reintroduction candidates. Of and behavior is not always a good all the captive birds, only one fit a very indicator. To sex the last bird with specific profile, which made her the best available techniques meant that we (and only) candidate for reintroduction had to capture a very wary bird that at that time. This was a bird that was had outwitted the best poachers. Out known to have been the last one taken of concern that we could endanger its into captivity, as an adult, from the wild. life through the stress ofcapture, it was According to information collected from decided that a method would have to local poachers, she was taken while in be found that did not include capture. the nest on eggs (which were broken A potential technique still in the inves­ during capture). She was held at the tigative stages was the use of DNA, in Chaparral facility in Recife, BraZil, and this case, from molted feathers. paired with a male transferred from the Dr. Griffiths, of Oxford University, Sao Paulo Zoo. Although compatible, in the United Kingdom took on this this pair had shown little breeding activ­ problem, and finally perfected this sex­ ity. A decision was made to reintroduce ing technique. Feathers were collected this individual bird to the region as she from known roosting sites of the wild likely had the most experience and sur­ Spix's Macaw and sent to the UK for vival skills. (After the release, a captive­ testing. In 1995, after nearly two years The newflag ofthe Municipality of bred female from Birds International, of research, and right before the Curaca} which includes what is inlportant Inc. in the Philippines was later trans­ scheduled transfer of the female to the to the community -- the Spix's Macaw and the goat. ferred to Brazil and paired with this region, we were given an answer ­ remaining male.) the wild bird was definitely a male! ( ote: Dr. Griffiths later published his But... is it REALLY a Male? findings in the distinguished scientific Although we had identified the journal Nature. This DNA sexing tech­ female which would be released to the nology, originally developed to sex the wild, we still had to deal with another last Spix's Macaw in the wild is now serious question - the sex of the last routinely used in aviculture.)

52 November/December 1999 Hope and Disappointment single pair of reproducing birds. It was risking such a procedure, the team had The wild caught adult female was just a first step in a long-tenn strategy of to detennine whether the pair could be transferred to the newly built reintro­ periodic supplementation of the wild successful as parents. To test this, Field duction facility with the knowledge population by reintroduced captive­ Program'Coordinator Yara Barros close­ that she would have the opportunity to bred birds. (A strategy defmed in 1992 ly monitored the Spix's nest to deter­ pair with a male. She then spent over at the CBSG Population and Habitat mine egg laying and brooding, replac­ seven months in the reintroduction Viability Analysis Workshop.) ing their eggs with wooden ones. As facility adapting to the new environ­ Since that initial reintroduction the "hatching" dates approached, she ment, diet, and long flights. The field attempt, two major experiments in changed out the eggs for newly researchers were amazed at her adept­ psittacine reintroduction have been hatched Uliger's Macaw chicks from a ness in changing to the local food items conducted by the field staff. The first nearby Illiger's nest, imitating a "natur­ (adeptly opening nuts on the first try), critically important project was al" hatching sequence. The Spix's and as well as her apparent innate ability to designed to develop the necessary pro­ Illiger's Macaw pair successfully fledged recognize predators. It was felt that the tocols for eventual reintroduction of the chicks, showing us that the pair right choice had been made and that captive-reared Spix's Macaws. To do could be used for the actual fostering of she had adapted better than anyone this, captive-hatched Illiger's Macaws Spix's Macaws to the wild. Ofcourse, a had hoped or anticipated. (both hand- and parent-reared) were concern has been that they would then After her release, the field team was chosen from Loro Parque in Spain. look to Illiger's as mates, but it appears able to monitor her for two months. These were quarantined and eventually that the Illiger's chicks have taken on She had adapted extremely well, transferred to the reintroduction facility many of the Spix's characteristics, spending the last month flying and where they were fitted with radio-col­ induding behavior and vocalizations. easily keeping up with the male. They lars and allowed to adapt to the region. Behavior data on these Illiger's should appeared very compatible with much Numerous problems had to be faced, give us additional infonnation of the interaction and allopreening behavior. including the unexpected destruction of effects of fostering on the chicks. It seemed that she had beaten the the radio-collars by the birds and the odds and survived in the wild. By failure ofthe radios to work. Captive Breeding a Key now, the story ofthe last wild bird and This experience resulted in changes The field research, community out­ the reintroduced female had taken on to the reintroduction protocols and the reach and reintroduction program fairy tale dimensions and seemed to be successful utilization of tail-mounted development has been successful, but following the plot of the play present­ transmitters. Finally, in December of everyone is keenly aware that the even­ ed years before in the theater. But this 1998 and earlyJanuary 1999, a total of tual reestablishment of Spix's Macaws real story did not have the expected nine birds were released to the wild. to the wild depends on the success of happy ending with a fuzzy blue chick Of these, one died within a week and the captive breeding program. Without peering from the nest. another disappeared, but seven of the available birds for reintroduction, it will Overnight, the field team lost track reintroduced birds have adapted well be impossible to consider the establish­ of her. Her sudden disappearance to the wild. This is considered an ment of a wild population. The Spix's came as a shock not only to the field excellent survival rate for reintroduced Macaw captive breeding program is team, but to the local, national, and captive-bred birds, which we believe is one of the few species which is man­ international communities. Only in the the result of the long adaptation peri­ aged as a single global population. In last few months, has the field staff od and acclimatization period. A pair the last decade, the captive breeding been able to uncover credible evi­ formed by the reintroduced Illiger's and management program has made dence that she died through a collision Macaws has now occupied a nest hole tremendous progress in increasing the with one of the high power lines that and maybe will breed this season. population and ensuring the best possi­ crosses the reintroduction area. The second project conducted by ble genetic and demographic profile. In the field team involved the application 1993, to better manage the growing The Reintroduction Strategy of the commonly used avicultural tech­ population, the Committee established Although the release of this Spix's nique of fostering chicks. As it was the Working Group on Captive Macaw female did not have the hoped apparent that the Spix's Macaw male Breeding, which I coordinate. for results, it is considered an important and Illiger's Macaw female were a step in the reintroduction program. bonded pair which attempted to nest International Collaboration Much was learned from the experience, each season, this behavior could be and Trust which has benefited future reintroduc­ used in the recovery program. If Spix's In the beginning of the program, tion efforts. A complex reintroduction eggs were available, could they not be there weren't many options for setting infrastructure and holding facility has raised by the mixed-species pair? Of up pairs. As the population increased been built and a field base established course, this meant that a breeding pair and a few older birds died, it became because of this first effort. The restora­ had to be perfectly synchronized with important to move birds between facil­ tion strategy for this species to the wild the wild pair. .. but that's another prob­ ities for genetic and demographic pur­ has never been based on the idea of a lem we are working on. Before even poses. In the last 10 years, we have

the afa WATCHBIRD 53 transferred birds between the facilities captive birds, of which 54 are captive­ The meeting of the Permanent of Birds International, Inc. in the bred. This is a significant figure and is Committee for the Recovery of the Philippines to Brazil and Switzerland, expected to increase significantly as Spix's Macaw was successful in deter­ Swiss birds have been transferred to the new young pairs come into repro­ mining the next steps in the long-term the Philippines, a bird from Vogelpark duction. The need to transfer birds to management plan for this species, Walsrode in Germany was transferred new facilities was also addressed as an both in captivity and the wild. Some of to Brazil and later the Philippines, a important step in the growth of the the decisions made included approval total of three birds have been trans­ program to ensure against catastrophes of land acquisition for the establish­ ferred from the Philippines to Brazil at any single facility that could affect ment of a permanent research base in and two birds have been transferred the population. This is an ongoing the region, increasing the rural school­ from the Sao Paulo Zoo in Brazil to the effort, with the in-country transfer of house and community programs, iden­ Loro Parque facilities in Spain. This last birds between holders in Switzerland tification of captive-bred birds to the transfer was an important step in the already implemented. As the popula­ reintroduction project, approval of program in which the Brazilian gov­ tion steadily increases, the utilization of new holders and captive-breeding ernment recognized the global nature captive-bred birds for the reintroduc­ facilities, fund-raising, and many other of this conservation effort and agreed tion program has become an option projects. to send two Brazilian held birds to an for the first time in the recovery pro­ Although this species is still a long international facility for breeding pur­ gram. Recommendations for new pair­ way from eventual recovery, it is the poses. To achieve this level of ings, transfers, and research were first time that the captive population is exchanges for breeding purposes takes made (including the identification of stable enough for an active reintro­ a great degree of collaboration and captive-bred birds destined for the duction program of Spix's Macaws. trust, and could not have been accom­ reintroduction program). plished without the support of the The Houston Zoo workshop exem­ breeders who hold the future of the plified the level of cooperation among Conclusion Spix's Macaw in their collections. the participants, which' included all As I finish this "non-extinction" In developing the population man­ Committee members, collaborators report of the Spix's Macaw, I hope agement strategies for this species, the and invited observers. Participants that it will have provided the readers Working Group on Captive Breeding included myself as the Committee's with not only an overview of this has held two technical workshops Coordinator of the Spix's Macaw conservation effort, but also of the which bring together everyone involved Working Group on Captive Breeding, issues, problems and even conflicts in the captive-breeding program, as Antonio de Dios (Birds International, involved in its conservation. Many well as advisors, to periodically evaluate Inc., Philippines); Wolfgang Kiessling people and organizations have the program strategies, breeding status (Loro Parque, Spain); Luis Sanfilippo played an important role in the con­ and management plan. Although the (Sao Paulo Zoo, Brazil); Mauricio dos servation program for this species. population is managed closely, this type Santos (Criadouro Chaparral, Brazil); However, we could have never come ofin-depth population masterplan eval­ Roland Messer (Swiss Breeders, this far without the full support of the uation is necessary as the population Switzerland); Dr. lolita Bampi (lBAMA, Brazilian wildlife authorities of increases and young birds approach Brazil); Carlos Yamashita (lBAMA, IBAMA, and in particular the work breeding age. The 1st Workshop on Brazil); Pedro Scherer Neto (Brazilian and leadership of Dr. lolita Bampi Captive Breeding of the Spix's Macaw Ornithological Society, Brazil); Monica (Chief of the Wildlife Department ­ was held in 1994, in conjunction with Koch (CEMAVE, Brazil); Yara Barros DEVIS). Certainly no one can claim the CITES Conference in Fort (Spix's Macaw Field Program that this species is yet safe from Lauderdale, FL, and hosted by the Coordinator); Steffen Patzwhal (Pare extinction, but when one considers CITES Secretariat. It was successful in Paradisio, Belgium); Yves de Soye its status only a short 10 years ago, defming the genetic and demographic (Loro Parque Foundation, Spain); Dr. one cannot help but feel a deep management strategy for this species Friedrich]aneczek (Birds International, sense of optimism for its future. and included major transfers and new Inc., European Representative); Dr. On my desk lies a small blue pup­ pairings of birds. Susan Clubb (Loro Parque and AZA pet with fuzzy down that was once Macaw Group Veterinary Advisor); the star of a play telling the fairy tale What Next? Robert ]. Berry (AFA, USA); Dr. story of the Spix's Macaw. It is a The 2nd Workshop on Captive Richard Porter (lAS, USA); Lee Schoen reminder of an event in a dilapidated Breeding and Population Management (Houston Zoo, USA); Dr. Branson old theater, in a small rural town, and of the Spix's Macaw, recently held in Ritchie (University of Georgia, USA); of a group of children that had been Houston, focused on the development Dr. Darrel Styles (APA Conservation in the play. They had run up to me of a collaboration and trust through a Committee and AAVAviculture afterwards and given me the puppet comprehensive evaluation of each Committee) and Laurie Bingaman­ as a reminder to help them get a real individual bird in the population. The Lackey (AZA Small Population Spix's chick... Maybe we are not too captive population now stands at 60 Management AdVisory Group). far off from fulfilling that wish.

54 November/December 1999 Program Supporters Support for the Spix's Macaw recovery program has been provided by the following organizations: Brazilian Institute for the Environment and Natural Renewable Resources (IBAMA); Fundacion Loro Parque: 6 Boticario Foundation; ASHOKA Foundation; Herbert Levy Institute; Birds International, Inc.: WWF­ Brazil; BirdLife International: Houston Zoo: Parrotlets Grupo Relampago; AZA Brazil Conservation Sandee and Robert Molenda, C.A.S. Action Partnership: The Moulton School; Santa Cruz, CA Funda~ao Parque Zoologico de Sao Paulo; Santa Ana Zoo; Central Hydroelectric Company ofSao Francisco; and many individ­ uals involved in the program. In the United States, the Committee for iny, terrific and talented, par­ are weaned and their bonding instinct the Recovery ofthe Spix's Macaw is working rotlets are quickly becoming is strongest at this time. However, this with the American Federation of Aviculture very popular among people does not mean that older birds do not (AFA); International Aviculturists Society T who want all the personality of a big make wonderful pets - they can. If (lAS); American Zoo and Aquarium (AZA) parrot in a small, quiet bird. Parrotlets the parrotlet is placed in a loving and Brazil Conservation Action Partnership; and are adorable, intelligent, playful, sexu­ caring home, it will quickly become a Houston Zoolog'ical Society to explore fund­ ally dimorphic, and make wonderful member of the family. Females more raising avenues to directly support projects, pets when handfed. They can learn to often than males can become "one­ including field research, land acqUisition, the talk, need little space, are easy to person" birds. However, the younger rural schoolhouse program, reintroduction, breed and care for, and are incapable the bird is adopted and the more peo­ and other priority programs. of screaming. ple handle it, the more likely it is to tol­ Internationally, the Loro Parque Relatively unknown until a few erate all people. Since many species of Foundation of Spain has been the primary years ago, parrotlets are rapidly parrotlets are rare, only Pacific, Green­ funding group of the field program and has becoming one of the most popular rumped, and Spectacled Parrotlets played an essential role in raising funds for parrots in aviculture. They are also one ought to be sold as pets. the conservation of this species. If you are in of the world's smallest species and are Pet parrotlets are usually bundles of interested in supporting the Spix's Macaw often confused with lovebirds. Being energy, spending hours swinging, program, please contact one of these groups true parrots, however, they are most climbing and playing with lots of toys for information. closely related to the large Amazons. which their cage should accommo­ There are actually three different gen­ date. Ropes, ladders, leather chew References era of parrotlets: Touit, Nannopsittaca toys, bells, beads and Olympic rings and Fotpus, all of which are found in which are particular favorites, They are Barros, Y. M. (999) "Conservation and Management of Spix's Macaw: either Mexico or South and Central amaZing acrobats and often play with Successful Experience of Parental Care America. Parrotlets from the genus several toys at once. They can also be in a Hybrid Couple." Book ofAbstracts, Fotpus are the only ones bred in the taught to use a playpen but they must VI Neotropical Ornithological Congress, United States. be monitored as they will often come October 4-10, 1999, Monterrey and looking for their person. Being intelli­ Saltillo, Mexico. These little parrots are various gent and fearless, their natural curiosi­ Collar, NJ., Gonzaga, L.P., Krabbe, N., Madrofio­ shades of green with patches of yel­ Nieto, L.G" NaranjO, TA, Parker & low, gray, and blue which identify the ty can get them into trouble if they are Wege, D.C. (992) Threatened birds of not supervised species. Identification of the male of a the Americas. The ICBP/IUCN Red Data Parrotlets, particularly hens, should Book, Cambridge: ICBP. species is made upon the particular Juniper, A.T. and Yamashita, C. (991) The habi­ shade and location ofblue he possess­ be at least a year old before they are tat and status of Spix's Macaw allowed to breed or they can become es. The females are more difficult to Cyanopsitta spixii. Bird Conservation egg bound and die. Males who are too identify so close attention must be paid International 1: 1-9. young often do not provide enough Schischakin, N. (999) "The Spix's Macaw to small details such as subtle changes food for the hen and the babies which (Cyanopsitta sPixit) Studbook and in the shades as well as the distribution are then abandoned or destroyed. Population Management Plan of the of yellow and green feathers. IBAMA Permanent Committee for the Young pairs can be kept with one Recovery of the Spix's Macaw." Parrotlets kept as single birds make another until they go through their first Houston Zoological Gardens, Houston. the best pets. Ideally, the young par­ molt, then they should be separated Sick, H. (984) Ornitologia Brasileira, Uma Introdw;:ao. 3rd. ed. Editora rotlet should be placed with its new until they are at least 11 months old, It Universidade de Brasilia, Brasilia. .,. owner at six to 10 weeks of age. They is not uncommon to have handfed

the afa WATCHBIRD 55