sustain their numbers. Buffon's : Appendix I. Threatened Sometimes confused with the Mili­ tary Macaw. See A.F.A. Watchbird Oct/Nov 1986 and Dec/Jan 1990 for ofthe Neotropics clarification. These are seri­ by Nigel J. Col/ar ously declining throughout their International Council for Preservation range in . Captive Cambridge, United Kingdom breeding is desperately needed. Green-winged : Appen­ dix 11. Still being brought into the U.S. Parrots as Problems the deletion of Yellow-sided Parakeet The wild caught birds have proven Parrots are colourful, vegetarian, hypoxantha (an invalid difficult to breed. Better success is playful and mimetic, so people find ), the relegation of Yellow­ possible utilizing captive bred birds them attractive, easy to keep, com­ faced Amazon Amazona xanthops to for breeding. panionable and entertaining. In popu­ near-threatened status, the promotion Hyacinth Macaws: Appendix I. lar consciousness, they are the most from near-threatened status of White­ Current population is estimated at high-profile of birds, commonly fea­ headed Amazon Amazona leuco­ 2500 to 5000 total population. lllegal tured in advertisements that seek to cephala, and the addition of El Oro trade continues to decimate their assert the tropical authenticity of a Parakeet Pyrrhura orcesi, Fuertes' population. Further captive breeding product, and often humourised in fuertesi and Fire­ is necessary to maintain adequate cartoon form to assure the conviv­ eyed Parrots H. pyrrhops, Blue­ amounts ofbirds. iality of and complicity in the experi­ cheeked Amazona dufresniana and Military Macaws: Appendix I. ence the product offers. Alder Amazons A. tucumana. Disappearing and threatened It is all the more curious, then, that Currently, therefore, ICBP considers throughout their range due to con­ scientifically parrots remain so little 42 neotropical species at risk. tinued illegal trade. More captive known. The truth is, however, that All but one of these species are dis­ breeding is currently needed. for all their colour and noise, parrots tributed within six general areas, as Red Fronted Macaws: Appendix are highly cryptic (being mostly follows. Central America () I. Recently discovered in the 1910s, green) and capable of long periods of holds four (Thick-billed Parrot only a small population estimated to silence, feeding invisibly in the high pachyrhyncha, be below 5000 remains in the wild. crowns of trees, and when they fly it Maroon-fronted Parrot R. terrisi, Serious avicultural attention needs to is often with such speed or over such Red-crowned Amazon Amazona be given to this species. distances as to prohibit further obser­ viridigenalis and Socorro Scarlet Macaws: Appendix I. vation. These factors discourage rig­ brevipes)j the Several different wing patch color orous study to obtain quantitative holds seven (Cuban Conure Aratinga variations have been noted. One with dataj so we have many major gaps in euops, White-headed Amazon a wide band of yellow on the wing, our understanding of the ecology and Amazona leucocephala, Puerto one with emerald green as well as biology of the family in general and Rican Amazon A. vittata, St. Lucia yellow on the wing, and a third vari­ almost all ofits individual members. Amazon A. versicolor, Red-necked ety with royal blue on the yellow The majority of the world's 330­ Amazon A. arausiaca, St. Vincent wing patch. Breeding the variations odd parrot species are indeed found Amazon A. guildingii, Imperial separately would be appropriate. in tropical regions, and most of this Amazon A. imperialis); the lowland Conclusion majority are tropical forest dwellers, forests of northern Captive propagation allows the the lowlands being especially rich in hold four (Golden Conure Guaruba aviculturist a unique chance to con­ species. Although dispersed widely guarouba, Pearly Parakeet Pyrrhura tribute scientific data on macaws. through the Pacific Ocean and Old perlata, Blue-cheeked Amazon Using computers to analyze weight World in general, the parrots reach Amazona dufresniana, Yellow­ records and other data, artificial incu­ their maximum diversity in South shouldered Amazon A. barbadensis)j bation, photography and personal America, Southeast Asia and Austra­ the Andes of northwestern South observation, aviculturists can contri­ lia. ICBP's preliminary checklist of America hold 11 (Golden-plumed bute otherwise difficult-to-obtain the threatened birds of the world, information. The last 20 years has Birds to watch (1988), treated no seen monumental achievements by fewer than 71 parrot species (21.5% Bird private aviculturists in breeding most of the family) as at risk of , Pet and Supplies of the 17 species of macaws. The and listed a further 29 as near­ Retailers - creative variety of breeding tech­ threatened (birds in this second cate­ niques has contributed to successful gory were either genuine borderline did you know that one ofthe breeding. Continued advances in cases or species considered most vul­ most prestigious bird publications, avian medicine create an environ­ nerable to future decline). Hence no The Watchbird ment ripe for future progress and fewer than 100 (30% of the family's is available for resale success. total 330 species) were identified as in your store? It is the hope of aviculturists to giving cause for concern or worse. Call or write for information: create genetically viable captive Threatened species lists are always American Federation of breeding stock, so that in the future, subject to change, and that in Birds to p.o. Box 56218 release of captive reared birds into an Watch was intended for regular Phoenix, AZ 85079-6218 ecologically sound environment will update. Subsequent information has (602) 484-0931 be possible. • led to some adjustments, involving afa WATCHBIRD 43 Conure Leptosittaca branickii, Amazona viridigenalis (confined to BAUER.SMITH Yellow-eared Conure Ognorbyncbus lowland gallery forest and dry open R~/iQbk PT~cision Tools icterotis, EI Oro Parakeet Pyrrbura -oak ridges extending up the fOT tM Aviculturist orcesi, White-necked Parakeet P Sierra Madre Oriental) require effec­ Candlelux Lights $25.00 albipectus, Flame-winged Parakeet P. tive key site conservation for their Geudc, "II-oafo bead cover -2500 candIc: power Zenon bulb s_-oe·tbe·ort 0ptiaI with fOClLling bead. Airaaft·grado cal/iptera, Rufous-fronted Parakeet longterm survival. At present it is not AJumimun body with wiping action, puah button awitdl Bolborbyncbus ferrugineifrons, clear which are the optimal areas, but Feather Shears $18.00 Grey-cheeked Parakeet meanwhile the prospects for these SenaIicd b1acloa for c1oau, COIIlrOUed 1rimming pyrrbopterus, Spot-winged birds could be further enhanced Thermometers stictoptera, Rusty-faced Parrot through the development of wildlife­ Di.1 c:alibntablo, ac:a1ed,w/cupclip 25-125· F $24.00 Hapalopsittaca amazonina, friendly forestry practices that take Glass ASTM 18F 94-108" F $24.00 Fuertes' Parrot H. fuertesi, Fire-eyed better account of their feeding and Wavicide-Ol quarts $ 10.00 gallons $28.00 Parrot H. pyrrbops; on its own in the nesting requirements (although R. Handfeed Starter Kit $49.95 Andean foothills ofArgentina is Alder terrisi nests in cliffs). CooIaioa: Dial Tbormomotl:r, Fonnula WhUk, Watl:r Bath Amazon Amazona tucumana); the Aratinga brevipes clearly stands to SyriDJoa Kil(3cc, Sa: lOa:, 6Oa:), PyJex Mouun: Cup, 2 Lbo. HaDdfood Fonnula, Baby CIa... Sponge:a. interior savanna lowlands hold six benefit from current interest in a ( Anodorbyncbus comprehensive recovery programme BETTER BIRD PRODUCTS byacintbinus, A. for the Revillagigedos Islands. PO BOX 789 FAIRFAX, CA 94930 [415]454-6979 glaucus, Indigo Macaw A. leari, Little ~ ORDERS ONLY: 1-800-487·6959 ',.,1 I~ wholesale customers welcome l~!L~~_ Blue Macaw Cyanopsitta spixii, Caribbean Blue-throated Macaw glaucogu­ The on the northern laris, Red-fronted Macaw A. rubro­ slope of Morne Diablotin in genys); and the Atlantic forest region Dominica is now the last refuge of of (sometimes with adjacent Amazona imperialis and A. arau­ areas of and ) siaca (60 to 100 and 200 individuals holds nine (Golden-capped Conure remaining respectively). A small but Aratinga auricapilla, Blue-chested critically important part of this forest, Parakeet Pyrrbura cruentata, Brown­ due for logging, was acquired by backed Parrotlet Touit melanonota, ICBP, RARE and the government of Golden-tailed Parrotlet T. surda, Dominica in 1989. On St. Lucia Red-spectacled Amazon Amazona and St. Vincent, the forest of pretrei, Red-tailed Amazon A. brasil­ the Amazons A. versicolor and A. iensis, Red-browed Amazon A. guildingii respectively is well rbodocorytba, Vinaceous Amazon A. protected by recent government vinacea, Purple-bellied Parrot initiatives. Triclaria malacbitacea). It is prudent to regard these four The areas in question are massive, species as still vulnerable, however and sympatric occurrence of species well conserved their habitat, to hurri­ within them is commonly lacking. canes. The smaller the area of forest Nevertheless, it is obviously import­ becomes, the greater the risk must be ant to look for areas of overlap ofextermination by a direct hit from a between threatened species in order storm. However, it is worth noting to identify the optimal areas in which that A. vittata, a species which, being to seek to establish or reinforce confined to the Luquillo Forest in reserves. Many of the species cer­ northeast Puerto Rico, must share this tainly occur in existing protected seeming vulnerability, appears to areas, but for most it is not known if have survived moderately well the MWWORMS the populations there possess genetic 1989 direct hit by Hurricane Hugo, WAX WORMS viability or if their requirements can the majority of the 50 + wild birds FLY LARVAE be met throughout their life-cycle. weathering the disaster and breeding CRICmS Indeed, detailed information on the confidently in its wake. The two distribution and natural history of Jamaican Amazons, the Yellow-billed TOP QUALITY! most species is very poor and in some A. col/aria and Black-billed A. agilis, GUARANTEED cases almost completely lacking. This survived the devastating 1988 Hurri­ renders the task of determining prior­ cane Gilbert fairly well also, and still CALL OR WRITE ities for particular areas very proble­ do not merit threatened species FOR BROCHURE matic and, although an essential status. However, the region's sixth ORDER TOLL FREE measure, such priorities should threatened amazon, A. leucocepbala, 1-800-222-3563 always be framed so as to reflect their provides a counterexample: in 1982, ALL OTHER CALLS: 513-874-5881 I_I•. •• provisional nature. the population of A.l. besterna living FAX 513-874-5878 on Little Cayman was eliminated by a Mexico hurricane and this now The two species of Rbyncbopsitta only persists in very small numbers (c. which inhabit conifer forests in the 50) on Cayman Brac; nevertheless, it ..P.O BOX 'SOC'-HAMILTON, OH 450'5 Sierra Madre, Occidental (pacby­ is obvious that birds on low, flat KNOWN FOR OUALITY AND SERVICE' rbyncba) and Oriental (terrisi), and islands are far more at risk from 44 JuneIJuly 1991 storms than those in mountainous ter- ~ ~ Just another fine day at the San rain where valleys provide shelter. ~ Diego Zoo. Reserve one for your­ Despite A.l. hesterna's plight, an ~ .9 self! Join the fun and excitement at area of key breeding habitat is being 'iii :> the AFA 17th Annual Convention. fragmented as a consequence of agri- oll cultural development. The other sub- .§ Early convention registrants will receive tickets to species fare better, but insufficiently ~ the Saturday night banquet and awards ceremony. to take the species as a whole out of 15 Seating is limited, so don't delay. (.) For more information, call the AFA at (602) danger: the race caymanensis on g, 484-0931 or write to the American Federation of Grand Cayman is down to around one is Aviculture, P.O. Box 56218, Phoenix, AZ 85079-6218. thousand in .the central and eastern ai Contact the AFA today to reserve your perch in the sun, by the sea, in San Diego. part of the island in the wake of a rJ) major (and continuing) development boom; bahamensis on Great Inagua HONEY BEAR - the Malayan sun bear residents ofthe San and Abaco (Bahamas), and formerly Diego Zoo's new multi-million dollar exhibit complex "Sun Bear Forest;' have daily honey treats to keep them content. on four other islands, has declined through habitat loss, although other factors have been at work; palmarum on 's Isle of (Isla de ]uventud) has been declared extinct in none other than AFA Watchbird (9-2-1982: 20) but the Cuban ornitho­ logical literature flatly contradicts this; and nominate leucocephala on Cuba, by various reports in decline, maintains its major population in the Zapata (fuller information on Quality cage products these last two forms may alter the ... will enhance the breeding potential of your birds assessment of the species' overall prospects). The Zapata Swamp is also the last stronghold of Aratinga 1/2" x3" Mesh 12 gao euops, which has suffered a serious suitable for decline throughout Cuba. everything from Finch to Macaws.

Northern South American 1" x 3" Mesh 10 gao Lowlands suitable for Two allopatric Amazons have parts larger Amazons, Macaws and . of their ranges in northern Venezuela: Amazona barbadensis of the central­ north coastlands extends onto several California Breeder Caribbean islands (Margarita, Blan­ quilla, Bonaire); A. dufresniana is • Most versatile cage on the market today restricted to heavy forest on the east- • Used by many well-known breeders and bird farms ern border with Guyana, through which it extends into Suriname and French Guiana. 10-' Spring latch Guaruba guarouba and the sym­ Wirelalch patric Pyrrhura perlata are confined to the humid forests south of the Metal Nest Boxes 1" x 1" sprin~ Square Tube IOa~ed~ Amazon River in the states of Para and Roll Wire Maranhao in northern Brazil. The clip pliers Custom AviaryDesign recent discovery of a population of G. Doors guarouba southwest of its previously Single Units • Breeding Complexes ~['"" . known range somewhat ameliorates " I Wind Panels' Roof Structures the species' , but l. ,~- ':. • Call or write for more information. this part of Brazil is undergoing rapid 9" x 9" and 12" x 12" development and effective protected Feed Doors 1 (818) 843-MATE sites are urgently needed where both with inside species occur, especially to account Feed Trays HOURS: ISO available Monday - Friday, 9a.m. - 5 p.m. for all races ofperlata. • Saturday, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. ~'~~ Cages Andes .. 3314 Burton Ave., Burbank, CA 91504 An area of apprOXimately 90,000 sq. km that includes the [ VISA I NATIONWIDE SHIPPING • departments of Cauca, Huila, Cundin­ Quality cage products atprices that don't bite! amarca, Caldas, Santander, Risaralda, afa WATCHBlRD 45 Quindio, Tolima, Choco and Valle macaws, whose exceptional vulnera­ malachitacea. Protected areas in this contains seven of the 11 threatened bility through naturally low repro­ region that are thought to be of par­ Andean species. These are Lepto­ ductive success has recently been ticular importance for the conserva­ psittaca branickii, Ognorhynchus highlighted. Currently most macaws tion of these psittacines include: icterotis, Bolborhynchusferruginei­ remain sufficiently widespread not to Tijuca National Park, RJ (P. cruentata, frons, Touit stictoptera, Pyrrhura figure as threatened species, but they T. melanonota); the southern coastal calliptera, Hapalopsittaca amazo­ are certainly at risk in parts of their region of ESP and adjacent northern nina and H. fuertesi. The altitudinal range. Meanwhile, it is the blue Parana, i.e. the eastern part of the preferences of all species except T. macaws that give greatest cause for Serra do Mar (Amazona brasiliensis); stictoptera overlap between 2,400 concern - hyacin­ Iguacu National Park, Parana (A. and 3,400 m. All these species thinus occupying (in now very frag­ pretrei, A. vinacea); Aracuri­ (except for H. fuertesi) are thought to mented fashion) a vast area essentially Esmarelda Ecological Station, RGS (A. occur in protected areas, notably fringing the southern reaches of the pretrei); Apardos da Serra National Alto Quindio National Park in Amazon rainforest, with A. leari just Park, RGS (A. vinacea). Quindio, Purace National Park, Cerro holding on at a single site in (60 The sites listed above are certainly Munchique and the upper Magdalena birds), A. glaucus last seen in 1953, important for the conservation of the Valley in Cauca. Ognorhynchus and Cyanopsitta spixii now seem­ threatened psittacines that occur in icterotis is thought to occur in ingly . the Atlantic Forests and probably con­ Munchique, Purace and Cueva de los It is thought that habitat modifica­ stitute real priorities. However, infor­ Guacharos National Parks. Also, the tion threatens the survival of Ara mation on the occurrence of the Los Nevados National Park to the rubrogenys through the removal of above species in non-protected areas northeast of the main area is of some key tree species for industrial uses. is urgently needed in order to guide importance, particularly for Bolbo­ This species has a very limited range the development of a more compre­ rhynchus, and because it includes and that there is a need for protected hensive network of key sites. This is part of the possible range of Hapa­ areas. Another Bolivian - although especially urgent considering the lopsittaca fuertesi, although this allopatric - endemic species, Ara absence of known protected areas for species may already be extinct. glaucogularis, may also suffer from several ofthe species mentioned. An area of southern Ecuador the effects ofhabitat loss but no infor­ including all or parts of the provinces mation is available. Habitat loss of Loja, Zamora-Chinchipe, Morona­ The majority of threatened parrots Santiago, Azuay and El Oro covers all Southeast Brazil occur in regions where the destruc­ or part of the ranges of six threatened In the central part of southeastern tion of natural vegetation has been parrots. These are Leptopsittaca BraZil, the area encompassing the and continues to be particularly branickii, Hapalopsittace pyrrhops, southern portion of the state of Bahia severe. These areas are the Atlantic Pyrrhura orcesi, P. albipectus, Touit and the state of Espirito Santo (ES) Forest of southeast Brazil, the sub­ stictoptera and Brotogeris pyrrhop­ contains populations of Aratinga tropical and temperate zones of the terus. The most likely altitude for auricapilla, Pyrrhura cruentata, Andean valleys in Colombia and sympatric occurrence is around Touit melanonota, T. surda, Ama­ Ecuador, and the islands of the Carib­ 2,500 to 3000 m, although both P. zona rhodocorytha and Trichlaria bean. Together, these three broad albipectus and T. stictoptera occur malachitacea. Within these two regions contain the ranges of over well below this; their priority area is states, the following sites (mostly 70% of threatened parrots. Many of the Cordillera Cutucu, an area desig­ already protected) are thought to be the threatened species which live in nated as a Shuar Indian Reserve but important: Monte Pascoal National these regions are rendered particu­ being settled as a result ofEcuadorean Park, Bahia (Touit surda, Amazona larly susceptible through naturally government initiative. For the other rhodocorytha); Cumuruxatiba, Bahia restricted ranges. species, notably H. pyrrhops and L. (Aratinga auricapilla; Boraceia The Atlantic Forest originally branickii (but possibly also P. albi­ Ecological Reserve, ES (Trichlaria extended from the state of Rio pectus), the Podocarpus National malachitacea, A. rhodocorytha); Grande do Norte to the southernmost Park in Loja province is thought to be Sooretama Biological Reserve (and borders of Brazil, into the northern of particular significance. This site is, contiguous Linhares Reserve), ES (A. Argentinian province of Misiones and however, also under threat, as is a rhodocorytha, Pyrrhura cruentata); parts of eastern Paraguay. In its natu­ neighbouring unprotected site, from Fazenda Sao Joaquim Biological ral state, the Atlantic Forests occupied encroachment by agriculture. Reserve, ES (A. rhodocorytha); about a million sq. km, thus making it Amazona tucumana was recently Corrego do Veado Biological Reserve, the third largest vegetation-type in judged at risk. It has declined dramat­ ES (P. cruentata); Nova Lombardia Brazil after the Amazonian rainforest ically in numbers during the twen­ Reserve, ES (Triclaria malachitacea). and the . The region that tieth century as a consequence of the A second area of importance in the includes the Atlantic Forest was the effects of habitat loss and trade, and is Atlantic Forest. region includes the first to be settled by the Portuguese thought to be extinct in the Bolivian states of Rio de Janeiro (RJ), Sao Paulo and today holds 43% of Brazil's pop­ portion of its range. Protection of its (ESP), Parana, Santa Catarina (SC) and ulation in 11 % of its land area. As a remaining alder forests in northwest Rio Grande do SuI (RGS). These states consequence of various agricultural Argentina is essential. have populations ofAratinga aurica­ developments, charcoal production, pilla, Pyrrhura cruentata, Touit logging, mining and urbanisation, the Central South American melanonota, T. surda, Amazona Atlantic Forest now constitutes the Lowlands pretrei, A. brasiliensis, A. rhodo­ most endangered set of ecosystems in This is the critical region for the corytha, A vinacea and Triclaria Brazil. 46 June !July 1991 Threats to parrots in the Andean the replacement of native vegetation region stem mainly from the destruc­ with cash crops and the destruction tion of the subtropical and temperate of forests to make way for tourist zone forests. In many parts of the developments continue to be cited as Andean valleys in Colombia and threats in various combinations on CUT OPERATING COSTS Ecuador, the destruction of natural the islands where the native parrots PA YS FOR ITSELF IN A FEW WEEKS! ~-?- TO VACUUM CLEAN SEED vegetation is almost total. Forests in survive. , C FROM WASTE SEED the tropical zone, particularly in Ama­ AT LAST AN INEXPENSIVE CLEANER zonia, have fared somewhat better. THAT WORKS' Ten years ago Colombia was losing an Human Exploitation .I Clean All Types Of Seed .I Use Any Vacuum estimated 8,200 sq. km each year Numbers of threatened parrots are .I All Steel Construction from a total of464,000 sq. km. Losses much higher than for almost all other ./ Lifetime Guarantee to natural vegetation cover have been families, precisely because the usual MAKES A GREAT GIFT! severest in the Andes, where defore­ factor responsible for species endan­ $19.95 + 6.95 SHIPPING station is more or less complete, and germent - - is & HANDLING although it is estimated that 38% of here compounded by another major t CLEAN SEED NY Res. Add 8 114% Sales Tax the country is still under natural for­ factor: direct human exploitation PETLAND JUNCTION est cover, most of this is lowland rain­ (hunting for food and feathers and, 452 Castleton Ave. - Staten Island, NY 10301 forest in Amazonia and Choco. Mas­ much more significantly, trapping for sive has taken place in trade). The only comparable group is Ecuador. In 1981, it was estimated the Galliformes, although in that case that 3,400 sq. km from a total area of it is hunting, not trade, that is the 142,300 sq. km of broadleaved forest dominant form ofexploitation. ABOUT BIRDS was being cleared annually. The In the Neotropics, parrots are val­ ~ effects of such deforestation have ued as pets and for ceremonial uses " (815) 648-4078 J been particularly severe in the Inter­ by a variety of indigenous peoples, I'a~ Roudybush Diets \'I andean valley which runs roughly and were among the first goods to be Handfed & imported birds north-south the length of Ecuador traded with European explorers. A 11508 Rt. 173 HEBRON, IL 60034 where little natural vegetation now review of the indigenous exploitation remains in the subtropical and tem­ of neotropical parrots and concluded perate zones. Agriculture has cer­ that on the whole this was sustainable tainly taken up vast areas but, even and that the decline of almost all spe­ where the slopes are too steep for cies occurred only after the arrival of AVICULTURAL farming, wood is extracted for fuel Europeans. Instances since then of SOCIETY OF and for timber. The tropical forests at the extermination of populations and QUEENSLAND lower altitude on the Pacific slope of even entire species as a result of Welcomes new members An Australian Society catering to all birds both in the Andes have also suffered serious excessive hunting are few but cau­ captivity and in the wild. We publish a bi-monthly destruction. tionary: the Ara trico­ magazine on all aspects of aviculture and conser­ Since their colonisation by Euro­ lor - now extinct - was killed for vation. Anyone interested in membership please contact Ray Garwood, 19 Fahey's Road, Albany peans, the islands of the Caribbean food and trapped as pets, while Creek, 4035 Queensland, Australia. Annual have undergone extensive and (as in Guaruba guarouba is still shot by subscription, $22 (Al airmail. or $16 (Al surface. Please remit monies or bank drafts in Australian the case of Puerto Rico) almosttotal colonists to the point where this is a currancy. deforestation. At the time of Colom­ serious threat. bus's discovery of these islands, the In general, under most conditions parrot fauna was very rich and and for most species, hunting does included a minimum of 28 species, not pose a serious threat. However, OUR 40TH BIRDMART but in the subsequent 500 years, the where birds are naturally scarce or EVERYBODY'S number of psittacines in the region suffering from the effects of habitat has been reduced by about half. Of loss or excessive exploitation for the 12 remaining species that are trade, hunting for subsistence and BIRD MART endemic to the Caribbean, seven are plumes could be a significant factor threatened and the other five are affecting the survival of some popula­ June 23, 1991 "near-threatened'. Although many of tions or even species. Hunting for L.A. county Fairplex Bldg. #4 these birds were hunted in the past plumes may become a more serious Pomona, California for food and trapped to supply pets threat when it is taken outside its 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. for both the local population and normal cultural context and con­ Admission: $3, Youths 5-15: $1 overseas markets, today the main ducted in order to supply tourist The Bird Mart has become the threat to their survival is posed by the markets. The collection ofplumes for marketplace forbuyers andsellers. lack ofsuitable habitat. A reduction in products intended for the tourist BIRDS' CAGES· FEEDERS· NESTBOXES the area occupied by these birds also trade was thought to be a factor VITAMINS· SEED· PERCHES· GIFT ITEMS renders them more susceptible to the adversely affecting the numbers of a division of effects of catastrophic events like Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus pres­ J. Williams Financial Services Inc. P.O. Box 1112, La Canada, CA 91011 hurricanes. Logging for building ent in the catchments of the Xingu, materials, the extraction of timber for Araguaia and . (818) 790-7876 charcoal production, illegal shifting It is nevertheless trade - and in The Original, The #1 Bird Mart cultivation, subsistence agriculture, particular, international trade - in

afa WATCHBIRD 47 parrots that is cardinally to blame for delta and introduced into interna­ There are three species which face the plight of many species. This is tional markets via Guyana. Birds have separate or unknown factors: Ara­ ironic, given that the majority of also been captured in Brazil and tinga brevipes, Amazona vittata, threatened species are supposedly exported from and, since Bol­ and A. dufresniana. protected from trade by either ivia introduced a wildlife export ban There are 11 species experiencing national or international controls, or in 1986, Bolivian birds have been both habitat loss and the impact of both. Such controls have been intro­ flown out via Argentina. trapping: Ara rubrogenys, Guaruba duced through the (Washington) Con­ The most intractable problems are guarouba, Aratinga euops, A. auri­ vention on the International Trade in presented by the clandestine dealing capilla, Rbyncbopsitta pacbyrbyn­ Endangered Species of Wild Fauna in the highly prized CITES Appendix cba, Pyrrbura cruentata, Brotogeris and Flora (CITES) and through I species. Most notable targets here pyrrbopterus, Amazona leucoce­ species-specific protection and the are the blue macaws and the Lesser pbala, A. viridigenalis, A. brasilien­ imposition of unilateral wildlife Antillean Amazons, basically because sis, and A. imperialis, must be placed export bans. Appendix I to CITES they combine great beauty with great as a subgroup here, since they face includes species at risk of global rarity and prestige value in the eyes of some habitat loss and some trade, extinction from trade: listing prohib­ those who collect them. Anodorbyn­ both major threats in the past but its all commercial dealing. Species cbus byacintbinus, which was form­ now greatly moderated by strict new listed in Appendix II are those for erly Widespread in Brazil from south controls. which careful management is re­ of the Amazonian forests south to the Finally, seven species face extinc­ quired to ensure that trade remains of Bolivia and Paraguay, is tion mainly from trade pressures, sustainable. To some extent these now scarce and the three remaining namely Anodorbyncbus byacin­ instruments may work. Thus in the populations are becoming increas­ tbinus, A. glaucus (if it still exists: five-year period from 1981 to 1985, ingly fragmented, mostly as a conse­ reports circulate that a site remains the United States imported over quence of illegal capture for trade. A. for it), A. leari, Cyanopsitta spixii, 703,000 neotropical parrots repre­ leari is enviously sought after and Ara glaucogularis, Amazona tucu­ senting at least 96 (from a possible will only survive through constant mana, and A. barbadensis. 140) different species; but as the (and expensive) vigilance against As a very general rule, habitat majority of these birds would be of trappers. The last known population destruction affects most Andean common species, the legal mass ship­ of Cyanopsitta spixii (in the region species, and trade affects the great ment of psittacine species to Europe of Curaca, Bahia state, Brazil) was majority of lowland mainland forms. and - Peru's persist­ wiped out by bird trappers, the only It would appear straightforward to ence in exporting Brotogeris nest being plundered and the chicks assume that species affected by both pyrrbopterus in large numbers is one offered for sale on the international threats would be most at risk, but no exception, Cuba's with Aratinga market for $ US 40,000. The situation case among the 14 listed above ­ euops (to Eastern Europe) is another of the Lesser Antillean Amazons is with the exception of Amazona - appears to threaten very few spe­ considerably better owing to height­ imperialis - gives as great a cause cies with global extinction. ened national awareness of and pride for alarm as the four blue macaws at In fact, at present, few Neotropical in the birds in question, but, again, risk from trade or indeed A. vittata countries allow the commercial the price of these birds' freedom is or the "missing" Andean parrots so export of their wildlife and as a con­ eternal vigilance, and this is not with­ urgently of attention, Ognorbyncbus sequence the legal trading of CITES out costs to the island states involved. icterotis and Hapalopsittaca fuer­ Appendix II birds is not a problem for tesi. On present evidence it is clear the great majority of species, The Long View that conservation although Argentina, Guyana, Suri­ It is difficult to be precise about the has to proceed on many fronts, in name and Peru still allow substantial degree of threat represented by trade many countries, but with major ini­ commercial exports of parrots. All as against habitat loss in the 42 Neo­ tiatives in habitat conservation at key four countries are now trading under tropical parrots at risk, but a general sites in Colombia, Ecuador and Brazil, quotas but, owing to the lack of good assessment suggests that without and with priority conservation mea­ data on populations, density and pro­ trade as a factor the number of sures aimed at the control of trade ductiVity of the traded species, over­ species under consideration might be concentrating on the effective protec­ exploitation can still be a problem. halved. tion of the most threatened and This is certainly happening with Thus there are 17 species for which highly valued species. Blue-fronted Amazons A. aestiva habitat destruction is the primary Finally, it needs to be noted that the from Argentina, and could lead to the cause of endangerment (this is not to remaining 100-odd non- or near­ local depletion of other species say that trade would not seriously threatened Neotropical parrots are exported from that country. harm them, but it has played no great still in need of monitoring, as most The illegal trade is quite different. part in their decline to date): Leptop­ must be in some sort of decline, given Specimens of CITES Appendix II spe­ stittaca branickii, Ognorbyncbus the ubiquitous problem of habitat loss cies may be captured in one country icterotis, Rbyncbopsitta terrisi, in the Americas. The trade situation is where a wildlife export ban exists and pyrrbura perlata, P orcesi, P albi­ always shifting, with new species moved to a country where documen­ pectus, P calliptera, Bolborbyncbus becoming popular and new popula­ tation of origin there may be ferrugineifrons, Touit melanonota, tions being exploited. Ifmore species obtained, permitting their "legal" T. surda, T. stictoptera, Hapalopsitta are not to enter the threatened exportation. This is thought to occur amazonina, H. fuertesi, H. pyrr­ listings, there has to be much more in Venezuela where birds are taken bops, Amazona pretrei, A. vinacea, fieldwork and site protection illegally in the region of the Orinoco and Triclaria malacbitacea. throughout the Neotropical region.• 48 June !July 1991 Central Indiana Cage Bird Club Motor CityBird Breeders sponsors its is sponsoringits 3rd Annual Cage Bird Fair 40thAnnual June8&9,1991 Canary and Cage Bird Exhibition Exposition Hall October26 & 27, 1991 Marion County Fairgrounds St. Stephen's Hall 7300 E. TroyAvenue 4330 CentralAvenue Indianapolis, Indiana46239 Detroit, Michigan Forinformation, contact: Forinformation: Sharon Rinzel (317) 873-3584 TheWatchbird offers free publicityfor member Kathy Frank orMike McGinnis (317) 783-3592 clubbird showsby announcing the dates and 19400MacArthur, Redford, MI 48240 locations of the shows. To have your show Phone (313) 538-6598 CentralAlabamaAvicultural listed it is necessary to get the data to the Society Watchbird four to five months before the show date.Forexample, ifyour show takesplace the presents its first week ofOctober, it shouldbelisted in the All Feather Bird Fair &Show August/September issue. The deadline for RockyMountain Society August 31 & Sept. I, 1991 thatissue is June 1st. (Copy/article deadline ofAviculture Governors House Hotel is two months precedingpublication date.) is hosting its 2703 South Blvd. 29thAnnual Bird Show Montgomery, Alabama 36116 November 1,2, and 3,1991 For information contact: AviculturalSociety ofTucson, AZ EmbassySuites Hotel Charles Reaves (205) 892-0015 presents its Interstate 70 and HavannaSt. or Lorene Clubb (205) 857-3817 Annual Bird Fair Denver, Colorado October 13, 1991 Judges: The Carolina Classic Tucson Convention Center Canaries - MarkWhiteaker. NCA, IGBA& September 7 &8, 1991 New Exhibition Hall others hosted by For information contact: Budgies - Don Powers, ABS Charlotte Metrolina Jerry Bock (602) 682-7043 or Cockatiels - Glen Gibson, NCS Cage Bird Society Darlene Danko (602) 749-0862 Lovebirds & Parrots - Ralph Milos, ALBS, supported by SPBE South CarolinaBird Buddies and Finches - Marty Von Raesfeld, NFS the Palmetto Cage Bird Club Pet Birds & Photo Contest - Tim Murphy Piedmont Kennel Club South BayBird Club American Budgies - Kevin Wirick Choate Circle at the sponsors its For information contact: Carowinds Blvd. Exit, offof!-77 Southern California Dorothy Rae Bien near the SC/NC state line. Finch and Hookbill Show P.O. Box 3663 For information contact: October 19 -20,1991 Englewood, Colorado 80155 Glen Gibson (704) 588·1616or Alondra ParkCommunity Bldg. (303) 369-4804 Bob Hollaway (803) 781-7202 or Lawndale, California Earl Owens (803) 855-3193 Judges: Hookbills - ClarenceCulwell- SPBE Sun CoastAvian Society Cockatiels - Lee Horton - NCS Greater Chicago Cage Bird Club hosts the Lovebirds - Nancy Polarino - ALBS presents its Kaytee Great American Bird Show Finches - Clarence Culwell- NFS 59thAnnual Bird Show October 4 and 5, 1991 For information call: November2,1991 Belleview Mido Resort Hotel Lee orSharyn Bolivar (213) 416-9877 Holiday Inn 25 Belleview Blvd. Rita Holmes - (213) 640-3292 3405Algonquin Road Clearwater, FL 34616 Rolling Meadows, IL 60008 (813) 442-6171 For general information: Forinformation contact: (708) 705-6260 Middle Tennessee Cage Bird Club Deborah Dollar (813) 938-3893 orcall Frank Smolen is hostings its Categories: (708) 916-0224 Annual Fall Bird Mfair SPBE - Darren Decoteau October26-27,1991 NFS - Steve Hoppin Municipal Auditorium ABS - Ermafern Collins 417 FourthAvenue North Greater Pittsburgh ALBS - Lee Horton Nashville, Tennessee Cage Bird Society ACS - Bert McCauly For show information contact: AnnualAll Bird Show NCS - Glen Gibson Phyleen Stewart November2,1991 Canaries: 2131 Elm Hill Pike, F-127, Century Plaza Inn Melanin - Ignacio Perea Nashville, TN 37210 (Exit off1-70) Washington. PA Lipochrome - Roberto Font (615) 885-2523 For more information call: Type - Ray Rudisill For fair information contact: MarleneAyres Pet Bird - TBD Ed Ramage (412) 746-1384 2131 Elm Hill Pike. F-127 836-1/2 McClane Farm Rd. South Jersey Bird Club Nashville, TN 37210 Washington, PA 15301 presents its (615) 885-2523 10thAnnual Bird Show October 5, 1991 Garden State Park SmokyMountain Cage Bird Society Route 70 & Haddonfield Rd. Bird ShowFair Cherry Hill, New Jersey November 9, 1991 For information: Great Smokies Hilton SouthJersey Bird Club Asheville, North Carolina Box 21, Richwood. NJ 08074 For information: Phone: (609) 893-0955 MichaelJarrett (704) 433-8036

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