News about conservation, aviculture and welfare from C(fjfi£9/r1Ur1df'!&rrotCf!hw;t

Vol. 5No.2 MAY1993

A WORLD FIRST IN WILDLIFE

CON SERVATI 0 N Trust secures the release of captive Coffin's Cockatoos on Tanimbar, Indonesia.

TheWorldParrotTrusthasrecently it believesto beaworld first in into thewild, with official 'TheCookReport'TVprogramme receivednewsthat 319Goffin's practicalwildlife conservation.In approval.TheTrustwouldlike to whichfirst discoveredthebirds' CockatoosCacatuagoffinihave anycasewewouldlike to hearof thankthe Governmentof the predicament,andto the Benelux beenreleasedbackinto theforest anyotheroccasionswhena large Republicof Indonesiafor its wisdom branchof TheWorldParrotTrust nearSaumlaki,Tanimbar, numberof birdsin thehandsof andcompassionin authorisingthis whichraisedmuchof thefunds Indonesia. tradershavebeenreleasedback release.Thanksarealsodue to required. Thesebirdshadbeenin captivity for up to a year,andwouldhave beensoldontheinternational parrotmarketbut for their being declaredanendangeredspeciesby CITESduring 1992.Thismadeit illegalfor themto betraded outsideIndonesia,andasa result over500birdsweresimplyheldin cagesonTanimbar. WhentheWorldParrotTrust heardof their plight,theyraised fundsto helpcarefor the endangeredcockatoosandseek theirreleasebackinto thewild. Scientificteststakenfrom the birdsindicatedthat theywerenot carryinganydiseaseor parasite thatmightbea threatto birdsin thewild.Fundsweresentto Tanimbarto payfor feedingthe ,but despitethis someof themdied. Finally,onMarch7th the Goffin'sCockatooswerereleased intotheforestunderthe supervisionof thelocalIndonesian authorities.TheWorldParrotTrust hasreceivedphotographsof this event(seepage2),togetherwith anofficialcertificateconfirming therelease. TheWorldParrotTrustis very pleasedwith this outcome,which

1 The Trust hopes that the C. goffini on village maize harvests, project and I will look forward to residents of the islands where and have returned with extensive sending you the final report in due Goffin's Cockatoo lives will in data sets which will be analyzed course." future regard this endangered during the course of the next as not worth catching, due to its month. Both were observed CITESstatus preventing trade. The frequently on the forest transects Trust is urgently preparing and large numbers of goffiniwere We will keep our members educational material to help observed in the agricultural areas. informed on future developments achieve this objective. Yusuf and Nick were the first on Tanimbar. What is certain is When we first reported the biologists to transect across the that the Trust will think very plight of these captive cockatoos island and visit the west coast. carefully before it allows itself to in our August 1992 issue of They found a near pristine get involved in a similar situation PsittaScene, we had only modest environment, people still hunting in the future. From the parrot hopes of achieving the release of with bows and arrows and villages welfare point of view it was the birds. In the event, there are a preparing for war! I believe this rewarding to have 319 cockatoos number of unsatisfactory aspects. will be seen as a land mark survey removed from miserable conditions First, the birds were not marked in and that there will be widespread and returned to the wild, but it has any way, so there is no prospect of interest in the results. I would like to be conceded that insufficient monitoring their survival and to thank WPT for supporting this science was applied to the release. dispersal from the release site. Second, no observations were made immediately after the release, when the ability of the birds to fend for themselves after a year in captivity could usefully have been studied. Third we hear from Saumlaki that once again this year Goffin's Cockatoos are being captured, so the message has apparently not yet got through to the local people that these birds are not worth catching, as there is no longer an international outlet forthem. Better news has just reached The World Parrot Trust from Birdlife International (the new name for ICBP- International Council for Bird Preservation). As Captive Coffin's Cockatoos,held in cages on a farm near Saumlaki, Tanimbar, Indonesia. Over 500 were kept there for one year. reported previously in PsittaScene, we are part-funding a new Status Assessment of Goffin's Cockatoo and the Blue-streaked Lory on Tanirnbar. The project staff have just completed three months of field work, and a letter just in from Paul Jepson, their Indonesia Programme Coordinator, reports as follows:-

"I am pleased to report that ICBP project officers Yusuf Cahyadin and Nick Brickle have returned to the Bogor progranune office after successfully completing three months of field work in Tanimbar. They completed all the compo- nents of the survey plan which included two cross island transects Coffin's Cockatoosbeing released into the forest. The releasewas made under the and an evaluation of the impact of supervision of the local Indonesian authorities.

The freed Coffin's Cockatoosbegin to t7yto freedom. The Coffin's Cockatoospick up food from the forest t7oor.

2 THE WORLD PARROT TRUST

BENELUX PARROT SYMPOSIUM By Michael Reynolds A highlysuccessful Parrot Parrot' project. As readers will Further fund raising All the children must have done a Symposium was organised and run know, this aims to help the survival achievements in Benelux lot of work to earn the money to by our energetic and dedicated of Lear'sMacawAm leariby buy the palms to give to their Benelux Chapter. No less than 260 protecting existing Ucuri palms - Dear Or Munn mothers on Mothers Day. What a delegates attended, from Belgium, their essentialfood- and establishing The two fourth grades of the very nice and original idea - we the Netherlands, France, Germany new plantations. Our Benelux Antwerp International School have must pass it on to other schools and the United Kingdom, to hear a committee and members have been studying the Lears Ara and for next year. I am immediately distinguished programme of speakers. worked tirelessly to raise this have been raising money for them. sending on your letter to Or. All areas of the parrot world impressive amount, and our We have done jobs at home and Charlie Munn. As it happens, he is were well represented: Charles thanks are due to Ruud Vonk, have earned 200BFeach for a going to Brazil later this week to Munn spoke about his conservation chairman of the symposium small palm which we gave to our begin a month's study of Lear's work with the large macaws; Harry committee, and everyone who mothers on Mothers Day. The two Macaw, and how to plant new Sissen gave insights into his helped in the organisation and fourth grades have raised over palms for their future food supply. successful breeding of the macaws fund-raising. The attention to detail 11,000 BF and are encouraging the He is taking with him the world's and other ; G. v. Eijken and was positively awesome, and younger grades to follow our top expert on palms to give advice, R. Lorentsen gave their impressions included specially made World example. The money will be sent to and we are also sending a leading of Australian parrots, while you for buying Ucuri palms and British wildlife artist, David Parrot Trust flags flying outside W.Hetherington spoke of the for buying fencing to protect the Johnston, so he can paint a really the zoo,a press conference that led control of Australian international Ucuri palms from cattle, sheep authentic picture of Lear's macaw to the 'Palm for a Parrot' story ; T. de Meulenaer and goats. We hope that the money in its natural habitat. David's appearing in many newspapers gave an update on European CITES will help the parrots. Lots of luck picture will be available, hopefully and specialist magazines, Lear's regulations; LE.M. de Boer spoke Macaw costumes for the two with the parrots. before Christmas this year, as a on European limited edition print. I will make cheque presenters, displays and Sincerely programmes; and Gerry Dorrestein The Antwerp International School sure your school has a copy of this gave a paper on recent developments salescounters in the lobby of the picture as soon as it is ready. Once in parrot healthcare. zoo, and superb bronze 'parrot again, thanks from all of us at The It is an indication of the stature oscar' sculptures for all the speakers. Reply from the World Parrot Trust World Parrot Trust. We are trying of our Benelux Chapter that we were If this was the visible part on the to help the survival of all the offered the use of the outstanding day, imagine the work and World's parrots, and it is most enthusiasm that went on To Mr. Robert Schaecher, facilities at Antwerp Zoo. The Headmaster and also to Mr. Brian inspiring for us to have the support beforehand. I was very proud to be famous marble hall is a most elegant Schiller, Mr. Rene de Mol, Mrs. Kathleen of caring and thoughtful young venue and all the technical and associated with this event and the Morrell, Ms. Ruth Bradley, Miss people. team who created it: if the parrots other arrangements were first class. Katherine Zischka, and all the pupils Our sincere thanks are due to the had friends like these in every Yours sincerely at Antwerp International School. Director Or. F.]. Damen, and to the country, the world of the parrots I was astonished to hear this MichaelReynolds,Hon.Director Curator of Birds Dr.R.Van Bocxstaele would be a much better place. morning from Mrs Morrell of the who gave a guided tour of the zoo. To complete the story so far, very large sum you have raised to read the item in which we provide A high point in the day's events help our project to save was the presentation of a cheque a progress report on our work for the Lear's Macaw. for Bfr 20000 (£4000) towards the Lear's Macaw. World Parrot Trust's 'Palm for a

Mike ReynoldsmeetsHan Assink, Chairman of IWT Dr. CharlesMunn receivesa very large cheque from Betterthanan 'Oscar'.ThisbeautifulbronzePalm Benelux,Dr. Van Bocxstaele,and Dr. F.]. Damen, two Lear's Macaws, (Karin & Koen Sestig) Cockatoowasspeciallycreatedfor \WTBeneluxby Director of Antwerp Zoo. FransVanderVen.

3 CONSERVING THE RED-VENTED

COCKATOO By RosemaryLow

ThePhilippine or Red-vented known to survive only on the Marc Boussekey, Espace Zoologique, islands. It emphasises that the Cockatoois now among the 20 or island of Palawan. St Martin-La-Plaine,42800Rive-de- cockatoo must be protected. Prints so most critically endangered This cockatoo is poorly Gier, France. It is vitally important of the poster artwork, beautifully parrots throughout the world. represented in aviculture; it has that the location is recorded of as depicting a small in the wild, Once widespread throughout the never been common and mortality many birds as possible. are now available in a limited islands of the Philippines, not until among recently imported birds This breeding effort has been edition of 200. The price is 100FF two or three years ago was it was high. There are very few linked with a conservation each (about £12.50 plus postage realised that this diminutive breeding pairs in existence. The programme for this species in the and packing) payable to Association cockatoo(Cacatua haematuropygia) first step towards preserving this wild. To this end, an agreement Zoologique at the above address. had suffered a massive population species in aviculture was taken between Espace Zoologique and All profits from its sale will go decline as a result of this year with the formation of an the government of the Philippines directly to the conservation of the and trapping. (Between the 1930s EEP(European breeding programme). was signed recently. The zoo funded Red-vented Cockatoo. and the 1980s, 80% of the forests Everyone who keeps this species, and produced a poster in English there were destroyed, and the even only a single bird, is urged to and in two Philippine languages destruction continues). Now it is contact the coordinator of the EEP, for distribution throughout the

Comment by MichaelReynolds This initiativeby Espace Zoologique and Marc Boussekey, their Scientific Advisor, is to be applauded. It creates a framework within which the Philippine Government, can work with interested bodies and individuals in its own country, and with conservation minded groups worldwide, to seek the survival of this important species of cockatoo. The agreement documents were prepared with the help of William Oliver, Chairman of the mCN Specialist Group. The lCMA (International Conservation Management Agreement) states that it is intended'...to establish a formal protocol for the cooperative management of captive individuals of this taxon' and that'...it is intended to meet the best interests of that .captive population...and to promote and assist efforts to enhance understanding of its biology, its management needs both in the wild and in captivity, and the ultimate survival prospects of both wild and captive populations.' The agreement also specifies that 'No specimens of this taxon, whether wild-caught or captive bred, may be sold or otherwise used in commercial transaction.' For most zoological institutions this requirement will not be a problem, since non- commercial movement of CITESAppendix 1 within cooperative breeding programmes has become the norm. For private aviculturists who will certainly have purchased their Red-vented Cockatoos, it is more of a challenge. Perhaps some will be ready to acknowledge that critically should be dealt with in cooperation with other holders, and should not have commercial value. Hopefully, successful production and sale of Appendix 2 species will support an investment of funds, time and expertise in Appendix 1 parrot species which urgently need help if they are to survive. A final observation: this initiative demonstrates that no single organisation holds a monopoly in bird conservation, and that there is plenty of scope for institutions, societies and individuals to identify and pursue worthwhile projects.

4 A. A PALM FOR A PARROT PEOPLE'STRUST A progress report on our work with Lear's Macaw FOR ENDANGERED SPECIES

Asreadersof recent issues of to beworse,with norain arriving understand that a large parrot could from Charlieand his team in time PsittaScenewill know,theWorld in theexpectedmonthsof providea meal for a starving family. for our August 1993 issue. In the ParrotTrustis workingclosely December,January,Februaryand The only positive news we can give meantime it seems clear that the with Dr.CharlesA.MunnIII in an March.Withlittle or nothing left you is that CharlieMunnwillbe in plight of Lear'sMacawis evenworse effortto solvetheproblems fromlastyear,theregion's the Lear'sarea in early June, than anyone had thought. All the afflictingLear'sMacawAra [eari. subsistencefarmerswill haveto together with Brazilian biologists more reason to be grateful to our Theprincipalthreatis that these wait at least ninemonths before Carlos Yamashita and Ricardo Benelux Branch and the Antwerp macaws,reducedto no morethan they can even think of planting Machado. With them will be a International School for their superb 60in number,haveto fly vast again.' The report goeson to leading expert on palms from the fund-raising achievements, and to distanceseverydayto find the describe the desperation of the Universityof Florida, Dr. Alan The People'sTrust for Endangered fruiting Ucuripalmtreeswhich people with officialreports that Merrow, together with a Brazilian Species who have indicated their providethebulk oftheir diet. they are reduced to eating animals palm expert from Bahia.Together willingness to support our work CharlieMunnmadeanexploratory that have died of diseaseor they will advise on the growing over the long term. visit lastautunmto theCocorobo dehydration. In these grim and transplanting of Ucuri palms. areain NorthEastBrazilwherethe circumstances it is easy to We will anticipate having a report macawslive.Thiswasreportedin ourFebruary1993issue.In April, however,wereceiveda disturbing reportfromJudithHartMD,whose paperontheconservationof Lear'sMacawweprintedin the previousissueof PsittaScene.She wrote:

"DearMichael, Thefollowingnewsclippingcame from ourHoustonnewspaper.The droughtis occurringthroughout NEBrazil,includingtherangeof Lear'sMacaw.Therainsdid not comethis year,andalreadyin February'93whileI wastherethe macawswereleavingthe areain searchof food.TheLicuripalms havelittle fruit, lessthanI have everseen.Wehad reports offour macawskilled in largeplantations wherethemacawshavenotbeen seenin 50years.(It is becoming obviousthat thesemacawshave beenhuntedto ).There is onecourseof action:send someoneto theareato visit the largeplantations.Perhapsthe ownersor managerscanbe persuadedto forbid hunting of the macaws.Pleasediscussthis with CharlesMunn;perhapshecanhelp orhassuggestionsonwhatshould bedone.I fearthis situationis an emergency- we could lose more thanhalf themacawsto hunting. Therewill benobreedingthis year.

Yours,Judith."

Anextractfrom theHouston Heraldreadsasfollows:

'Throughouttheninestatesof the Braziliannortheast,anareamore thantwicethesizeof Texas,8.5 millionpeoplearein themidstof oneof thegreatestdroughtsin memory.Inthestateof Piaui85to 100percentof all cropswere destroyedbysun,heatandlackof CharlieMunnmeets'Bluebeard',a HyacinthMacawfromBirdworldatFarnham.Thisamiablebird stoodin at a press waterin 1992.Thisyearis expected conferencefor hiscousinstheLear'sMacaws.

5 THE WORLD OF PARROTSHowdoesitlooktoday? It depends on your point of view.Here are reports from some imaginary correspondents.

1. The Aviculturist thieves are a real problem, and the from one place to another. 10.Parrot Everything seems to be moving presence of the public doesn't help. Basically, the game's up. What did we ever do to deserve this? For millions of years we flew free, along pretty well, with a mass of 6. Major Parrot Collector 9. Field Biologist evolved into hundreds of ingenious information becoming available on I've invested millions in this The loss of parrot habitats and beautiful designs to fit in with keeping and breeding parrots. Just enterprise, and I expect it to payoff. continues at an alarming pace. nature's plan, took our chances in a about everybody seems to be Don't ask how I acquired all the Forestry, encroachment by human thousand wild places and succeeded writing boks on the subject, and rare species I have, and don't expect populations, mining and oil most aviculturists I know are despite every adversity. Then, in just me to waste my time cooperating exploration are taking their toll. a few recent moments of recorded becoming more successful. The in other people's half-baked All we can really do is record the time, we became the most sought problem is going to be to find conservation projects. If a species destruction, although there is after, most valuable birds in the purchasers for all the young birds progress in some countries where goes extinct in the wild that simply world. We are traded like rare jewels, we're now producing. Nevertheless, increases the value of the birds I parks and reserves are being created. we are smuggled and even stolen. keeping and breeding parrots is still have. It's a 'no lose' situation. The few attempts at reintroducing But we are not inanimate objects, we a great hobby, and one which can Have a cigar. parrots into the wild have had little more than pay for itself. success. I have little faith in captive are living creatures with special Trapper needs. Above all we are birds and 2. The Man in the Street 7.Bird breeding, which is unlikely to Everyone in our village is just we need to fly. Those of us which produce birds capable of Parrots? They're a laugh, eh. That are still free, please leave us free. struggling to stay alive and feed reintroduction. In my view, parrot John Geese and his parrot sketch: For those many of us in captivity, I their children. We have nothing, aviculture is nothing to do with 'This is an ex-parrot, it has gorn to and the government does nothing must ask for us to be treated with meet its maker' and all that. Dead conservation, it's all about making to help us. There's been a drought money. compassion and respect. funny, parrots are. My auntie Flo for several years and our crops are had a talking Norwegian Blue, until very small. It makes us crazy when it got sick as a parrot. the parrots come in and eat our 3. The Veterinarian corn. We catch them when we can, In my profession there are still a and a man in the next village gives great number of vets who don't us a little money for them. There know much about birds. This is aren't as many parrots as there more so in Europe than in the used to be. United States, but in virtually all 8. Bird Dealer parts of the developed world It's a scandal, the way the airlines birdkeeping is expanding rapidly. have been blackmailed into This must be because birds are on stopping shipments of wild-caught the whole cheaper and easier to birds. We weren't doing any harm, keep than other companions just making a living and helping such as dogs or cats. So it's up to people in the exporting countries vets everywhere to catch on to this make a living too. The Ministry new responsiblity, and new figures show that only around 14% opportunity. of the birds we handle die in transit 4. Pet Owner or in quarantine. The future looks Our Polly has been in the family bleak - you have to charter your for twenty years, and I've had him own aircraft and that means a for five years. He comes out on top huge shipment with likely heavy of his cage most evenings and just losses. I expect we'll have to settle Parrotincaptivity:A rareBlue-eyedCockatoodemonstratinghispreferencefor a flaps his wings. I don't think he for transporting aviary bred birds ropeperch. can actually fly any more. He talks quite a bit and fools the dog by whistling for him. I don't think he has a very good time, but we can't let him go as we wouldn't know where he ended up. I see the World Parrot Trust calculates there are around fifty million pet parrots in the whole world. Incredible, isn't it? 5. Zoo Director Parrots have always been good exhibits. The public like them because they're noisy and colourful, and usually quite active. Zoos have not tended to be successful in breeding them, probably because the average zoo keeper works 9 to 5, while a dedicated breeder has to commit himself for twenty four hours a day. Many zoos and bird gardens are doing better in breeding now, but raids by bird Parrots in the wild: Hyacinth Macaws at a typical roost.

6 THE LORYGROUPAND STUDBOOKS

The Lory Group is probably the owners, location or other confidential first specialist group of its. kind information is NOT included on created to promote a certain group the register, which guarantees INTERNATIONAL of species (the Loriinae) through confidentiality for all those who regular meetings and encouraging participate. However, the studbook a greater exchange of information keeper can enable participants to NEWSROUND-UP and experiences. Anyone interested exchange birds or make up in these species of parrots can breeding pairs if this is requested attend the meetings. Private by participants. individuals, both beginner and The obvious benefits include more experienced keepers, bird the ability to identify and pair odd garden and zoo staff, scientists, all birds or 'pairs' of the same sex, the meet and discuss a variety of tracing of families and therefore aspects of lory husbandry and avoidance of pairing closely related breeding. The Lory Group has no birds which could jeopardise the formal organisation or officers, survival of some species in captivity, and the organisation of the and monitoring the progress and meetings or attendance at shows, breeding success of captive is all done voluntarily. The official populations, enabling these roles of the Parrot Society, populations to be safeguarded. International Loriinae Society, Studbooks include birds from World Parrot Trust and other both private collections and those organisations adequately cater for housed in zoos and bird gardens. the needs of all Psittaculturists. The United Kingdom studbook Specialist groups have a role to scheme is now acting as a model play in coordinating the activities of for the European studbooks that keepers of these species if they are now being initiated. Many operate in close association with studbooks are being created by these societies. The creation of other groups for birds including new societies should be avoided Amazons and Pionus parrots. since they fragment aviculture, These activities must be applauded confuse issues and demand and it is hoped that this will be a additional subscriptions. trend in the future since there are The Lory Group promotes links obvious benefits for most species between members of the Parrot held in captivity that can no longer Society and the International be supplemented with wild caught Loriinae Society, catering for the birds. specialised needs. It also creates a The Lory Group also has a forum for the improvement of the regular newsletter that includes a captive breeding of lories by sales and wants list. This again enabling like-minded individuals enables the exchange and pairing to meet and exchange information, of birds to improve the numbers ask for advice and exchange or sell of breeding successes. Information birds. The International Lory packs and the forms for the Journal features regular reports on studbooks are available from the Lory Group and publishes articles Simon Joshua. Please write to: on all aspects of the lories, Simon Joshua, C/O PSL,Po Box lorikeets, hanging parrots and fig 221, University of Reading, parrots. Whiteknights, Reading, RG6 2AS or A major function of the Lory telephone (0734) 316546 Group is the coordination of the [facsimile (0734) 753676]. Loriinae studbooks. Trevor Buckell is the studbook coordinator and is responsible for the studbook scheme in the United Kingdom. There are now over thirty-five species included in the project. The system, based on that of the ILSin America, is very simple. Keepers of a species of lory or lorikeet obtain a studbook form for that species from the studbook administrator (see below). The keeper simply lists each bird on the form. Details of sex, identification, age, origins and parentage are included on the form. Participants return the form to the studbook keeper for that species who registers the information on the studbook. Every year the information is updated and used to compile a register that is issued to all those who have participated with the studbook. Information about Stella'sLory

7 CANADA may help to explain what happened to the tens of thousands of Hyacinth Macaws removed from The 4th Canadian Parrot Brazil over the past twenty years. Symposium will be held on We know there are many thousands October 30-311993. The venue is in North America and several the Toronto Airport Hilton Hotel, hundred in Europe, but we must 5875Airport Road,Toronto, assume that large numbers have telephone 416 677 9900 (or toll-free been eA-ported to Asia. Canada1-800-2689275 or toll-free USA 1-800-4458667). Speakers will include Sally Blanchard, John Doole, Kathleen Harring, Rick PANAMA Jordan, Jan van Oosten, Peter Mostert and Tony Silva. Full registration will cost $13 5 Letter from Sue Armitage. including lunch on both days and Readers will no doubt remember Panamanian dancers using macaw feathers. banquet on Saturday. Further seeing my advertisement for information can be obtained from feathers from Macaw parrots Jacquie Blackburn, 108 which were to be sent to Panama cardboard tubeandwipedwith- posters as he has difficulty in Meadowvale Road, West Hill, to help save Macaws in the wild. paraffin to deter moths. Francisco obtaining such in Panama. Ontario, Canada MIC ISI, tel/fax This was in response to an appeal Delgado has come up with the Please send your feathers to me. 416 282 5997. The well-organised from Francisco Delgado a citizen solution of providing a "bank" of I will arrange the permits etc, and Canadian Parrot Symposiums of that country. feathers available for hire, against pass them on to Francisco. deserve the support of all Several thousands of feathers a deposit, to bona fide dancers. Sue Armitage, Ty'r Ywen, aviculturists in the area. Surplus were sent to me in response to this. Other tactics are an education Marnhilad, Pontypool, Gwent, revenue from this event will be I am now in a position to let programme for schoolchildren, use South Wales. NP4 8IT U.KTel/Fax used to assist students at the readers know what the position is of goose and pheasant feathers (0495) 785200 Ontario Veterinary College, in Panama due to a recent visit and use of artificial substitutes. University of Guelph. there by myself and my husband This hopefully will depress the to see Snr Delgado. scarcity value of feathers so I had been under the deterring professional collecters. THAILAND GERMANY/ECUADOR impression that these feathers A demonstration of this were going to a remote indian tribe dancing was laid on for us in the jungle to be used by witch specially at a private house. Seven Another member writes to us The German Fonds Fur bedrohte doctors in some ritual dance. dancers were there and a large about a large group of parrots Papageien (Fund for Threatened This I can now tell you is far number of onlookers to enjoy the being used as part of the decor of Parrots) is to organise a project from the case.The dance is spectacle and very convivial it was the Ambassador Hotel, Bangkok. with the Corporacion Ornitologica performed in the Herrera province too. We were also able to visit a The photograph shows a small de Ecuador (CEClA)for the Yellow- on the Pacific coast of Panama by factory where amongst other section of them, including Scarlet eared Conure (Ognorhynchus individuals of Spanish descent things the masks were made by an and Blue and Gold Macaws. Palm icterotis).The project leaders will generally at religious carnivals in extremely labour intensive process. Cockatoos and Hyacinth Macaws be Dr Herbert Schlenker and Juan urban areas.The origins of the Francisco himself is a professor are also there, making up a total of Carlos Matheus. Work will begin in dance can be traced back to Spain at San Diego University (Panama) over 100 birds. In March we wrote October 1993. This species is one and are possibly even pre- and seems to spend all of his to the managing director of this of the least known and most Christian. spare time and cash in a crusade hotel to ask how the birds came to critically endangered of all parrots. The dancers come from a wide to educate the population on the be there, and if they have any Found in Colombia and northern variety of backgrounds, the centre environmental situation in plans for putting the endangered Ecuador, its population is of this activity is in Chitre, fourth Panama. This he does by a daily species into breeding facilities. No estimated at fewer than 50 largest town of Panama and radio programme, "espositions" reply so far, which is not a individuals in the wild. None are provincial capital of Herrera. They and lectures. surprise. If any reader wishes to known in captivity. Further number around seventy and Please keep the feathers coming add his or her voice to our information can be obtained from unfortunately seem to be on the in. Any species of Macaw feathers enquiries, write to: Armin Brockner, Santisstrasse 13, increase. will be most acceptable, also any Managing Director, Ambassador 7996 Meckenbeuren, Germany. Costume consists of a material you think may be useful Hotel, SOI11-13, Sukhumit Road, "boilersuit" made up on red and in Francisco's "expositions" eg: Bangkok, Thailand. black 20mm wide strips of cloth in a chevron pattern, an extremely INDIA elaborate papier mache mask and of course a headdress consisting of ten to thirty Macaw tail feathers, Amember brought to our attention red being the most highly prized. I a recent (and excellent) book estimate it would need at least five 'Travels on my Elephant' by Mark hundred hours work to complete Shand, which includes a surprising one of these outfits. Some are self and disturbing report of parrots in made, others are made by India. professionals. Children also On page 177 there is a report of participate usually using wing an elephant market, which also feathers. The tradition is deep featured a bird market. It reads: 'A rooted and well respected locally discordant screeching announced and nationally. the bird market. Hyacinthine blue I was told there are no Macaws macaws from South America sat left in Panama except in the Darien quietly on their perches, their province in the East. Those seeking feathers ruffled, swivelling their new or replacement feathers have heads suddenly, blinking their been going on illegal expeditions baleful eyes'. to Darien in order to get the It is difficult to imagine by what indians there to obtain feathers by route these birds arrived in a of course killingMacaws. remote part of India, but the story These are usually kept in a Parrots at Ambassador Hotel, Bangkok.

8 UK he is unable to do the same with birds in the house and it was part of our lives. Even in the few Forshaw's 'Parrots of the World' as apparent from the blanket left in short weeks that Beth kept Holly the illustrations therein are all front of the cage that the bird was the bond had already formed by One person whO is not particularly William Cooper's paintings from a last minute choice by the thieves. the time her real owner was found. interested in using any of the which he gets no reaction. Linda was horrified. I advised her On the same note, another bird conventional methods of sexing What is the action which occurs to notify the police that the bird Scarlet Macaw, RAINTRE090, was the baby birds which he rears is and what causes it? John and was closed banded and what the stolen a few months ago from John Heath, who has been others find that the pendulum band number said. She found out a another client. Both the bird's mentioned before in 'Psittascene', swings towards him and away few days after the robbery that owner and mate miss her. If although he does usually use one from him over a male and in a although all the electronic anyone sees a Scarlet Macaw for of them for birds that are to be circle above a female. As to what equipment was covered by her sale please check the band number sold to someone else. For his own causes it, he is unable to explain. Is insurance, the bird was not. and if found, notify the local police purchases or retentions he is quite it infallible? John does not claim Though she knew she could never and me. Bird theft can happen to happy to use his own method. His that it is. In fact, he got the sex of replace such a tame bird as Holly, anyone. This could have been you. father was a dowser and this is the his daughter's baby wrong, but he it was still frustrating to find out Micro chips have been considered clue to the method he and, it has says that was due to carelessness that pets are not covered by an alternative to closed banding. to be said, a number of other in picking up the mother instead homeowners insurance unless They can be inserted at any age. people use, that of divining. Those of the baby and he did get the specifically written into the policy. The disadvantage is that unless a not familiar with this process will other two right. Would you like to On April 11, 1993 (Easter Sunday) I scanner is available and the buyer laugh or even scoff, but others are test his method and help the received a phone call from a new knowledgeable about micro chips, uncertain and John knows of World Parrot Trust at the same bird owner named Beth. She had you could not tell that the bird had people who quite happily select time? You can do so by sending a purchased a bird three days before a chip. A band is a visual their birds for future breeding photograph of a parrot or parrots that had a band with RAINTREEon identification. it. She wanted to know more purposes by this method in the of known sex together with a )'~ )'~ )'~ same way that he is happy to do. donation of £5 to the Trust and information about the bird as she Being the sort who likes to John promises to write on the back planned to use this bird in a You might be wondering why experiment John has used the the sex of the bird(s) and to sign breeding program. I put the band you have not heard from me this process of dangling a needle or and date the photograph. If you number of the bird in to the year until now. Many of you know often his gold signet ring on the have a favourite bird the sex of computer and, you guessed it, it that I am in the process of writing end of a six inch piece of cotton which you would like to know, but was Linda's stolen bird. Both Beth a book on macaws. The book is above the eggs as well as over the you do not wish to stress the bird, and I were in shock. I remembered titled "The Large Macaws; Their baby parrots etc. He has found then again for a donation of £5 Unda's trauma at Holly's theft and Care, Breeding and Conservation," that an infertile egg will show as a with a photograph, John is Beth realising that this call had My co-writer is Brian Speer D.V.M female,presumably because it has prepared to give you his opinion. become a nightmare. The police (who is handling the veterinary all the female input, but no male Please remember we are a charity were contacted and the bird is in aspects). I am dealing with the sperm. However, as soon as an egg in need of all possible funds and a the process of being returned to avicultural portion. An incredible is laid,if it is a fertile one which S.A.Ewill be very much appreciated. its owner, two and a half years number of contributors have contains a cock it will show, but after her disappearance. All of us shared their wealth of knowledge one which shows as a hen will have wish that Holly could tell us where to bring the latest information on to wait a few days to see if there is she has been. There are several many aspects of macaws from any development of the embryo as USA lessons to learn from all of this; acquisition through breeding. I. it may be infertile. -Close band your birds with steel have been spending my "spare" It is well known that water bands. (or use micro-chips etc). time working on research, writing diviners (or dowsers) can use a (Newsletter received from Joanne They are difficult to remove and, and editing of the upcoming book, large scale map of an area to Abramson of Rainttee Macaws.) in my e:\.'J}erience,have not proven not on my usual newsletters. establish where there is likely to be harmful to macaws. a good source of underground The Story of Holly -If your bird is stolen notify the Joanne Abramson water supply. With this in mind Around Thanksgiving1990, a police immediately and let them John has checked photographs of client of mine Unda contacted me know the bird is closed banded birds to see if they will register to advise me that her Military and what the band numbers are. under his pendulum. In this way Macaw "Holly" had been stolen. -Contact the bird's breeder he is able to tell you the sex of any She was in love with this bird and immediately and let them know of the birds in the photographs in returned home after going out to the bird was stolen. Do as much our editor Rosemary Low's book dinner to find all her electronic publicity as possible to alert other 'Parrots in Aviculture -A photo equipment in her home gone plus potential bird buyers that the bird Reference Guide'. Unfortunately, her pet macaw. There were other is stolen property. -Consider insuring your birds. -Never give up hope. We always want to know the fate of our birds. We certainly love to get pictures and updates from you. In addition let us know the tragic side as well. If the bird has died, tell us how so that others might learn. If it is stolen let us know so that we might help you locate the bird. In the before mentioned case, the buyer was familiar with my aviary name and contacted me for further information. If it had not Green-winged macaw. still been banded we would never had been approached. There were three victims in this true story. Unda for the original loss, Beth for the loss of money (purchasing a stolen bird does not allow for recourse except in court) and, of course, Holly. We all know how much animals quickly become John Heath with the St. Vincent chick he reared for Paradise Park.

9 WORLD PARROT TRUST VISITORS TO PARADISE PARK

In recent weeks we have had a First, we have Fitzroy Springer looks as if the Blue-throated number of important visitors at from St. Vincent. He came to spend Macaws will get the seed. Fitzroy is Paradise Park in Cornwall, UK a week with us after completing a returning to St. Vincent to take (home of the Trust), to discuss course at Jersey Wildlife charge of the very successful projects and developments. They Preservation Trust. He is seen breeding aviaries in the all seem to be photographed in our trying to give a sunflower seed to Botanic Gardens. Big Parrot Flight, enjoying close his fellow St. Vincentian, a young Next we were visited by Line encounters with a wide range of female parrot bred at the park in Wadum and Michaellversen, who friendly psittacines. 1991. From this shot, though, it have now taken on the responsibility of setting up a Danish branch of the Trust. They have made an excellent start by recruiting more than 20 new members and raising substantial

FitzroySpringer.

Line Wadum and Michael Iversen.

HYACINTHPAINTING wood.The limited (Thenoblestofthemall) edition print is still available, byNicholas unmounted only, for £55 or US Interest has been shown by some $85.00including members in the original painting postageand ' from which our limited edition packing. prints were produced. We have had bids up to £3000.00 but feel that we can do better than this. So let us have your best bid for this unique painting and help us to swell the funds for conservation of the beautiful Hyacinth Macaw. The painting is a watercolour, measuring 29" x 24" (73cm x 60cm) and was commissioned from "Nicholas" a successful wildlife artist who works mainly in the North of England and holds regular exhibitions in Birmingham each year. The painting is mounted behind glass and attractively framed in dark green

10 funds.Theycanbecontactedat: accostedby ParadisePark's Aldeershvilevej80c,2880 'Superparrot'.In discussionwith ParrotStudbooks- parrotconservation.Theyshould alsobearin mindthat(a)the Bagsvaerd,Denmark.Tel: CarlandJohnHartleyof JWPTwe Time forAction! 44.49.37.08. studbookcoordinatormaybeable havearrivedat waysin whichthe to helpthempairupbirds,and Finally,wewerevisitedby Carl WorldParrotTrustcanfurther SinceourAugust1990issuewe (b)holders'addressesarekept Jones,renownedforsavingthe enhanceits supportfor theEcho havepublishedalist of Parrot entirelyconfidentialwithinthe MauritiusKestrelandPinkPigeon, Parakeetproject.Morenewsabout Studbooks,andaskedholdersof studbooksystem.Wenowhave andnowworkingonthe Echo this in thenextissueof Appendix1 speciesto contactthe threecategoriesof studbook: Parakeet.Carlis seenherelooking PsittaScene. studbookcoordinatorsand Regional,EEP(European justifiablyembarrassedasheis registertheirbirds.Theselistsare EndangeredSpeciesProgramme), avitalelementin effective,long andInternational.ln thefollowing termconservation.Mostzoosand updatedlist wehavemarked bird parkscooperatewhole- theseR,E,andI. Pleaseletushave heartedly,mostprivate anycorrections,or additionsof aviculturistsdonot.ln theTrust's officiallyrecognisedstudbooks. opinion,parrotbreederswhodo ForanyqueriesonEEPStudbooks, notentertheirbirdsonthe pleasecontactOr.KoenBrouwer, New World Parrot Trust Publication. appropriatestudbooksshouldnot whoactsasconservation 'PARROTTALK' expecttobetakenseriouslywhen coordinatorfor allmembersof theyclaimtobecontributingto theDutchZooFederation.

Thetrust hasrecentlyproduceda Thepurposeis to graduallyextend newpublicationcalled'Parrot supportfor thetrust to awider ParrotStudbook Talk'.It is intendedfor members audience. Coordinators GOLDEN CONURE of thegeneralpublicwhomay If anyreaderhasany (Aratinga guarouba) *1* havea passinginterestin the ideasaboutwideruseof BLUE-EYEDCOCKATOO Alan Lieberman, San Diego Zoo, parrots,ratherthanthemore 'ParrotTalk'pleaselet usknow, (Cacatuaophthalmica) *R* PO Box 551, San Diego, intenseinvolvementweassume but bearin mindthat thecostof PALMCOCKATOO Calforni, 9221190551 USA. readersof 'PsittaScene'mayhave. printing anddistributionmustbe (Proboscigeraterrimus) *R,E* ULACINEAMAZON 'ParrotTalk'will bepublished justified. Or. RogerWilkinson, Chester Zoo, (Amazonaautumnalis quarterly,andwill mostlybe Articlesor newsof a Upton-by-Chester, Cheshire. distributedwithinjournals comparativelylight-heartedkind CH2 lLH United Kingdom liIacina) *R,E* appealingto pet ownersand wouldalsobeappreciated.Please Mark Pilgrim, Chester Zoo, animallovers,andthosewith a addressthemto JudithVenningat CITRON-CRESTEDCOCKATOO Upton by Chester, Cheshire. concernfor environmentalissues. theTrustaddress. (Cacatuasulphurea CH2 lLH United Kingdom citrinocristata) *R,E* GOFFIN'S COCKATOO OavidWoolcock,Paradise Park (Cacatuagoffini)*R* Hayle, Cornwall. TR274HY SCARLETMACAW United Kingdom (Aramacao)*R* BUFFON'SMACAW MOLUCCAN COCKATOO (Araambigua)*R* (Cacatuamoluccensis)*R,E* RED-FRONTEDMACAW OavidField,RoyalZoological (Ararubrogenys)*R* Societyof Scotland,Murrayfield, DavidWoolcock,ParadisePark. Edinburgh.EHl26TSScotland Hayle,Cornwall. TR27 4HY United Kingdom RED-VENTEDCOCKATOO (Cacatuahaematuropygia)*E* THICK-BILLED PARROT Marc Boussekey,Espace (Rhynchopsitta Zoologique,St. Martin-Ia-Plaine pachyrhyncha)*R* 42800 Rivede Gier,France. DavidJeggo, JerseyWildlifePreservationTrust HYACINTHINEMACAW LesAugresManor,Trinity, (Anodorhynchus Jersey, ChannelIslands. hyacinthinus)*E* Dr. HubertLucker,Zoologischer BLUE-STREAKED WRY GartenDresden,Tiergartenstrasse1 (Eosreticulata)*R* D-8020Dresden,Germany. C/OTheParrotSociety 1O8bFenlakeRoad HYACINTHINEMACAW Bedford.MK42OEU (Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus)*R* For all Amazon Studbooks Colin Bath, Paignton Zoological & please contact: Botanical Gardens,Totnes Road, The Amazona Society Paignton, Devon. C/O Mrs J B. Perry WaysGreenHouse, Queensway, GOLDEN CONURE Winsford,Cheshire. CW7 IBH (Aratinga guarouba) *R* C/OTheParrotSociety 108b Fenlake Road, Bedford. MK42 OEU

11 No. 8 IN OUR SERIES "If I could keep only one pair of parrots..." ByRosemaryLow plumage more than compensates. just see this bird rain-bathing, This is a very easy question for me when it opens its wings to reveal to answer. I asked myself this two much of the normally hidden beauty, and a half years ago - and that was and you would have to agree! the inspiration for this series. Since Who is to say which species are then the replies from a number of intelligent? And what exactly is well known people in the world of intelligence? All I can say is that parrots have been most interesting this species is very inquisitive, and varied. It took me less than a adaptable and approachable. Some second to decide that my answer Pesquet's quickly show friendli- would be the Pesquet's Parrot ness or animosity towards the per- (Psittrichasfulgidus). The reasons sons caring for them. The female are twofold. There are so few pairs which I hand-reared at Palmitos in aviculture that every chick- Park in 1991 is remarkable in dis- producing pair makes a significant cerning the more sympathetic of contribution to the future of this the visitors to the breeding centre, species in captivity. Also, quite that is, those who have a rapport simply, it is my favourite species. with birds. She allows such people It is beautiful, highly intelligent to handle her and is always gentle. (in my estimation) and a challenge They are invariably smitten! to breed. Many people would I know of only seven collections question the first adjective, as they which have ever reared this species. see the small head of this species I have been extremely fortunate to as vulturine and unattractive. But have worked with, and reared almost certainly have proved fatal. was delighted to learn that a pair of its glorious scarlet and black young, from two of those pairs, For much of the year the pair is Pesquet's was rearing two young, (always my favourite colour scheme) first at Loro Parque and now at kept in an aviary which is divided then aged 13 and 15 days. I sincerely PaImitosPark.I have learned what down the middle; it is impossible hope that they are reared. The world- I believe are the two most important to keep them together if the wide captive population will never factors in breeding success. One is female is not ready to breed. be large -but it could be important. the provision of a log which the This is one reason why breeding This species occurs only in New pair can excavate themselves; the this species is such a challenge. Guinea, where it is declining due to task of excavation is, in my opinion, One has to be constantly alert to hunting, and degradation or loss of the most important breeding the moods of male and female. habitat. It is very difficult to study stimulus. In the Canary Islands, Also, careful attention has to be in the wild. Most of our knowledge palm trunks about 2m high provide paid to the diet of this species, of this species comes from captive ideal nest sites. Secondly, because which is totally fruit and birds. Looking long-term, it may of the aggressive nature of some vegetable-eating. not be easy to maintain this captive males, constant surveillance is HanMearing Pesquet's chicks population and the time may come essential. A video camera monitors is a wonderful experience; the when its survival in the mountain the behaviour of our pair at all young are so affectionate and forests of New Guinea is also gravely times. There is a monitor in front lovable. Because of certain problems imperilled. A large, conspicuous of the table where I spend many with our male, we have yet to have and noisy bird, it is highly prized hours working. On two occasions a parent-reared youngster. by natives for its plumage. this allowed me to intervene when Nevertheless, parent-rearing Protecting the wild population is Youngfemale Pesquet'sreared from the the male launched attacks on the remains my goal. On a recent visit not easy. We must ensure that it egg by RosemaryLow. female which would otherwise to jurong Bird Park in Singapore, I survives at least in aviculture.....

useful to be able to compare instructive it is to see photographs photographs of the rarer and little of birds in their natural habitat, known sub-species. This usefulness ratherthanin a cage.TheLexicon is well demonstrated in part 4 which is building into perhaps the most has just been issued. It includes 16 fascinating pictorial library of sub-species of the Green-naped parrots ever assembled. For each BOOK REVIEW Lorikeet ( haematodus) species the accompanying text gives and for the lover of little known information under the headings of parrots, four sub-species of the Description, Distribution, Habits, LEXICONOF PARROTSPART4 byThomasArndt Painted Parrot (psittacellapicta). Natural diet, Breeding behaviour There are also 12 photographs Qf and Aviculture. The Lexicon is In the May 1992 issue of PsittaScene illustrate in colour (photographs - geoffroyus - the Red- available in the UKthrough The we reviewed Lexicon of Parrots with a few very rare exceptions) cheeked Parrot, depicting various Parrot Society(lO8b Fenlake Road, which is being issued in a number every species and sub-species of sub-species and sexed. (Last year Bedford, MK42 ~ED).It is also of parts. For those of you who parrot. This is a unique undertaking Thomas Arndt travelled to Indonesia available in German from Verlag missed that review, a reminder that and one which has great appeal for especially to photograph these Arndt und Muller (An der Warnau this ambitious publication aims to many. Personally, I find it extremely birds in the wild). How much more 33, 3036 Bomlitz, Germany).

12 THE WORLD PARROT TRUST GALLERY OF ENDANGERED PARROTS

No.1 Red-tailed Amazon (Amazonabrasiliensis)ByRosemaryLow taken for pets. This is a very beautiful Amazon,. able to remit a sum in US$. Unfortunately, there In the seconddraft of Parrots, An with its subtle pink, mauve and blue head are so many endangered species of fauna in Action Plan for their Conservation: colouration. When it flares its tail, the effect is south-eastern Brazil, that conservation 1993-1998,produced this year by ICBP, stunning; the band of carmine red distinguishes organisations cannot fund projects to save 17 species are listed as being critically it from any other. This is indeed a well-named them all. This century forest destruction has endangered.Theplight of someof these species. In order to continue his observations, been enormous; now the cities of Sao Paulo and species, such as Spix's Macaw, Imperial Dr. Neto is planning to build a small shack on Rio de Janeiro stand where once there were and Puerto Rican Amazons and Kakapo an island where it occurs. He is intending to wonderful forests, with a high proportion of are very well known. Many, perhaps partly finance this himself but has only the endemic species. Many of those are lost to man equivalent of $1,000 available. If any member forever. Those who care, must ensure that most, people will not be familiar with could help contribute to the cost, no matter Amazona brasiliensis does not join their the names of some of the others on the numbers. list. The names of others are known but how small the sum, would they kindly contact the World Parrot Trust, especially if they are the fact that they are very seriously endangered is not. In the coming issues we will present a series of short items to highlight these birds.

If asked to name the three most endangered species of Amazons (according to the assessment of ICBPspecialists) most knowledgeable enthusiasts would immediately say "Puerto Rican, Imperial and..." - then they would pause and probably make a few incorrect suggestions. Most would be surprised to learn that it is the Red-tailedAmazon (Amazona brasiliensis) whichhas the doubtful honour of supplying the answer. With a population currently assessed at in the region of 2,000 this is far more than any other parrot on the critical list. So why is it there? Since this species was first studied, about ten years ago, it has suffered a massive population decline. This century its range has undergone an enormous retraction. From south-eastern Brazil, it now occurs only in the eastern part of the Serra do Mar and its coastal lowlands -in south eastern Sao Paulo, Parana arid northern Santa Catarina. In the past it occurred as far south as Rio Grande do Sui, where all suitable habitat has been destroyed. Very little was known about this Amazon until Dr Pedro Scherer Neto, head of division of the Curitiba Natural History Museum, made it the subject of his MSc thesis in 1989. His observations, which commenced in 1982, continue. He informed me that it is very difficult to study. Last November he estimated the population in the state of Parana as 1,000. Another ornithologist working in the state of Sao Paulo believes that there are more than 1,000 there. In Santa Catarina it occurs only on the border of Parana. The breeding season is from September until February. The favoured nesting tree is guanadi (Callophyllum brasiliensis), where they nest in holes, usually at a height of 8-1Om. At least 52 different plants have been identified as food sources. Some of the Red-tailed Amazons migrate daily to the small islands off the coast. Pedro Scherer Neto informed me that illegal trade is a problem, especially in the state of Sao Paulo. It is known that some of the young have been imported into Europe. (Brazil does not permit the export of :my fauna). Locally, young are

13 LETTERS TO THE EOITOR Members write The National Council For Aviculture her and my husband and I felt that supportive and wished Stacy well. I We give our heartfelt thanks to a 22 Foxearth Road, Selsdon, something was wrong. While petting took her in the sun and she loved very special, highly competent, Surrey. CR2 8ED Stacy, I felt a loose pouch between it. I felt so sorry for her because generous, humanitarian, avian her legs and I had never seen she was not able to eat by mouth. doctor and her team, for all they Dear Mike anything like it on any of our When we took Stacy back to the did to give Stacy every possible On behalf of the National Council macaws. Her crop was full and she doctor, she said that Stacy had a chance to live. The damage was too did not seem very happy at all. We really bad infection along the great, but no on could have done for Aviculture, thank you for the were very worried about her and incision and saw that the hole was more. 'TIllS SHOULDNEVER generous donation of £250 that HAVE HAPPENED'. This has been the World Parrot Trust has made insisted they take her to a good much larger now. She told us it towards the work of the NCA Bird avian vet right away, preferably was time for more surgery. She cut a long letter I realise, but I just ours. They did take her to an avian away all of the dead tissue, want people to know the terrible Theft Regifter. You will know that vet (not ours) the following day removed old food, flushed out the things that Stacy went through and the register has been instrumental and he kept her overnight. He took mass of infection and treated it how much this little bird wanted in recovering several stolen birds, x-rays, blood tests and culture, and with antibiotics and then to live. She never gave up. We had and that it is now generally sent her home the next day with restitched the wound. We took to give up for her. My husband and accepted by most police forces in medicine for a yeast infection. Stacy home in an incubator I keep hearing from vets and this country. We have recently Stacy still would not take her Monday night. It was amazing how breeders alike, that this crop burn supplied the Dutch Branch of INTERPOLwith details of all thefts formula and was not happy. The well she looked, still bright eyed is a 'common problem'. We feel doctor said to just give her the and eager to be fed. Her stitches people have not .been warned of endangered species, and certain medicine and feed her anyway. The looked good and there was no enough. It should be a standard criminal intelligence. Animal infection. On Thursday, after her warning, everywhere that birds are stealing has now become big following day, when they checked on her in the morning, they found last feeding, we gave her the dealt with. PLEASEhelp stop this business in Europe, and we hope that Stacy was bleeding from her injections, and as we did this her unnecessary injury to babies like that with this of cooperation chest. They called the breeder that feeding tube came out. We called Stacy, in any way that you can. We we may be able to identify patterns had sold Stacy to them, who said the doctor at home and she told us thank you so much for reading that will be of assistance in the fight to bring the baby to them right to bring her in the next morning. this letter. against these odious crimes. Your away. The breeder took one look at The doctor went to insert the kind donation will hopefully In memory of Stacy, Stacy and said it was massive crop feeding tube again. Twenty encourage some of the UK bird sincerely Mary Ragain. burn, due to grossly over heated minutes later she came out to say societies to give some much needed formula, and didn't know how she "No go". There was extensive financial support to the NCAregister. was still alive. She told them it tissue damage. The infection had Yours sincerely David Neville looked really bad, but that Stacy taken too much good tissue. It was This dreadful story illustrates Administrator NCA had a good look in her eyes. She time... we had to let her go. My the fact that young hand- NOTE: Bird thefts continue in the was alert and bright, but obviously husband, the doctor and myself all reared parrots should not be sold until they are fully UK.Recent victims include Rode in pain. When the doctor told my hugged. And cried. We left for co-worker about the need for weaned. Ed. Tropical Bird Garden, Wigan Zoo, home broken hearted, empty and and Blean Bird Gardens, surgery, she and her husband angry. We never saw Stacy again. Canterbury where 48 parrots were didn't think they could handle the stolen in a very 'professional' stress, heartache and financial cost manner. Anyone offered birds of any longer and asked if we would doubtful origin should contact take Stacy for free or they would David Neville on 081 6576461. Ed. have to put her down. I called my husband and he said yes, take her. We made an appointment with our Dale and Mary Ragain own vet. Then we took off to get P.O Box 3510 MSj202, 495 Jave Drive Stacy. Her appearance was very bad. She was bare on her neck and Sunnyvale, California. 94088- 3510 USA chest, with a hole where her crop was originally, and an awful, clear, Dear Rosemary Low and The World slimy fluid running from the hole Parrot Trust in her neck. She smelled very bad, but those wonderful eyes made you I am writing this letter following a want to hug and protect her. We promise I made to "Stacy" a five left and went directly to our vet. month old baby macaw. When we got to our vet, the doctor Approximately 21h months ago, a said that things didn't look good co-worker purchased a macaw. for Stacy but she would like to give They went to a breeder and selected her another chance. She said due a three month old, hand fed, blue to the high cost of treatment with and gold baby macaw. They were only a very small chance of thrilled with their new baby and success, she would donate all of took it home to it's nice new, big her services and medications at no cage. They called to invite us over cost if we could handle the to see the new baby, and to make intensive care. She sent us home sure that e\!erything looked okay with new formula and new in the new cage the way they had medications. (We would have to set it up. Our friends said she had inject Stacy twice daily). We were not wanted to eat her formula that also to continue to feed and water morning and that she still had Stacyeveryhour. I took Stacyto food in her crop from the night work with me so I could look after before. They said she wasn't very her. The people at work were very active either. We held and petted Stary - 5 month old Blue/Gold Macaw with massive crop burn.

14 - AIMS OF THE WORLD PARROT TRUST The objective of the trust is to promote the survival of all parrot species and the welfare of individual birds. 1 Byeducating the general public worldwide abaut the threat to. 5 By encauraging ca-aperatian in the breeding af parrots by parrat survival, and seeking their interest, cancern and aviculturists and zoalagical institutians, and better liaisan suppart. between the captive breeding cammunity ana canservatian 2 By actian to.pratect and preserve the natural habitats af badies, with the aim af creating self-sustaining populations of parrats warldwide. endangered species. 3 By gathering and disseminating informatian an the status af 6 By promating high standards in the keeping af parrots as pets. parrat papulatians in the wild and in captivity. 7 By encauraging research projects, Le.: the veterinary care of 4 By advacating effective cantrals an the internatianal trade in parrats, and the preservation af genetic diversity. wild-caught parrots, and its replacement by captive-bred birds. 8 By any at her means that may be appropriate.

THE WORK OF THE TRUST: A BRIEF REVIEW

Hyacinth Fund Black Cockatoos in Australia This special fund. launched in 1990,has pravided The Trust provides half the cast af a faur year aver £13.500to. help canservatian measures for programme to. assist the survival af an endangered bath the Hyacinth and Lear's Macaw. Current wark sub-species af this spectacular cackataa in facusses an aur 'Palm far a Parrot' campaign. Victoria. Cast: £8000

Caribbean Buses Echo Parakeet The 'Jacquat Express' was sent to. St. Lucia in 1991, This is the warld's rarest parrot, as anly abaut 17 the 'Sisserou Express' was sent to. Daminica in still exist an . The Trust has provided 1992. We are naw ab aut to. send the 'Vincie cantinuaus support far this species, including Express' to. St. Vincent. This unique 'canservatian supplying a faur wheel drive vehicle, a camputer bus' scheme is remarkable value far maney. and ather equipment, and helping with training and Each bus casts around £25000. diets. Our tatal investment is aver £20000.

Indonesian Parrots Other Activities Many Indanesian parrots are under threat, and The Trust has sup parted and attended parrat with the particular help af aur Benelux Chapter we canservatian warkshaps and canventians in Brazil, are daing all we can. We have achieved the release '!..., Paraguay, Handuras, Mexico., Halland, Spain, UK af aver 500 Gaffin's Cackataas held by traders, and ~-~ and the USA.It has cantributed tawards hurricane we are supparting an ICBPsurvey af Yamdena. ~~ ~(1g' relief far aviculturists in Sauth Flarida. It is ~ researching ways to.improve the canditians in Amazons in Brazil which pet parrats are kept. Through its 'Parrot Bureau' it seeks to. infarm the The Trust has been invited by the Brazilian public abaut parrat canservatian and welfare. Principally through this gavernment to. help with the canservatian af all its publicatian, 'PsittaScene', it sets aut to. infarm parrot aviculturists and parrat species. We have recently cantributed athers abaut develapments in canservatian. The Warld Parrot Trust aims tawards a new survey to. establish the status in the to. represent the interests af enlightened, respansible aviculture in its wild af two.Amazon parrats: A. pretrei and A. cant acts with natianal and internatianal badies and authorities. In all its vinacea. wark, the interests af the parrots themselves came first.

,------I, I I I UELP SAVE TUE .PARROTS OF TUE WORLD I I I I I Please join the Trust, or encourage friends to join I The WorldParrot Trust :I SUBSCRIPTION RATES Name I I (please tick) Glanmar Hause, Hayle, Carnwall I Address I TR27 4HY, U.K. I , Regd. UKCharity No. 800944 I D UKand Europe (Single) £ 15 I Tel: (0736) 753365 Fax: (0736) 756438 I Postcode I I I D UKand Europe (Family) £20 I Please charge my Access/Visa Ac/No. I ,I I D Fellow (Life Member) £250/US $400 D I I , I I D Overseas Airmail £20/US $30 Expiry date Amount £ , I I OR: I I D Overseas Surface Mail £ IS/US $25 I I enclase cheque payable to. Warld Parrot Trust I I , Signature I D Additional donation of £ , I 15 I I I SCARLET MACAW Ara macao This picture was captured in Guatemalaby eminent USwildlifephotographer Pete Carmichael. The ScarletMacawis arguably the most colourful and flamboyant of the large macaws, but to see it in its natural setting is to see it at its best.

We intend to run a series of I Parrots in the Wild', and if any reader can offer us a high quality shot that might be suitable, please get in touch.

Designedandproducedby DESIGN & PRINTSERVICES(0736) 753638 16