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BREEDING ECOLOGY OF UYACINTU

by Celestino Prudencio da Silva, Charles A. Munn, Renato Cintra, Katherine Renton, Mariana Valqui, Carlos Yamashita.

to have endangered the 's adapted very successfully to life in shortages of large tree cavities for two of food plants: the close proximity to ranch personnel, nesting. palms Acrocomia aculeataand livestock, machinery, and buildings In the Pant anal, trees with large Attalea phalerata. (Muml et al. 1987, 1989). Therefore cavities sometimes are cut to The macaw's food supply seems the only challenges to the short eliminate potential roosts for intact in the Pantanal, hunters in the term survival of this species in the vampire bats, which pose a threat to Pantanal do not shoot them for Pant anal seems to be capture for cattle. Also, many or most large meat or feathers, and the have the illegal trade and potential trees in the never-flooded, high

The ( hyacinthinus), the world's largest and most spectacular parrot, is endangered with extinction due largely to capture over the past twenty years for the insatiable international trade in live (Ridgely 1981, Munn et al. 1987, 1989). Also contributing to the decline of this species, especially in the Amazonian portion of its range, has been meat and feather hunting and habitat destruction (Munn et a11987, 1989). Throughout the moist or dry forests and forest-savannah mosaics inhabited by this species, it subsists almost entirely on the endosperm from the hard nuts of only one or two local palm species (Munn et al. 1987,1989,Roth 1989). In most parts of its range, this macaw appears not to be suffering from shortages of palm nuts. Even in the southern part of its range in the alternately flooded then parched savannah-forest mosaic of Brazil's Pantanal, many extensive cattle ranches have been in place for over a hundred years, yet we report here that this land use so far seems not

"psittacine ( sini sin) Belonging or allied to the parrots: parrot-like" Hyacinth Macaws in flight. New painting, 13"x 11': by Ma/co/m El/is. First donation of £ 750secures. Hyacinth Macaws mating. The front view is quite charming.

of most large trees in larger and forests as well. Thus, these natural larger patches of high ground forest factors combined with the cutting of and selective cutting of trees with trees with large cavities to control large cavities in the lowerlying, vampire bats and clearing of upland forested islands of trees or forest for cattle pasture is leaving "capaois" might be eliminating many progressively fewer large trees with of the cavities large enough to cavities in which the macaws can provide nest sites for the Hyacinth nest. The destruction of the rare, Macaw in the Pantanal. large tree cavities may soon reduce Simultaneously, the cutting of trees the reproductive rate of the on these capaois reduces the population of Hyacinth Macaws on quality of these islands of forest as the ranch and on other ranches wet season refuges for many other throughout the southern part of the terrestrial vertebrates in the range of the species. Such a Pantanal. shortage of nest sites would leave a The rear view is not so elegant. performed on a 52,000ha. cattle senescent population of mated pairs ranch in the Pantanal of Brazil, here with few cavities in which to nest. At ground forests at the borders of the we report on the density and the same time, the crucial food Pant anal are destroyed when dimensions of nest sites of Hyacinth palms on the ranch appear to be ranchers replace natural forest with Macaws and present some producing adequate nut crops at artificial pastures. Over the past observations on breeding behavior present to support a substantial several decades ranchers of the species. We also present data population of macaws. progressively have cleared more on the density and fruiting Consequently, if ranchers who high ground forest to plant pastures phenology of its two key food palms, are clearing upland forest or for their herds, which cannot graze Acrocomia aculeata (knownlocally lowland pantanal tree islands would safely in the lower, natural as "bocaiuva") and Attalea phalerata leave standing all largeSterculia, grass lands during the annual (known locally as "acuri"). In Enterolobium, Vitex,Acrocomia, and December-May flood season. conclusion, we discuss the Attalea and could eliminate all Conveniently for the Hyacinth conservation of the Hyacinth Macaw capture of macaws on their Macaw, neither of its food palms and present recommendations for properties, the Hyacinth Macaw suffers when ranchers clear the high guaranteeing its survival and would survive in substantial ground forest for pasture. The recovery in the Pantanal. numbers on their ranches for many Acrocomia palm is common in high decades. If ranchers where then to ground forest, but when clearing DISCUSSION go one step further and erect this forest, ranchers leave standing On the Estancia Caiman ranch the artificial nest boxes, use protective most or all large Acrocomia and low density of large cavities suitable fencing around existing small trees approximately 5% of the other, for Hyacinth Macaw nests resulted of these four species, and to plant non palm species of large trees. The from two natural factors: 1) forest additional trees of these species, other species of food palm of the was naturally scarce and patchy in then Hyacinth Macaw populations macaw, Attalea phalerata, which is pantanal savannah; and 2) large tree not only would survive well but rare in high ground forest, but species that develop cavities were probably even would increase common in monospecific patches rare within those forest patches. substantially on these ranches. on the edge of lower, seasonally Trees large enough and also In 1984the weights obtained by flooded terrain, is not affected by naturally prone to developing the R. Cintra of the larger, surviving the deforestation of higher ground roomy cavities required by these nestling in the wild nest at the forest. huge parrots appeared to be estimated ages of 10, 19, and 30 Possibly, however, the cutting uncommon to rare in the upland days compared well with the

2 .. weights of two known-aged, parent- increase the percentage of nesting food (but see Roth 1989, who ecologicalawareness that has swept fed nestlings from a captive nest pairs in the adult population. reports seeing the species eat snails much of middle-and upper-class (Low 1991; 125g vs. 122and 130g, The use of a break-away or on one occasion, and Schubart et al. Brazil since 1987, and in 1990the 350 g vs. 320 and 358 g, and 513 vs. removable radio collar on parent 1965, who report the species enormous success in Brazil of the 570 and 598 g, respectively). The birds or fledglings would permit occasionally eating figs and the nightly, 60-minute TV drama entitled last measurement, however, study of the ranging behavior and fruits of a species of myrtac). The "Pantanal" (which regularlycut suggests that the growth rate of the habitat use of the species, which growth, fruiting, and regeneration of away to actual clips of Pantanal wild nestling may have been falling would help us to determine if food the key palms should be studied wildlife, including wild Hyacinth behind that of the captive-bred shortage or difficulties with foraging throughout the different seasons in Macaws),the future survival ofthe nestlings, but more data from wild occur during the breeding season. natural and logged upland forest, in macaw on the ranches of the and captive nestlings are required Yamashita (in review) believes that new and old upland pastures with Pantanal seems more and more before different patterns in growth the Glaucous Macaw Anodorhynchus and without some remaining large likely. The measures outlined here rates may emerge. glaucus, an extinct sibling species of trees, and in natural and modified and increased efforts to eliminate Saunders (1982) suggested that the Hyacinth Macaw formerly found pant anal grass lands and woodlands. illegal trade in live macaws should wild nestlings of White-tailed Black in the lower and Parana Extinct megafauna (Leme 1911, guarantee the survival of this Cockatoos may have grown at Rivers near the Uruguay-- Almeida 1945, both referenced in species in the Pantanal wellinto the significantly lower rates when very border, disappeared early RADAMBRASlL 1982) probably middle of the next century. high daytime temperatures hindered in this century because domestic swallowed the fruits of both The future of the Hyacinth foraging by the parents. Similarly, cattle ate and trampled all young Acrocomia and Attalea palms of the Macaw inthe forests ofthe Eastern the extremely high temperatures, specimens of the bird's unique, local Pantanal, digested off the swe~t, Amazonand the drier forests of high humidity, and intense isolation food palm, Butia yatai. sticky mesocarp, and passed intact northeastern Brazil may not be as of the Pantanal during the nesting Alarmingly, Brandt and through their systems or guaranteed, however, for unlike the season might hinder the foraging of Machado (1990) recently reported regurgitated intact the hard, inner Pantanal, where most people nestling-feeding Hyacinth Macaws, that scarcity of the food palms of nuts, which later germinated and currently have enough which would slow nestling growth. the Indigo Macaw (A. lean) of grew in the grasslands of the protein and other food, inthe This possibility should be examined northeastern Brazil (the only other Pantanal (Janzen and Martin 1981). Amazon and in northeastern Brazil more carefully. sibling species of the Hyacinth These same huge grazing and animal protein is scarce, and the Finally, the possible effects of Macaw) forced all of the 60 browsing probably helped Hyacinth Macawis large enough to ectoparasites on the growth rate remaining wild birds to fly great maintain the Pantanal in its open be worth shooting for meat (Munn and survival of nestlings Hyacinth distances daily to forage over 140 and semi-open condition much as et al. 1989).Add to this threat a Macaws must be examined. square km of dry thorn scrub. That introduced cows and horses do vigorous illegal parrot trade in parts If after more study of nestling extremely endangered species today and elephants do in the of northeastern Braziland an almost growth one can predict when a (Yamashita 1987) even resorted to forests and savannahs of Africa (M. complete lack of information on the nestling, especially the second the dangerous option of feeding on Fay pers. comm.). Large herbivores biology ofthe species in those nestling, is falling off of a normal, corn crops in that impoverished, and the palms that evolved fruits to regions and it is clear that the healthy growth curve, then one overpopulated portion of Brazil exploit these herbivores as seed survival of thespecies seems much could intervene with additional (Brandt and Machado 1990). dispersers thus probably are an more problematical in the northern feedings or parasite control to The extinction of the one and ancient evolutionary tradition in the parts of its range. insure its survival and fledging. the virtual extinction of the other Pantanal.With careful management Probably, however, the most cost- congener of the Hyacinth Macaw of cattle, horses, and palms in ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS effective methods to augment apparently due in part to the lack of pantanal habitats, once againit We thank Roberto Klabin, the owner populations of macaw would be to food makes it critical to understand should be possible for large of Estancia Caimanranch and its protect nest trees and food palms the biology of the key palms whose herbivores, this time domestic, to nature tourism hotel, Pousada and to mount extra nest cavities to nuts are virtually the species's only thrive sustainably in the Pantanal Caiman, for inviting us.to map while not just allowing but also macaw nests on his property and generating ecological space for for helping us enormously with healthy populations of Hyacinth logisticalassistance aswell as room Macaws. and board. We also appreciate the Not only should Hyacinth hospitality extended to us by the Macaws be able to thrive on general manager of the ranch and properly-managed cattle ranches, hotel, Robert Jaccard, and by the but they now also may be able to manager of the hotel, Silvia generate substantial incomes for the Gervasio. Marcia Suzuki Reed, the ranches as tourist attractions. With director of scientific interpretation, the explosive world-wide growth in and the scientificguides ofthe nature-based tourism or hotel, P. Amaral, E. Amil, A. Dutra, B. "ecotourism" over the past ten Pimentel, and S. Salazar all years (Boo 1989, Lindberg 1991) contributed time andeffort to the Hyacinth Macaws themselves research, for which we are grateful. already are generating substantial Wildlife Conservation International ecotourism income on leading (WC!), a division of New York Pantanal ranches. For example, after Zoological Society, generously only four seasons of operating a 22- financed most aspects of the 19.90 bed ecotourism hotel at Estancia research season. Additionally, Caiman,the ranch's annual tourism through WCI, the World Parrot Trust income now approximately matches of the United Kingdomsupported that of the decades-old cattle the 1991fieldwork. RCwouldliketo operation (R. Klabin and R. Jaccard, thank IBDF(now IBAMA)for pers. comm.). The logo of the supporting his work while he ecotourism hotel at the ranch is the worked out of the IBDFPantanal head of a Hyacinth Macaw staring Research Station. RC also thanks Iv. rakishly out of a golden porthole. Dorileo for permission to conduct Increasingly, ranchers still fortunate research on his ranch, and to O. enough to boast healthy. Falcao,T.C.de Arruda, and E. populations of Hyacinth Macaws Carvalho for excellent assistance in now proudly view their birds as the field. Finally, we are grateful to external badges of conservation M.Helsapleand N.Williamsof sophistication, ecological Superflow Corporation Video A rare sighting of Charles Munn in the Peruvian rain forest. enlightenment, and ecotourism Productions for video Picture: Katherine Renton. potential. With the new wave of documentation of this research.

3 TUE CO-OPERATIVE BREEDING PROGRAMME FOR SCARLET MACAWS

by David Woolcock (Curator, Paradise Park and Studbook Holder for the ScarletMacaw),and Dr. Peter Bennett (Research Fellowat the ZoologicalSocietyof London).

Introduction species that have declined to very In a previous article in Psittascene low numbers in the wild, the aim of The Scarlet MacawRegional Studbook (VoI2, No.!, January 1990) we these breeding programmes should discussed some of the biological be to supply a surplus of birds for principles that necessitate a co- reintroduction to the wild if this is The first step in any coordinated collections. The information was operative:approach to breeding rare necessary and feasible. Every effort breeding programme that is based then collated and entered onto a parrots in captivity. We emphasised must be made to ensure that on population management is to computer programme that aids that co-ordinated breeding holders of parrots become locate and gather vital information management of studbooks (the programmes based on co-operation producers of captive bred on individual birds. In 1987 a survey 'Omaha' studbook programme). In between aviculturists can help to specimens rather than consumers of was sent to zoos in the United any studbook the following minimal reduce problems such as loss of wild birds. Kingdom requesting information on information must be recorded for genetic diversity, inbreeding, For many species of rare parrots individual Scarlet Macaws in their each individual: hybridisation, and other factors that there are already enough wild threaten the survival of small caught birds in captivity to develop Studbook Number Uniqueand lifetime number assignedby captive populations of rare parrots. viable self sustaining populations. studbook keeper Aviculturists can no longer rely However, in very few cases are these Means of identification name, breedernumber,ring number, on the importation of wild caught important birds being recruited into microchip number ete. birds to bolster captive populations. co-ordinated breeding programmes Sex There is no doubt that based on co-operation between Date of birth approximateifwild born indiscriminate collection of wild- holders. For some of these species Capture location if wild bornandknown caught birds to supply the demand breeding success is Iow and there is Studbook number of sire 'wild' if wild born for captive specimens has led to the a need to share information on Studbook number of dam 'wild'if wild born near extinction of a number of successful husbandry practices. In Date of death parrot species in the wild. The this article we describe how the co- Location of birth and local identity number,name emphasis must now be on managing operative breeding programme for Date of arrival and details of any subsequentlocation captive parrot stocks to ensure that Scarlet Macaws in the British Isles including their identity number or they are self sustaining. was established and how it is being name for individual Furthermore, for extremely rare managed.

Free flying at Paradise Park, UK.

4 The Scarlet Macaw: not be done with the Scarlet Macaw code numbers to their data. Strict Distribution and Status in then the chances of establishing co- confidentiality is observed. It must the Wild ordinated programmes for other, be said however that some even rarer, parrots were grim! individuals were not so concerned Despite being one of the best known Other information may be about losing their birds as receiving of all the parrots very few people included when relevant such as sub- a tax demand for undeclared seem to appreciate the status of the species, whether surgically sexed or earnings - this of course i$> Scarlet Macaw in the wild. karyotyped etc. completely absurd! Nevertheless Destruction of the forests, hunting, Regional Studbooks should be some people still refuse to trapping and collection of nestlings published annually and circulated to participate in the programme, for the pet market have allIed to its all holders that have submitted including one or two eminent rarity, especially in Central America: information about the animals in aviculturists who lay claim to "this species has suffered their care. The Scarlet Macaw concern about 'Conservation' but catastrophic declines in Middle Regional Studbook has been fail to take this clear opportunity to America, and it's survival in several published twice. The 2nd edition do something practical to help countries is seriously threatened" has information current to 31st conserve this species. We will have (Ridgely 1981). The pattern of local December 1989.The 3rd edition is in to hope for a change of heart. extinctions has accelerated over preparation. recent years and no species can be Private keepers were Population Status in the British expected to survive such an subsequently contacted and asked Isles onslaught indefinitely. to submit data to the studbook. The Scarlet Macaw Regional With its situation in the wild and When first approached some had Studbook contains information on its relatively large captive grave reservations about divulging 219 birds in zoos and private population the Scarlet Macaw was details of their stock. Most had the collections in the British Isles. There chosen as an ideal species to very real fear of potential bird are more birds known to be in introduce the concept of co- thieves in mind. This has been private hands and we encourage operative management within overcome by keeping the holders' holders to register birds in the "psittaculture". After all, if it could details anonymous and assigning studbook.

5 Of the 219 birds 119 are should be able to move forward occur. Take the White-Eared kept, the opportunity to minimise potential founders - birds which are more quickly. Many more people are Pheasant for example, where high inbreeding and loss of genetic wild caught or of unknown descent. permanently marking their birds levels of inbreeding, Iow numbers diversity are lost. Of these potential founders only 42 with microchips, tattoos or closed and unequal representation of In the case of the Scarlet Macaw have produced descendants. When rings and this is greatly helping the founders are all leading to losses of we have the potential to ensure the performance of each accuracy and efficiency of tracking genetic diversity. through good record keeping and reproductively active founder is the birds between locations. Analysis of the studbook shows sound population management, a analysed it becomes obvious that that certain pairs have left a genetically diverse and their individual genetic Factors in our favour. disproportionate number of demographically stable population representation is far from equal. The 1) Scarlet Macaws are long lived descendants. While this breeding over the long term. However, this main task has been to establish new birds. success is laudable, there is a need requires co-operation and pairs where before singletons to get more pairs breeding in order commitment on the part of all existed and to encourage the 2) There are a large number of to increase the numbers of founders aviculturists holding this species. unproductive birds to breed, potential founders. (and thus the gene pool) and to N.B. - Number of Scarlet Macaws particularly those of wild origin. In However, we cannot be equalise founder representation. It registered by ISIS (i.e. data from 381 several instances this has been complacent. Unless we recruit more. is probable that many parrot zoos internationally) at 31st achieved, but there is still an founders into the breeding species have been established in December 1990 was 161.139.87- enormous amount of work to be population genetic problems captivity through a small number of only 33% of these birds were captive done. Although there is currently a associated with the populations of highly successful pairs whose bred. Of course, no central figures for severe shortage of females a certain species that have been descendants now dominate the the large numbers that must be in number of birds remain unsexed. established in captivity for a long populations. In these cases, unless private hands exist - so who knows Once their gender is established we time through many generations will good studbook records have been the real situation?

No. 3 IN OUR SERIES

IllfI could keep only II one pair of parrots. . . by John Stoodley was restructured to contain just three groups of parrots, all from the Broadhalfpenny Down Conservation new world: Macaws, Pianus and Sanctuary, Portsmouth, UK Amazons. There was so much to When invited to contribute a few discover, so much to learn, little was words to this journal covering a known at that time of dietary single parrot in my sanctuary I requirements, or of breeding would retain above all others, I patterns, but over the years progress has advanced, today many thought it an impossible task. more parrots are being bred in In a non commercial facility the aviculture. keeper becomes much attached to I have been privileged in having the birds in his care, to choose just had some influence in advancing one and turn away all others would be hard to do. I considered there parrot husbandry, therefore my decision to concentrate all my were other ways of approaching the efforts on so narrow a field, to study question, for example many years in depth both in the field and in ago I decided that if the sanctuary aviculture to learn their needs was to be of any worth to aviculture especially dietary requirements, to there must be stricter discipline in work closely with foremost my overall direction. Veterinary Surgeons on psittacine With this in mind the sanctuary health care, has been the right decision for me. Perhaps the question of which single species to work with could be looked at from the angle, which of all the parrots at the sanctuary most needed help? Macaws are breeding well in many other collections, their future Hispanio/an Amazon, A. ventralis. secure, Pion us are less threatened in their natural habitat than are many Those that are less well known pressure in its habitat as are many Amazon parrots, therefore the including Amazona leucocephala, Island parrots. parrot with the greatest need must xantholora, ventralis, dufresniana, Since it cannot be collected, come from the Amazona. At rhodocorytha, xanthops, barbadensis, aviculture must do what it can with the sanctuary we breed twenty six f guatemalae and vinacea I would those available to us. Its aggressive species and sub-species of amazon find hard to abandon as there is still nature presents a stumbling block,)t parrots, some common to aviculture much work to be done to secure has taken me more than a decade to others less well known, all have them in aviculture. From this short breed to fourth generation stock unique personalities, and whilst not list I would choose to work with that are tolerant of their fellows. ascribing human attributes to ventralis, common name Salles I have enjoyed the challenge parrots I have worked with them Amazon. and it would give me enormous long enough to appreciate and value This small amazon, indigenous pleasure to one day write Amazona John Stood/er the merits of each individual bird. to the Island of Hispaniola, is under ventralis is secure in aviculture.

6 RECENT OBSERVATIONS ON

KUYNCUOPSITTA TEKKISI By Dr. MA Gomez-Garza

it is very important to save these food-that the parrots also eat the zones. The overgrazingby goats and seeds of the Agave macroculnis, not cows in these locales prevents the just the nectar. regeneration of the trees and could I have had the opportunity to have a profound effect on their watch the bird in its natural habitat annual nesting as the parrots need throughout the years and I have to have food available near their never seen a bird with a scarlet nests. Some birds use the holes in forehead. On May 2, 1991, I saw a the most distant cliffs all along the typical adult specimen of R. terrisi Sierra in order to sleep, and they with just one red feather of a very sometimes rest in the holes during intense color at the end of the the day throughout the year, superciliary line on the right side, perhaps to escape the heat or the but I could never believe that it was cold (the temperature is more stable an individual that was a hybrid of R. in the holes) due to the extreme terrisi and R. pachyrhyncha. In my climate of the Sierra throughout the opinion, the presumed R. year. The simple fact that they go pachyrhyncha seen during the winter My observations of the Maroon- road was built at the base of the cliff into the holes of a cliff does not in San Antonio de las Alazanas were fronted Parrot Rhynchopsitta terrisi in order to givethe woodsmen mean that locale is a nesting area, as no doubt confused with R. terrisi. beganin 1982,and from that time better access to the trees that make is commonlythought. The nesting Beyond a doubt, the numbers of onward, I have witnessed the up the mixed forest at the base of places have certain special R. terrisi have decreased continuous pressure that man is the cliffs. The parrots did not nest characteristics that the parrots significantly during recent years. putting on the vegetation and the there that year. The road goes know and that obviously not all the The great flocks of several hundred wilderness of the Sierra Madre through a zone that can be very cliffs have. One of these individuals reported during the Oriental. dangerous and, after the rainy characteristics is precisely the 1970s are a thing of the past. The It is increasingly difficult to find season, there was so much damage presence of a great diversity of changes that man has made in the kinds of conifers at their base. large trees in these areas and, done that it was rendered useless. Sierra Madre Oriental by cutting unfortunately, the young trees are Nonetheless, in 1990,the cliffat "Las Furthermore, the two locales that I down thousands of trees each year also being cut in order to make Cuevas" was used again by two know to be areas of nesting have is decreasing significantly the "palapas", small rustic houses. pairs. been used over the years without number of R. terrisi. Over the recent I know of two places where this "Las Cuevas" is very near a interruption (except "Las Cuevas" in years we have had in Nuevo Leon bird reproduces: "The Highrise" town which has a significant 1989, as I have said previously), at and Coahuila several seasons of which was studied during the I970s population. The changes wrought in least since the beginning of the drought. Surely1he capacity of by Lanning and Lawson, and "Los the habitat are much worse in this 1960s, according to what the oldest growth of the pine trees in the Sierra Cuevas" (the caves). Both locations zone. The presence of mixed forests residents of these places say. has something to do with the are distinctive in having at their at the base of the cliffswhere these I have observed an additional abundance or scarcity of the rains. base extensive forests of mixed birds make their nests is proof that fact with respect to the parrots' Probably the lack of rains is due in conifers that are inhabited by these birds all year around. The Highrise is the largest breeding area; it has about 25 nests per year. The wide varietyof species of trees at the base of this cliff area means that one can see the parrots there in search of food all year around. Unfortunately, there are approximately 200 persons who live very near this same forest, and they depend upon it for their existence. All the firewood they need to cook their food and build their dwellings comes from this area. They also use this area as pasture for their goats and cows,although it is ill-adapted as pasture land. In this forest it is not unusual to find the remains of R. terrisi that were brought downwith slingshots by idle herders, or fledglings who, in their first flights, fell to the ground and were eaten by the herders' dogs. "Las Cuevas" is a place that I have known since 1983and that I have visited regularly since then during every breeding season. The number of nests in this cliff area has varied over the years between nine in the best year and three in the worst. Unfortunately, during 1989,a Miguel Gomez Garza stands by pine trunks removed from the Sierra Madre.

7 part also to the effect man's zones that are most frequented by activities have had on the Sierra. these birds were chosen, and notes Although there are almost always were taken from sunrise to sunset clouds and rain in September(when that day at all the locales the R. terrisi are born), during the simultaneously. The places were "El rest of the year it does not rain, the Jonuco," "The Highrise," and "Cerro weather is very dry and, as a result, del Potosi" in Nuevo Leon; "El forest fires spread rapidly. Canonde SanLorenzo," SanAntonio A count to determine approx- de las Alazanas,"and "Las Vigas" in imately the current numbers of Coahuila. Wecounted only a few birds was carried out on April 21, less than 300birds in the six places. 1991in the Sierra Madre Oriental in It is possible, of course, that the NuevoLeon and Coahuila.The six number is greater, but also at least

Many people build homes illegally in the Sierra Madre National Park. The deforested slopes in the background are just one result.

one flock of 28 individuals was nesting and feeding areas. It is also probably seen and counted twice (in lirgent to start a program of "The Highrise," and, 20 minutes forestation in the most damaged afterward, in "SanAntonio de las zones like the "Cerro del Potosi" and Alazanas). At any rate, there is good the area around "Las Cuevas". reason to be worried. Furthermore, it is very important to Another count is planned for start a program of ecological September 1,1991.These counts education focus sed on the local should be done carefully as these population. birds are very noisy by nature and very conspicuous, and it is easy to This dynamic bird dealer in Monterrey market had 12 baby parrots in a overestimate their real numbers. It MiguelA. GomezGarza cardboard box. is truly urgent to protect their 14th August 1991.

A PARRaT WITH a UT A NAME by Don Stap

A rare treat - a parrot book which However, while O'Neill will collect BOOKREVIEWS one can sit down and read likea birds and prepare the skins, Parker, novel- except that it is true. It unlike most university museum would be more accurate to describe ornithologists, will take a living bird it as a book on neotropical avifauna only under exceptional for, despite its name, other species circumstances. feature equally in this fascinating Collecting birds in the Amazon story of the ornithologists John P. might sound like an idyllic pastime - O'Neill and Theodore Parker. but DonStap describes just a few of Members may recall that John the hazards to be overcome- such O'Neill featured in the February as getting there, to start with. And 1991issue of PsittaScene, as the once away from civilisation one first in a series of well-known people cannot be too fussy about what is invited to write a few lines on "If I served up for dinner, a Mealy could keep only one pair of Amazon, for example. "I eat it parrots..." hungrily with my instant mashed The jacket notes describe him potatoes", records the author, for as having"... identified more new "Fresh meat has become a rarity species of birds than any other and Marta has made the parrot meat ornithologist alive, revolutionizing flavourful and tender." (No good what we know about neotropical being aghast - amazons and macaws avifauna" and Parker as "the world's have been on the menu in the leading authority on neotropical Amazon as long as man has been bird behaviour... celebrated for his there...) phenomenal ability to identify But life in the rainforest has its birdsong." compensations, such as "the cool The Amazonbasin and, in water and the flocks of parakeets particular, Peruvian rainforest, is that flyover with the last rays of where both men are in their sunlight glancing off their greenness element. The author, Don Stap, as they tilt swiftly and dive Into the accompanied them on two trees on the opposite bank." Yes, I expeditions and gives a vivid have been there too, and it is such account of life in the field with these memories which one treasures - the eminent authorities, who are discomforts are forgotten. friendly rivals as far as discovering Don Stap had the good fortune "new" species are concerned. to be present when the first

8 specimen of the then unnamed described about 140 bird species, all The photographs: the publisher, Klaus Trogisch. ParrotIet (Nannopsitta genus) was that were known at the time? That Ulmer, is known for its generous use The maps: these are most collected. It had been seen and the word ornithology was first used of colour - but this title surpasses informative for the shaded parts photographed by Charles Munn in in 1599 by the Italian scholar Ulisse all others with which I am familiar, depicting distribution do not cover the Manu National Park and now, Aldrovandi? in this respect. Excluding the maps, immense areas but as far as possible John O'Neill was holding the first there are about 340 photographs, all are much more precise,"that for the A Parrot without a Name (sub-titled specimen in his hand... The Search for the Last Unknown in colour, all of excellent quality. Severe Macaw, for example, Don Stap's narrative is sprinkled About one third depict habitats, following major rivers. The map for Birds on Earth) is published by with interesting tit-bits of including in some cases, nest trees the Scarlet Macaw demonstrates so Alfred A. Knopf. information. Did you know that in of the species. And habitat types, well how the species is gradually 350BCAristotle named and New York price $19.95. This is a such as caatinga (a dry, scrubby becoming extinct in Central fascinating "read" - and I thoroughly landscape in Brazil) are well America. Different sub-species are recommend it. - ROSEMARY LOW portrayed. There is a habitat picture shaded in contrasting colours. for almost every species, a unique There is a map for each species - and useful feature of this book. The and their preparation must have photographs of the parrots include been extremely time-consuming. some striking full-page portraits by Published in 1990 by Deutscher H. Muller, a talented photographer, Landwirtschaftsverlag Berlin GmbH, and there are a number of good Reinhardtstrasse 14, 1040 Berlin, sequences of chicks development and Verlag Eugen Ulmer, Stuttgart; taken at Vogelpark Walsrode by 502 pages; page size 18cm x 26cm. It surely represents a landmark in the literature of ~.

RosemaryLow

PAPAGEIEN - BAND 3: MITTEL- UND SUDAMERIKA

This volume completes Franz Hyacinthine Macaw and following Robiller's three-part work covering the usual taxonomic arrangement. all the parrots of the world. It covers Each species commences with BIRDS USA avicultural and ornithological about 14 lines summarising basic aspects. It is published in German - information such as sexual and, no, don't turn to the next item dimorphism, number of eggs laid, Not everyone who reads these and breeders: Cockatoos, Grey if you don't read German! A number incubation period and length of time columns has shelves richly stocked Parrots, Lovebirds, Macaws, of features of this book make it young spend in nest - much of with books on aviculture or Cockatiels, Amazons, Conures aDd worth a place on the bookshelf of which can be interpreted even by ornithology; some members are Budgerigars. Each author explains any student of neotropical parrots. lf those who do not read German. recent recruits to aviculture and in their basic needs and there can be a definitive title on any Then follows for each species need of basic advice - presented in characteristics, advantages and group of parrots (impossible information under these headings: an attractive manner. To these disadvantages. because knowledge is increasing at Description, Sub-species, Range, members I can recommend BIRDS This publication is especially an enormous rate) then this must be Habitat, Behaviour in the wild, USA - an annual production. The valuable for the first-time buyer, it for the neotropical species, for it Status, General information, Care 1991 annual contains 17 articles faced with a bewildering choice of presents much of what was known and Breeding. The literature has from experienced people in their species. There is a directory of pet up to about 1988. been researched with astounding field, writing on buying, taming, shops and another of breeders. The I am not easily impressed by thoroughness to supply this nutrition, parrot behaviour, training, advertisements feature every kind parrot books, which I tend to peruse information. Indeed, there are more veterinary aspects and avian of basic or luxury item ever with an over-critical eye, but this than 800 entries in the list of anatomy. This is an American designed for parrots and parrot one left me with the greatest references. A number of South publication, thus nearly all the lovers. admiration for the author, the American parrots are so little articles relate to members of the Its 120 pages are packed with photographers and whoever drew known, that no-one has yet been parrot family. colour and good advice. For the the maps. Everything about it is of able to supply the most basic It contains an excellent series of beginner this will be $5.95very well the highest standard. information; otherwise, the articles, each by a different author, spent. Order from BIRDS USA,P.O. The text: it launches straight information presented for each covering all the groups of parrots Box 6040, Mission Viejo, Ca 92690; into the species, starting with the species is very well balanced. which are popular with pet-owners add $1.55 for shipping. - RL.

9 LETTERS TO TUE EDITOR Members write ...

..."Keepup the good work I'm telling you all this because I countries around the glob.e. We feel Your company controls the only with PsittaScene. It just keeps occasionally read quotes from that your organization does not two magazines on sale in the UK -getting better and better..." AviculturaIists condemning the have the right to ask The World dedicated to the keeping of cage and Steve Milpacher, Okanagan keeping of parrots as pets and it Parrot Trust to change any of their aviary birds, yet the readership/ bothers me. We cannot all be a Exotic Bird Sanctuary, aims, or restrict them in publishing general public are not being given Kelowna, Canada. Rosemary Low or Richard Schubot, unpleasant pictures of wild caught the benefit of balanced reporting. In but we can all contribute to the birds in transit etc. short, it appears that the two conservation and welfare of parrots. We ask you to instruct your bird publications are in the pocket of the Our birds are a daily reminder to me publications to stop advertising pet trade. of how precious parrots are and parrots that are obviously wild I am deeply concerned that ..."] think P.Prenton-Jones is very how carefully we must protect them, trapped, the cost that you may miss these publications just refuse to silly! We love our Membership both in captivity and in the wild. out on will be replaced in the long publish any alternative point of view Certificates, and are sick to death of term by breeders advertising aviary regarding the crisis of the import of a purse full of small cards. His idea Yours truly. bred birds for sale. To remove the wild caught birds. I am also about a survey of advertisers is ban on accepting advertisements concerned that the money raised good, though..." Kathleen Gaynor-Smith from The World Parrot Trust, and to and donated to save the Echo Ruth Aspinall, 38 Abingdon Road, give fair and accurate coverage of Parrakeet in Mauritius by the World London W8 6AS. The World Parrot Trust's many Parrot Trust was not acknowledged initiatives to help preserve the fairly and the readership was given parrots of the world, because if we to believe that the money was This society supports your all don't get together now and act entirely donated by the Parrot organization totally, in the quest to on this very important matter we Society. This is a very serious I wish to say that I'm not at all stop the trapping of parrots in the will not have any parrots left in the matter. offended by the Membership wild. wild. I hope that you will agree that Certificate. To give a large certificate We have enclosed a copy of a letter Furthermore, until the when such expert organisations as or a small card is entirely at your that we have sent to Mr. John objectives are met, or some other the RSPB,International Council for discretion. Mellon, hoping that it might help in satisfactory arrangements have Bird Preservation, RSPCA, EIA and However, the most important some way. been made with The World Parrot issue to me is that The World Parrot the World Parrot Trust all campaign Trust, we have had no other for the end of the mass importation Trust be as successful as possible in JamesBox alternative than to ask our members of wild birds then they do so for the work it is attempting to do..." President to stop promoting your publication, good reason. Could it possibly be The Victorian Finch & CageBird left Bauguss Cage & Aviary Birds. that these major organisations are Society Inc. Melbourne, Victoria. right and Mr. Byles is wrong? Yours faithfully, I truly hope that both Cage & Aviary Birds and Birdkeeper will JamesBox show a more educated and Dear Ms Low, 27th July, 1991 President Y.F& CB.S. Inc. compassionate view to the problems of the world's precious Enclosed you'll find our check for 4th August, 1991. subscription renewal to Psittascene. birds and that all parties involved in We look forward to each issue as it Mr. John Mellon the hobby of loving birds will come together and share the title gives a more international overview LP.C. Magazines Ltd. Mr. J. Mellon conservationists. than many of the other publications Kings Reach Tower, Chairman we receive. Stamford Street IPC Magazines Ltd Yours faithfully, May I put a good word in for the London. SEl 9LS. Kings Reach Tower parrot "keepers" of the World? My Stamford Street Paul W. Brindley. husband and I became keepers by London SEl 9LS Staines, Mx accident when we brought an Dear Sir, injured Blue & Yellow macaw into DearSir, Editor's Note: Mr Mellon, Chairman our lives. Prior to his arrival, we had Re: "Cage & Aviary Birds" of \PC, has heard a lot of good sense a vague notion of the status of Our society is a member of The I have recently received a five page from World Parrot Trust members. If parrots in the wild and no idea of World Parrot Trust, and we have letter from Mr. B. Byles editor of you haven't yet written, please do the care they needed in captivity. been following with great interest, Cage & Aviary Birds in response to a so. Between books, magazines, friends the problems they have been having letter I sent you regarding and many calls to "bird" people in with the above publication. bias/unfair reporting in your the States we had a crash course on We are greatly concerned with publications Cage & Aviary Birds parrots that enabled us to care for the parrots in the wild, here in and Birdkeeper magazine. him. Now, several years later, we are Australia and overseas, and if the I regret that the five pages I still learning everything we can, problems associated with the taking have received from Mr. Byles has ... "MAX" is thriving and shares our of birds from the wild and not not convinced me of anything other home with several more macaws relayed to the vast number of bird than he and his editorial team are and parrots. keepers in the world, it is going to deeply ignorant of the urgent need It is our hope and goal to set up be even a harder problem to to take action to conserve the our birds in pairs in the future. But correct. world's precious wild tropical birds, for now, just being their caretakers Your publication is an excellent that he is also using pathetic has educated us, raised our means for the The World Parrot reasoning as to why the plundering awareness about conservation and Trust to get the message across to of these species should continue given us countless hours of the bird keepers of the world, as and also that he will not even pleasure. this publication is available in many acknowledge that a problem exists.

10 FIRST INTERNATIONAL LOKIINAE SOCIETY CONFERENCE

by Rosemary Low was "What nobody told me about keeping lories" and Hans Dieter INTBRNATIONALSponsored by Loriinae Europa, the Phillipen spoke on computers and First International Lory Society censuses. Conference took place on June 7-9. In conjunction with Dilsseldorf NBWSROUND-UP The venue was Vogelpark Walsrode University Theo Pagel had examined in Germany. The meeting was the tongues of chicks and adults of attended by over 100 people from severallory species under an Germany, UK,Holland, Belgium and electron microscope; he described Italy with one representative each from such distant countries as USA, his findings, also the displays of Australia and New Zealand. several species. On hatching, the tongue of chicks is covered with a The speakers came from six countries and covered a varied keratinized layer which is shed at about 22-35days after hatching range of topics. Unfortunately neither Trevor Buckell nor An'drew (depending on species), to set free the papillae. Tony Silva (Curator, Blythe were able to be present due Loro Parque) discussed endangered to family bereavements, and Andrew n'eotropical parrots, including Spix's Blyth's paper on the status of lories Macaw, of which he stated the total in the UKwas read by George known in captivity is now 32. He Anderdon. Steffen Patzwahl, commented that the Brazilian Curator, Vogelpark Walsrode, described the collection at Walsrode Government should be given the credit for the fact that they have where 37 of the Sllory species kept now accepted declared Spix's over the years have bred. Dr. Hans Macaws in overseas collections as Classen from Germany spoke on feeding. He emphasised that lactose being legally held - the first time is a dangerous sugar to give to that any Government has taken this lories. He stated that the Lori-Nektar step for illegally exported birds. produced by his company, Conservation was the subject of Biotropic, was tested for six years Thomas Arndt from Germany before use and that birds fed on it (editor of the excellent magazine show higher fertility and are not Papageien). Regarding re- prone to obesity. Rosemary Low introduction, he said that this could spoke on breeding and hand-feeding succeed with species such as the of lories and presented a second Black-winged Lory (£os cyanogenia) paper on Macaws and Amazons. which occurs on only one island, Jan R. van Oosten from the USA Biak, but with such species as spoke on deforestation and other Massena's (Trichoglossus conservation issues, and censuses haematodus massena) which are and studbooks for lories. Simon found on several islands, the genes Joshua described chromosome of captive birds might be different, studies of lories and how they can due to breeding from two birds from be used for . His work different locations, thus creating shows, for example, that Goldie's difficulties. (With the aid of DNA Lorikeet should not be classified as "finger-printing" this could be a Trichoglossus(but until the detected. - Ed.) chromosomes of most lory speCies Or G. Kaal from the Netherlands have been examined it is not discussed fungal diseases, and possible to state in which genus it Bernd Gerischer spoke on the belongs). Alison Ruggles' subject problems of keeping Lories in East

Captive-breeding was suggested by Roland Seitre as one method of preserving the endangered Tahiti Blue Lory. This pair was bred in captivity in 1982. Photo: R. H. Grantham.

11

~ Germany "before and after the wall". introduced predators, especially has kept 16 more or less legal St. endangered species to and from Anton Spenkelink, also from the black rats which can climb trees. Vincent Amazons for years. A Mr. Switzerland. It will then be finally Netherlands, described his method The introduced Eagle Owl could Edwards has become part-owner of realised just how much political of breeding the smaller lories. In all become a problem in the Marquesas the valuable amazons. The exact damage has been done and the great his pairs of his favourite species, and if it spread to other islands the details are not known. However the disservice to our aviculturist friends Josephine's (Charmosynajosefinae), Vinis could be wiped out. His 6 amazons came from this stock. in Switzerland. the male incubates for the first five recommendations for their Great! one would say. At last I have always envied the Swiss to seven days, then both sexes conservation included translocation someone is breeding the aviculturists for the liberal share incubation, then after two to predator-free islands (but ridding endangered St. Vincent. But it is not importing practice of their weeks the female incubates alone. islands of predators would not be so straight forward. authorities, but it must not go so far Friedrich Bauer from Germany, easy) and, for Vini australis and The birds owned by Miller and as to officially support and legalise described field work to be carried peruviana only,captive breeding. Edwards have been monitored for the extinction of highly endangered out on lories on the island of Biak, A limited number of copies of years by the representatives of the parrots. I await with dread the day Indonesia. He mentioned that he the Proceedings of this meeting will international conservation agencies when Messrs. Althaus and Dollinger had been successful in breeding the be available from Lars LoventLow, and they are well-known. "Captive receive the first import applications EmeraldLorikeet(Neopsittacus Jettesvej 25, 8220 Braband, bred" birds have occurred before. for St. Vincent Amazons or Kakapos pullicauda), probably a first captive Denmark. It's known that there is just one bred in Jakarta or Singapore. breeding. breeding pair, but they have not Hopefully the two gentlemen would The speaker at the banquet was bred recently. All the other birds are have read Paul Butler's report or Roland Seitre from France; his SWISS AUTUORlTIES not capable of breeding. All the seen how the school children in subject was the lories of Polynesia. UNDERMINE SPECIES experts are agreed that not all of the Dominica collect money to buy land He summarised their status as 6 birds, if any, can be captive bred. for their amazons. Then it may be follows:Kuhl'sLory (Vini kuhliz)has CONSERVATION It is curious that the export clear to them, whatever their suffered a severe population decline documentation was partly motives, just what they have over the past decade and, partly completed in German, although one achieved. due to hunting for plumage, is now By Thomas Arndt, Editor, would not expect the authorities in The insight may come sooner. really threatened. Stephen's Lory 'Papageien' Barbados, where the local language We shall soon know. They have been (Vini stephem), found onlyon the is English, to be capable of this. The presented already with an unpopulated Henderson Island, is The St. Vincent's Amazon (Amazona documents are also identical to the application for the importation of a not at risk at present. The Tahiti guildingii) with its population of 450 blank documentation found during a further 8 St. Vincent amazons from BlueLory(Vini peruviana) has to 600 birds is one of the most search under warrant of the home of Barbados. They will of course be suffered a great reduction in its endangered species of parrot. But the German importer Ludwig Horr, "captive-bred". range and is slowly disappearing this amazon species has been more one of the major participants in the from all the Society Islands. fortunate than most others. It was illegal trade in parrots. In the Tuamotus it is known to recognised in time that it was on the It is possible to believe that Dr. ST VINCENT PARROT be present only on Rangiroa; the verge of extinction and it had people Althaus and his superior Dr. Peter BRED AT PARADISE other islands of that group have not like Paul Butler, who took up its Dollinger, the responsible officials in been surveyed. The Ultramarine cause and fought for its protection. the Federal Swiss office for PARK (Vini ultramarina)is the most It must have been like a blow in Veterinary Affairs, did not realise threatened, with a good population the face to the inhabitants of St. that neither Edwards nor Miller (about 500 pairs) only on Uahuka.lt Vincent to learn that no less that 6 could scarcely have bred the six This is one St. Vincent parrot whose is extinct or nearly extinct on St. Vincent's Amazons were legally amazons. But this is unfortunately legality cannot be challenged. He was hatched in an incubator on 19th Nukuhiva. Roland Seitre pointed out imported into Switzerland in not the case. Even in the Swiss that deforestation is not a severe January of this year. The birds were Federal Office they know what a July 1991, and his parents are a malp threat to Vini lories as they are very declared as captive-bred and came sensitive issue the St. Vincent's sent by the St. Vincent Government adaptable to man-made habitats. from Barbados. The aviculturist and Amazon presents. To cover himself to Paradise Park in 1974, and a They are vulnerable to breeder WT. Miller lives there and in granting the import permit, Dr. female similarly sent to Jersey Althaus twice asked the CITES Wildlife Preservation Trust and now Secretariat in Lausanne, on 2nd and on loan to Paradise Park. 23rd October, whether the birds This picture was taken at 25 days. should be allowed Into Switzerland. He received the answer by telex on 27th October. As one would expect EEP FOR GUAROUBA he was advised to refuse the import permit. Every other official would have The Queen of Bavaria's or Golden followed the recommendation of the Conure (Aratingaor Guarouba CITESSecretariat, but not Dr. guarouba) is now the subject of an Althaus. He admittedly learned from EEP (European Programme for the the telex that the adult birds owned breeding of Endangered Species). Its by Miller could be illegal, but that aims are the same as those did not bother him unduly, since the described for the Hyacinthine birds in question were supposed to Macaw (see August 1990issue of be captive-bred offspring of the PsittaScene), ie, to convince private birds in the collection in Barbados owners and zoos to give details of and therefore legal. their birds to a central studbook Anyone who can use such logic keeper, to exchange birds to make in the issue of import permits for up true pairs, etc. highly endangered birds must have All holders of this species are been surprised by the angry asked to co-operate, in order to reaction ofthe CITESSecretariat, safeguard its future in aviculture. As the conservation agencies and the in the case of the Hyacinthine, there St. Vincent government to Swiss are quite a number of birds in importing practice. The St. Vincent Europe but the majority of them are government has already made an not breeding. Co-operation between official protest to the Swiss breeders is needed, with those who government and demanded the are successful describing their return of the amazons. There is also methods. talk within the EC of boycotting the The EEP (Europa'isches Sf. Vincent Parrot Chick at 35 days. Paradise Park, Cornwall, UK. import and export of captive-bred Erhaltungszu ch tprogr amm)

12 studbook keeper is Bengt Hoist, USA (described as "America's Curator, Copenhagen Zoo, Sdr leading parrot expert") making the Fasanvej 79, DK-2000 Frederiksberg, unfortunate statement that if the Denmark, fax no 45 36 44 24 55. If species does exist, "it would carry a you reside in Europe or Africa, price tag of $100,000 on its head." please contact Mr. Hoist if you keep Once again the price of a rare parrot this species. Owners in the USA has been grossly exaggerated - but should contact the studbook keeper unfortunately, such claims could act there, Alan Lieberman, San Diego as an incentive to trappers and Zoo, p.~. Box 551, San Diego, dealers to hunt for the Glaucous. California 92112-0551. There is one aspect of this story which I find puzzling. Two pairs of Glaucous appeared on Fraga's price TUE LORIINAE AWARD list for $950each, $1,900 per pair. On the same list were Caninde or Ultramarine Lory Photo: Rosemary Low Blue-throated Macaws ( At the Walsrode meeting Jan van glaucogularis) at $3,200 per pair. Oosten and Rosemary Low were to an audience in the region of 55 Brazil and Paraguay - and there Why were the Glaucous offered at a presented with an award for million people, in late 1992.Peter have been no official sightings since. comparatively Iow price? "promoting the interest and Evans has been invited by the This means nothing, howev~r. The Fraga told The Mail on Sunday maintenance of and the National Audubon Society to make a Glaucous Macaw is almost identical investigator that the Glaucous were reproduction of the Loriinae in lecture tour on the parrots of in size and appearance to Lear's quickly sold and that he could captivity". The award each received Dominica and their conservation. Macaw (A lean) - and the exact illegally send birds into Europe via was an exquisite life-sized mounted origin of that species was not Moscow, thence into Rotterdam. carving of an Ultramarine Lory (Vini discovered until 1978, proving that a However, it seems that these four ultramarina). It was specially MEXICO large macaw could exist Glaucous entered Europe via Lisbon. commissioned, and carved and "undiscovered" in the wild, in an era Their present whereabouts was not painted by the English artist when it seemed few ornithological reported. - ROSEMARY LOW Raymond Turley. It is a work of art The Centre for the Conservation of surprises remained. to be treasured - and one which Mexico's Psittac.ines (Asociaci6n But the vastness of South delighted both recipients. para la RehabiIitaci6n y America undoubtedly holds many Conservaci6n de Psitacidos ) held more ornithological secrets. Alas, its first "Parrot Festival" in Mexico soon the whereabouts of the DOMINICA City in April. Its aim was to draw Glaucous Macaw may be secret no attention to the Centre and the more. An interesting, if not totally endangered and declining status of accurate, article appeared in the Or Peter Evans returned to the UK most of Mexico's parrots. It resulted June 2 edition of The Mail on from Dominica earlier this year, in international television coverage. Sunday. The author, Jo Revill, having completed further survey The Centre's T-shirt has been suggested that this species was work and monitoring parrot produced and was such a success it "supposedly driven to extinction by numbers in the centre of their is being reprinted. For more man's greed." There is not one shred distribution. He reported to the information on the work of this of evidence to support this state- Editor: "Both species are showing organisation (which is in need of ment. In historical times it has been encouraging signs of recovery- donations to further its work), represented in captivity by only a particularly the Red-necked which contact Or J. Ehrenberg, Apto Postal handful of specimens, the last in have returned to several areas they 4-174, Itzimna, Merida 97101, 1905- or just possibly in Buenos had vacated after the hurricanes of Yucatan, Mexico. Aires Zoo in 1936. No habitat 1979-90. The Imperial is occurring in disturbance occurred within its a few areas where I have not seen it range until several decades after it for many years, though recovery GLAUCOUS MACAWS ON was first believed to be extinct. there is rather slower. I have been GlaucousMacaws depicted by Jenevora DEALER'S LIST What is interesting is not this Searight.Printsof this superb painting pressing on with attempts to raise arguable statement but the story of can be obtained from G.A.Smith. funds to develop a National Park Carlos Lazaro Fraga, an Argentinian Broadway Veterinary Clinic, ]58 and Visitors' Centre, and several aid During the past decade rumours of arms dealer. As a sideline, he Broadway, Peterborough, CambsPEl agencies have expressed strong the existence of the supposedly trafficks in rare and endangered 4DG. England. interest." extinct Glaucous Macaw parrots - and boasted to British A film about Dominica, its (Anodorhynchus glaucus) have been investigators regarding the ease of wildlife and the Dominican Parrot growing increasingly more bringing such birds into Europe. The AIRLINES LIKELY TO Project is being made. It will be convincing. Specimens were last Mail on Sunday reported: "Fraga's screened on TV around the world, collected in the 1860s, in southern activities can now be exposed only SETTLE WILD-CAUGUT after two years of intensive PARROTS ISSUE investigative work by a small team of British wildlife enthusiasts who are determined to stamp out the At the last count 23 airlines black market in wild birds. (They)... including Lufthansa and British first heard of Fraga when they found Airways had decided to stop the one of his price lists by infiltrating a transportation of wild-caught birds. network of Amsterdam bird British West Indian Airways is the dealers." latest to join the ban, but we hear The report continues that that Air Mauritius is still moving conservationists fear that Fraga has birds from Guyana to Europe via found the last existing colony of the Africa. More news likely in the next Glaucous - in Paraguay - and that issue. this could lead to it being "wiped out within two years". If the population is small, this prediction could, unfortunately, come true. The situation is likely to Queen of Bavaria s or Golden Conure - subject of a new EEP studbook. attract attention as the result of the Photo Rosemary Low curator of a well-known zoo in the

13 however, he stops to explain about the World Parrot Trust and its aims, and the urgent need to help the parrots survive. He asks for donations to be put in the collecting boxes at the exit gate, and threatens Our picture shows Martin Ballam, Bateleur and Bald Eagles. to set Zara on them if they don't pay bird of prey specialist at Paradise Martin's shows have become up generously. Park, Hayle, Cornwall, UK,with the most popular events at the park, How he gets away with it is a 'Zara' a female Golden Eagle. Martin even beating the parrot and otter mystery - anyone else would be is 19, Zara is 29. During the past talks. This is because he has lynched. The facts speak for three summers Martin has put on developed his own very funny themselves, as Martin and his birds spectacular flying demonstrations at material, and makes his audiences of prey have now raised the amazing the park for hundreds of thousands laugh while they le$lrnabout birds of total of THIRTYTHOUSAND of visitors, featuring Golden, Tawny, prey. In the middle of the mayhem, POUNDS!No other individual or organisation has come anywhere near raising so much for the trust's work. Our sincere thanks are due to Martin, and his colleagues David, Adam and others who have helped over the past three years.

CITES APPENDIX I PARROTS In the last issue of PsittaScene a member suggested we print this list.

Amazona arausiaca Anodorhynchus leari Ognorhynchus icterotis Red-necked Amazon Lear's Macaw Yellow-eared Conure Amazona barbadensis Ara glaucogularis Cyc/opsitta diopthalma coxeni Yellow-shouldered Amazon Blue-throated Macaw Coxen'sFig Parrot Amazona brasiliensis Ara ambigua Pezoporus wallicus Red-tailed Amazon Buf!on's Macaw Ground Parrot Amazona dufresniana rhodocorytha Ara rubrogenys Pionopsitta pileata Red-crowned Amazon Red-fronted Macaw Pileated Parrot Amazona guildingii Ara macao Probosciger aterrimus St. Vincent Amazon Scarlet Macaw Palm Cockatoo Amazona imperialis Ara maracana Psephotus chrysopterygius Imperial Amazon Illiger's Macaw Golden-shouldered Parakeet & Hooded Parakeet Amazona leucocephala Ara militaris Cuban Amazon sp. Psephotus pulcherrimus Paradise Parrot Amazona pretrei Aratinga guarouba Red-spectacled Amazon Golden Conure Psittacula echo Amazona tucumana Cacatua moluccensis Echo Parakeet Tucuman Amazon Moluccan Cockatoo Psittacus erithacus princeps Amazona versicolor Cyanopsitta spixii Fernando Po Grey St. Lucia Amazon Spix's Macaw Pyrrhura cruentata Bl'lIe-throated Conure Amazona vinacea Cyanoramphus auriceps forbesi Vinaceous Amazon Forbes' Parakeet Rhynchopsitta spp. Thick-billed Parrot & Maroon- Amazona vittata Cyanoramphus novaezelandiae Puerto Rican Amazon Red-fronted Parakeet fronted Parrot Andorhynchus glaucus Geopsittacus occidentalis Strigops habroptilus Glaucous Macaw Night Parrot Kakapo Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus Neophema chrysogaster Hyacinth Macaw Orange-bellied Parakeet

14 .. SECOND CONSERVATION Parrot Studbook BUS UNDER WAY Keepers Once againwe publish a list of Studbook Keepers.All readers Following the considerable success holding these species would do of the JACQUOT bus which the trust well to register their with prepared and sent to St. Lucia, much birds of the funds for a second bus are the relevant studbook keeper. now available. This bus will be the The development of these vital SISSEROUEXPRESS,bound for studbooks is being seriously damaged by the non- Dominica. The trust is now urgently seeking two buses similar to the St. participation of leading Lucia one: this was a Bristol LHS, aviculturists. If they are as conservation-minded as they only 24ft in length. If any member pretend, they will register their knows of such a bus, please phone David Woolcock on 0736753365. birds right away. Donations to complete the purchase BLUE-EYEDCOCKATOO*R* and conversion cost would be very PALM COCKATOO*R* welcome. All of us at the trust Dr.RogerWilkinson,NorthofEngland regard these buses as the most cost Preparing the exhibits in the 'conservation' bus. Overdue thanks to ZoologicalSociety,ChesterZoo, CaughallRoad,Upton-by-Chester,CH2 effective of our projects so far, Alison Reynolds, Nick Reynolds and David Woolcock, all of Paradise lLH achieving tremendous Park and The WorldParrot Trust. Nobody worked harder and longer GREEN-CHEEKEDAMAZON*R* environmental education benefits. than they did to make the bus a success. LlLACINEAMAZON MarkPilgrim.NorthofEngland ZoologicalSociety,ChesterZoo, MOKE ST. VINCENT CaughallRoad,Upton-by-Chester,CH2 NEWS lLH MOLUCCANCOCKATOO*R* The breeding programme on St. RobColley,PenscynorWildlifePark, Vincent needed an incubator, and Cilfrew,Neath,Glam.,S. Wales. the trust are greatly indebted to GOFFIN'SCOCKATOO*R* Terry Rolph of CURFEW SCARLETMACAW*R* INCUBATORS who kindly provided BUFFON'SMACAW*R* one free of charge, together with an REDFRONTEDMACAW*R* egg candler. This equipment was DavidWoolcock,ParadisePark,Hayle, flown out by BRITISH AIRWAYS CornwallTR274HY ASSISTING NATURE CONSERVATION, THICKBILLEDPARROT*R* to whom we and the parrots are DavidJeggo,JerseyWildlife once again indebted. The address PreservationTrust.LesAugresManor. for Curfew is: Curfew Incubators, Trinity,Jersey,ChannelIslands Button's Hill, Southminster Road, HYACINTHMACAW*R* Althorne, Essex, OK. Aviculturists The Jacquot Express, leaving Cornwall on its way to Sf. Lucia. should ask for their catalogue. ColinBath,PaigntonZoological& BotanicalGardens,TotnesRoad, Paignton.Devon. GOLDENCONURE*1* FIRST EVER GENERAL TUE AVICULTUKAL SOCIETY AlanLieberman,SanDiegoZoo,PO MEETING OF WORLD Box551,SanDiego,California,92112- 0551USA PARROT TRUST This venerable society was founded especially any 'first breeding' GOLDENCONURE*R* in 1894and has published a vast reports which have always been the RED-VENTEDCOCKATOO*R* This will take place at the United number of avian breeding reports in society's speciality, interesting BLUE-STREAKEDLORY*R* Kingdom Parrot Conference, to be its magazines. Most of these avicuItural news items and articles c/o TheParrotSociety,108b,Fenlake held at the Conference Centre, magazines are still available and on private aviaries as well as those Road,BedfordMK42OEU Penguin Hotel, Chester, OK, from 8 represent a remarkable avicultural in zoos and bird gardens. *R* = UKREGIONALSTUDBOOK to 10 November 1991. The trust has resource. The society is currently *1*= INTERNATIONALSTUDBOOK arranged facilities for a meeting at being revitalised and is now 4pm on Friday 8th November, to administered from Bristol Zoological PARROT BOOK SUPPLIER which all members are cordially Gardens, Clifton, Bristol BS8 3HA, The Trust is pleased to advise its Parrot Incubation Procedures/ invited. A presentation of the trust's UX In addition to producing the members that it has arranged for Jordan. projects will be followed by a Aviculture Magazine, the Society Canadianbook publisher & When members place an order general discussion. Non-members organise many enjoyable social distributor Silvio Mattacchione & and clearly state that they are WPT will also be welcome, in the hope events, including visits to private Co.to become an official book members, a 5% donation will be that they might decide to join the and public bird collections. supplier to the World Parrot Trust made to the Trust. We encourage all trust. World Parrot Trust staff will Membership costs £18, and some and its members. The company of our members to take advantage of have a table at the conference, World Parrot Trust members may currently supplies a great variety of this new arrangement which will where T-shirts and other items will like to consider joining this books worldwide,and can supply directly benefit our conservation be on sale. Good timing for prestigious society. most parrot books including hard to goals. The Hon. Editor of the Christmas present purchases. find and rare limited editions. Over Your can write for a free 32 page At the time of going to press AvicuItural Magazine is Prof. 1.R. the past few years Silvio catalogue to Silvio Mattacchione & there were still places available at Hodges, Weaver Barn, Cotswold Mattacchione & Co. has published Co.; 1793 Rosebank Road, N.; the Conference. For booking forms Meadows, Great Rissington, Endangered Parrots/Silva; Pickering, Ontario LIV IP5; Canada. please write to: Alison Dutton, 61 Gloucestershire GL54 2LN. He would PsittacuIture: The Breeding Rearing Phone: 416-831-1373; Fax: 416-831- High St., Tarvin, Chester CH3 8EE. like to receive all editorial material, & Managementof Parrots/Silva; 3734.

15 AIMS OF TUB WORLD WORLD PARROT TRUST PARROT TRUST A Brief Progress Report The objective of the trust is to promote the survival of This charity was launched in Indonesia: Endangered Cockatoos. October 1989to work for the We made a small contribution all parrot species and the welfare of individual birds. survival and welfare of the world's towards a British expedition to 1 By educating the general public worldwide about the threat to 320 species of parrot, of which 100 study and report on the Moluccan parrot survival, and seeking their interest, concern and support. species are endangered. It is the Cockatoo and other species, only international organisation declining rapidly due to 2 By action to protect and preserve the natural habitats of devoted exclusively to the parrot deforestation and trapping for the parrots worldwide. family. In its first 18 months it has pet trade. £500. 3 By gathering and disseminating information on the status of raised over £80,000, and supported Mauritius: Echo Parakeet. parrot populations in the wild and in captivity. the following important parrot- Undoubtedly the world's rarest related projects around the world.: 4 By advocating effective controls on the international trade in parrot. Only about 12 or 15 birds left wild-caught parrots, and its replacement by captive-bred birds. Australia: Red-tailed Black in the wild. Captive breeding and 5 By encouraging co-operation in the breeding of parrots by Cockatoo. Research to assist the other conservation measures being aviculturists and zoological institutions, and better liaison survival of an endangered pursued by Carl lones, known for between the captive breeding community and conservation population of this spectacular his success with the Mauritius bodies, with the aim of creating self-sustaining populations of Cockatoo in Victoria. A four year Kestrel and Pink Pigeon. The trust endangered species. programme to which we contribute has provided general financial £8,000. support, plus the cost of a four- 6 By promoting high standards in the keeping of parrots as pets. wheel-drive vehicle (approx. Brazil: Spix's Macaw. Helping with 7 By encouraging research projects, Le.: the veterinary care of £12,000, of which £2,500 was kindly the cost of an expedition to parrots, and the preservation of genetic diversity. donated by The Parrot Society). investigate the population status of Total contributed to date: £20,000. 8 By any 0ther means that may be appropriate. this most endangered of all macaws. --, Only one remains in the wild. Our Mexico: Maroon-fronted Parrot. I contribution: £2,000. This is Mexico's most endangered I WANTTO BE A PARROT I parrot: perhaps no more than 600 I still exist in a small part of the Sierra CONSERVATIONIST I Madre. The Trust recently visited YES this area to assess the situation, and conservation measures are planned. andHelpingthe the WELFAREofevery SURVIVALofall individualparrot. parrot species, : I Cost of this visit was approx. £1,000, Name Mr/Mrs/Ms I but these expenses will be met by Address our Hon. Director, not the Trust's I funds. Postcode I I We hope you will agree that the SUBSCRIPTION RATES (please tick) I Brazil: Hyacinth Macaw. Field above summary indicates a charity: I research into the breeding biology D Single £10 D Family £17.00 D Fellow £100 that is active and full of initiative: I of this species, carried out by Dr. and concern for its objectives; We : Charles Munn. A contribution of D Overseas $25 US (orequivalent) Additional donation £ I urgently need the support of I £6,000. Also a donation of £600 everybody who keeps parrots as If you can afford to give more than the basic subscription rate towards work carried out by a team your money will help us fight harder to save the parrots. I pets or in aviaries, or who simply I of Danish biologists. cares about their survival and well- I enclose cheque/P.O. for £ - payable to The World Parrot Trust I Caribbean: St. Lucia Parrot. being. OR Please charge my AccessjVisa Ac/No. I Providing posters and badges for an Michael Reynolds I educational campaign designed to reach every child on St. Lucia: Card expiry date Amount £ Date I I £2,500. Followed by our largest Signature - I project so far, the purchase and OR better stilL please sign this Banker's Order I conversion of a 'conservation bus', BANKERS ORDER I the lacquot Express. This has been delivered to St. Lucia and is being To: The Manager Bank I very successful in promoting the Address I preservation of the remaining forest -I where the endangered St. Lucia Postcode parrot lives. Cost to the World Sortcode ClIlm : Parrot Trust: £14,000. I Please pay The World Parrot Trust. the sum of £ Central America: Endangered every month/year. starting on (date), and I Macaws. We supported the 1991 debit my account no. I Honduras Workshop on Macaw I Conservation and Management with Signed I a donation of £600. I Pay to The World Parrot Trust. A/C No. 91144022 I The World Parrot Trust Midland Bank plc, Exmouth, Devon EX8 1HF. Glanmor House, Hayle I Cornwall TR27 4HY, U.K. Please send to The World Parrot Trust. NOT to your bank. I Regd. UK Charity No. 800944 The World Parrot Trust, Glanmor House, Hayle, Cornwall TR27 4HY, U.K. , Tel: (0736) 753365 Fax: (0736) 756438

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