DOCSLIB.ORG

A Courting Behavioral Study on a Hyacinth Macaw (Anodorhynchus Hyacinthinus) Pair

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
A Courting Behavioral Study on a Hyacinth Macaw (Anodorhynchus Hyacinthinus) Pair The Pegasus Review: UCF Undergraduate Research Journal (URJ) Volume 12 Issue 1 Article 2 2020 A Courting Behavioral Study on a Hyacinth Macaw (Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus) Pair Pamela Mulkay University of Central Florida Find similar works at: https://stars.library.ucf.edu/urj University of Central Florida Libraries http://library.ucf.edu This Article is brought to you for free and open access by the Office of Undergraduate Research at STARS. It has been accepted for inclusion in The Pegasus Review: UCF Undergraduate Research Journal (URJ) by an authorized editor of STARS. For more information, please contact [email protected]. Recommended Citation Mulkay, Pamela (2020) "A Courting Behavioral Study on a Hyacinth Macaw (Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus) Pair," The Pegasus Review: UCF Undergraduate Research Journal (URJ): Vol. 12 : Iss. 1 , Article 2. Available at: https://stars.library.ucf.edu/urj/vol12/iss1/2 Mulkay: A Courting Behavioral Study on a Hyacinth Macaw Published 9-17 Vol. 12.1: April 8, 2020 THE PEGASUS REVIEW: UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL FLORIDA UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH JOURNAL A Courting Behavioral Study on a Hyacinth Macaw (Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus) Pair By: Pamela Mulkay Faculty Mentor: Frank Logiudice UCF Department of Biology ABSTRACT: This study observes the courtship behaviors of an Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus pair in the Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens in Sanford, Florida. A. hyacinthinus reproductive behaviors occur in four steps in the following order: Allopreening, Cloacal allopreening, Back to Back Copulation Position and finally, Copulation (Schneider 2006). Behavioral observations were taken twice a week for an average of 2 to 3 hours each day for ten weeks. The resulting data was analyzed based on the different actions, types of movement, and types of maintenance observed of the A. hyacinthinus pair. Percentages and averages were then calculated for actions relevant to courtship behaviors – Destruction, Vocalization, Self-preening, and Mutual Preening. From the observations collected during this study, the pair only fully completed step 1 (Allopreening) of the mating process. This species is known to produce specialized vocalizations when Cloacal Allopreening (step 2) is reached (Schneider 2006). However, the specialized vocalizations were absent during observation sessions. One of the individuals was observed to attempt the beginning positions for step 3, Back-to-Back Copulation Position, but this action was not reciprocated by the other individual, suggesting Step 3 was not completed. Lastly, Copulation was not observed throughout the study. These findings nevertheless demonstrate that the A. hyacinthinus pair is well bonded and may be encouraged to copulate if given proper nesting materials and privacy. KEYWORDS: Hyacinth Macaw; Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus, courtship, mating Republication not permitted without written consent of the author. Published by STARS, 2020 1 www.URJ.ucf.edu 9 The Pegasus Review: UCF Undergraduate Research Journal (URJ), Vol. 12 [2020], Iss. 1, Art. 2 THE PEGASUS REVIEW: UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL FLORIDA 12.1: 9-17 UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH JOURNAL INTRODUCTION Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus, also known as the Hyacinth Macaw or the Blue Macaw, is the largest of the parrots. With an average weight of 1.36 kilograms, these parrots have a wingspan of about 1.22 meters and a length of up to 99.06 centimeters (Hagen 2004). Covered in cobalt blue feathers and possessing distinctive yellow markings around their eyes and at the base of their mandible, A. hyacinthinus looks to be always smiling. This unique species of macaw, native to Central and South America, prefers woodland and savannah habitats and is commonly found in the Pantanal and Cerrados regions of Brazil (Schneider 2006). A. hyacinthinus are naturally destructive, and are known for using their beaks to manipulate small stones, thin branches, or bark to sharpen or clean their beaks. These birds may exhibit behaviors such as preening (using their beak and tongue to groom themselves or other macaws), vigilance activity (a pair taking turns patrolling the territorial area), wide ranges of vocalization, and fruit manipulation (holding fruit with one foot while using their beaks or tools to break apart or open mesocarp) (Lafeber Pet Trade; Schneider 2006). They are omnivores, though their diets consist mainly of palm fruit and nuts (De Paula Figure 1. Zack (left) and Stitch (right) 2017). In some cases, this species uses tools to open and Once they are able to care for themselves, juvenile A. remove the mesocarp of palm fruit (Schneider 2006). hyacinthinus may join another flock of un-mated young This species’ protein intake derives from the larvae inside adults. However, it is not uncommon to find bigger flocks nuts and fruits that have fallen or dropped to the forest of 12 to 20 individuals consisting of pairs and family floor. This macaw species also feeds on termites found in trios (Schneider 2006, Animalia.bio). These birds reach the decaying wood when building their nests (De Paula sexual maturity between 6 and 10 years old. While A. 2017). hyacinthinus prefer to stay in flocks, they are socially and sexually monogamous, staying and reproducing with the A. hyacinthinus populations were once abundant in the same partner throughout their lifetime (Caparroz 2011). Pantanal because the area is rich in manduvis trees, which are used for nesting (Pizo 2008). Unfortunately, habitat The subjects of this study include a pair: Zack and Stitch. destruction, illegal bird trading, and the slow process of Zack and Stitch were both born in 1996 in different areas development and maturation in nestlings has greatly of the United States. Zack was transferred to the Central affected the species’ numbers. As a result, this species Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens from a private sector is now considered “Vulnerable,” with only an estimated in Dallas, Texas when he was six months old. Sometime 4,300 mature individuals left in the wild (Kuniy 2006, later, Zack was paired with another Hyacinth Macaw as a IUCN 2016). Copulation occurs year-round, but nesting breeding companion. The second subject, Stitch, and her occurs from November to April in South America mate at the time, were transferred from a private sector (Hagen 2004). The female will lay one to two eggs per (also in Dallas) to Disney’s Animal Kingdom and then to clutch and incubate them for 25 to 28 days, in which time the Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens in 2009. the male will forage and feed the female. A. hyacinthus Stitch and her mate were kept off-exhibit for breeding eggs hatch asynchronously, therefore, the mother will purposes. Stitch’s and Zack’s mates were later transferred only bear the first hatchling (keeping the second as to Palm Beach due to new breeding recommendations, insurance), which will fledge in 13 weeks and stay with and Stitch was subsequently paired with Zack. Originally, her for about 18 months (Kuniy 2006, Schneider 2006). https://stars.library.ucf.edu/urj/vol12/iss1/2 2 www.URJ.ucf.edu 10 Mulkay: A Courting Behavioral Study on a Hyacinth Macaw THE PEGASUS REVIEW: UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL FLORIDA 12.1: 9-17 UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH JOURNAL Figure 2. A. hyacinthinus display enclosure. zookeepers had believed the pair consisted of two males 1, 2, 3 and 6 (and all the branches in between) so the from information provided by the prior owners of the A. pair may cool off and find solace from the extreme heat. hyacinthinus. However, recent genetic tests revealed that Two water bowls have been placed on Post 1 and Post 4. one of the macaws, Stitch, appears to be female. Zack At times, zookeepers attached palm leaves or enrichment and Stitch were kept in an enclosed perching area similar toys to the branches and posts of the enclosure. to their current “Night Enclosure” until August of 2018, when the zoo built the Hyacinth Macaw “Display In response to the loss of their original mating Enclosure”. Stitch is distinguished from Zack by a band partners, this study aims to determine if the new pair is on his left foot. Moreover, they display a noticeable performing courting and mating behaviors. According physical difference; Zack is more distinctively yellow to Larissa Schneider (Schneider 2006), copulation of A. around his mandible and eyes than Stitch (Figure 1). hyacinthinus occurs in four steps. The first of these steps, allopreening, is characterized by a pair perching side by Zack and Stitch are brought out to their “Display side, ruffling their feathers and grooming each other’s Enclosure” around 9:30 AM. This enclosure consists of feathers using their beak and tongue. The next step is eight posts connected by various branches of differing cloacal allopreening, in which a pair perches side by levels, lengths and extending branches (Figure 2). The side and the head of one individual is directed to the post directly in front of the zookeeper’s entrance to the other’s cloaca, and vise versa; this position is followed enclosure was labeled as Post 1, while the rest of the posts by allopreening. Following this step is the back-to-back were numbered in a clockwise manner from the view of copulation position, in which, perched back-to-back, the boardwalk. There is no connecting branch between a pair leans their heads forward and raise their tails; Post 3 and Post 4 to allow the zookeepers to place a specialized vocalization may begin as cloacas touch. The Scarlet Macaw in the enclosure with the Hyacinth final step, copulation, is characterized by a pair with their Macaws without risk of altercations. Three pieces of mesh heads down, tails up, tongues moving up and down, and fabric have been placed over the enclosure to provide cloacas connected. At this point, vocalization reaches a shade, and two fans on the left and right corners on the high intensity. This final step is the consummation of outside of the habitat provide cool air.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • TAG Operational Structure
    PARROT TAXON ADVISORY GROUP (TAG) Regional Collection Plan 5th Edition 2020-2025 Sustainability of Parrot Populations in AZA Facilities ...................................................................... 1 Mission/Objectives/Strategies......................................................................................................... 2 TAG Operational Structure .............................................................................................................. 3 Steering Committee .................................................................................................................... 3 TAG Advisors ............................................................................................................................... 4 SSP Coordinators ......................................................................................................................... 5 Hot Topics: TAG Recommendations ................................................................................................ 8 Parrots as Ambassador Animals .................................................................................................. 9 Interactive Aviaries Housing Psittaciformes .............................................................................. 10 Private Aviculture ...................................................................................................................... 13 Communication ........................................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Object Permanence in Four Species of Psittacine Birds: an African Grey
    AnimalLearning & Behavior 1990, 18 (1), 97-108 Object permanence in four species of psittacine birds: An African Grey parrot (Psittacus erithacus), an Illiger mini macaw (Ara maracana), a parakeet (Melopsittacus undulatus), and a cockatiel tNymphicus hollandicus) IRENE M. PEPPERBERG and MILDRED S. FUNK Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois Four psittacids-an African Grey parrot, an Illiger macaw, a cockatiel, and a parakeet-were tested on object-permanence tasks that are commonly used to assess levels of understanding in human infants during their first 2 years. These birds showed Stage 6 competence, demonstrat­ ing that object permanence is not limited to mammals. The results for these birds were compar­ able to those of an African Grey parrot that·had been trained in interspecies communication prior to object-permanence testing. Our findings thus suggest that although language-like behavior provides a communication channel that facilitates testing, such language training is unlikely to affect the outcome of the tests. Object pennanence-the notion that objects are separate biana, Kamil & Balda, 1985; Vander Wall, 1982; entities that continue to exist when out of sight of the European jays, Garrulus glandarius, Bossema, 1979; observer-would seem to be one of the more important jackdaws, Corvus monedula, Etienne, 1976-1977; cognitive concepts, and thus an appropriate topic for com­ Lorenz, 1970; marsh tits, Parus palustris, Sherry, 1982; parative study. Object permanence was nevertheless Shettleworth & Krebs, 1982; chickadees, Parus largely ignored during almost a century of comparative atricapillus, Sherry, 1984; Shettleworth & Krebs, 1986) research (note Burghardt, 1984; Macphail, 1987), pos­ provide evidence for behaviors such as recovery of cached sibly because it was considered both innate and unitary-a food or cavity nesting that would appear to require a con­ concept so basic that researchers could not imagine how cept of object permanence.
    [Show full text]
  • Phylogeography of the Military Macaw (Ara Militaris) and the Great Green Macaw (A
    The Wilson Journal of Ornithology 127(4):661–669, 2015 PHYLOGEOGRAPHY OF THE MILITARY MACAW (ARA MILITARIS) AND THE GREAT GREEN MACAW (A. AMBIGUUS) BASED ON MTDNA SEQUENCE DATA JESSICA R. EBERHARD,1,5 EDUARDO E. IÑIGO-ELIAS,2 ERNESTO ENKERLIN-HOEFLICH,3 AND E. PAÙL CUN4 ABSTRACT.—The Military Macaw (Ara militaris) and the Great Green Macaw (A. ambiguus) are species whose close relationship is reflected in their morphological similarity as well as their geographic ranges. Military Macaws have a disjunct distribution, found in Mexico as well as several areas in South America, while Great Green Macaws have two or more disjunct populations from Honduras to eastern Ecuador. We used mitochondrial sequence data to examine the phylogenetic relationships between these two species, and also among representative samples across their ranges. Our data clearly support recognition of the two species as being distinct evolutionary lineages, and while we found significant phylogeographic structure within A. militaris (between samples collected in eastern and western Mexico), we did not find any evidence of lineage divergence between A. ambiguus from Costa Rica and Ecuador. Received 12 December 2014. Accepted 30 May 2015. Key words: disjunct distribution, Great Green Macaw, Military Macaw, phylogeny, phylogeography. The Military Macaw (Ara militaris) and the South America, primarily east of the Andes from Great Green Macaw (A. ambiguus), sometimes northwestern Colombia and northwestern Vene- named Buffon’s Macaw, are both large macaws zuela to north-western Argentina (Ridgway 1916; that are closely related and possibly conspecific Chapman 1917; Alvarez del Toro 1980; Ridgely (Fjeldså et al. 1987, Collar et al.
    [Show full text]
  • Parrot Brochure
    COMMON MEDICAL PROPER HOUSING COMPANION DISEASES PARROTS: 1.) Nutritional deficiencies - A variety of ocular, nasal, respiratory, reproductive LARGE & SMALL and skin disorders caused by chronically improper diets. 2.) Feather picking - A behavioral disorder, sometimes secondary to a primary medical problem, where the bird self-mutilates by picking out its own Maecenas feathers. It is most often due to depression from lack of mental Proper housing for a macaw and other large birds stimulation or companionship and more Finding the right parrot cage for your feathered commonly seen in larger species. friend depends on the size and needs of your Purchasing your pet birds only in pairs bird. For example, while a parakeet needs a can help prevent this disorder smaller cage that can sit on a counter-top or from developing." table; the macaw needs a HUGE cage practically 3.) Bumblefoot - All caged birds are the size of a small room! It is always safest to “go susceptible to developing “bumblefoot" big.” Avoid galvanized metal wiring due to the or pododermatitis. This disease manifests potential for lead poisoning, and clean the itself as blisters and infections of the feet substrate on the bottom of the cage daily to caused by dirty perches or perches that weekly. Birds are messy creatures that love to are all the same size, shape and made of dive into their food bowls! Perches should vary the same material. i.e. smooth wood. in size, shape and material; including various How best to care for these diverse woods, sand paper and cloth. Clean perches and colorful birds and to ensure regularly to prevent diseases of the feet.
    [Show full text]
  • AWI-WL-Hyacinth-Macaw-Comments
    January 27, 2017 VIA Electronic Submission to: http://www.regulations.gov Public Comments Processing Attn: FWS–R9– ES–2012–0013 Division of Policy and Directives Management U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 4401 N. Fairfax Drive Arlington, VA 22203 Dear Branch Chief Van Norman: Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the proposed threatened listing and draft 4(d) rule for the hyacinth macaw (Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus). These comments are submitted on behalf of the Center for Biological Diversity (Center) and the Animal Welfare Institute (AWI). The Center is a nonprofit conservation organization with more than 1,200,000 members and online activists dedicated to the protection of endangered species and wild places. The Center and its members have a long standing interest in the conservation of foreign species and their habitat, including the hyacinth macaw. AWI is a nonprofit, charitable organization founded in 1951 and dedicated to reducing animal suffering caused by people. AWI has been engaged in efforts to confront issues associated with wildlife trade, particularly the commercial trade in wild-caught birds. We have had a long-standing interest in the conservation of the hyacinth macaw and concern for the detrimental effects of trade coupled with habitat loss on the species. We vehemently disagree with the suggestion that the hyacinth macaw should be listed as threatened instead of endangered under the Endangered Species Act (ESA or Act). Habitat loss is still a significant threat to this species, as is the pet trade. Moreover, the United States Fish and Wildlife Service’s (USFWS or Service) Significant Portion of the Range Policy (SPOR policy) is unlawful as evidenced by the agency’s decision here that the birds are threatened throughout their range and therefore a significant portion of their range need not be analyzed.
    [Show full text]
  • Threatened Parrots of the Neotropics
    sustain their numbers. Buffon's Macaw: Appendix I. Threatened Parrots Sometimes confused with the Mili­ tary Macaw. See A.F.A. Watchbird Oct/Nov 1986 and Dec/Jan 1990 for ofthe Neotropics clarification. These birds are seri­ by Nigel J. Col/ar ously declining throughout their International Council for Bird Preservation range in Central America. Captive Cambridge, United Kingdom breeding is desperately needed. Green-winged Macaws: Appen­ dix 11. Still being brought into the U.S. Parrots as Problems the deletion of Yellow-sided Parakeet The wild caught birds have proven Parrots are colourful, vegetarian, Pyrrhura hypoxantha (an invalid difficult to breed. Better success is playful and mimetic, so people find species), the relegation of Yellow­ possible utilizing captive bred birds them attractive, easy to keep, com­ faced Amazon Amazona xanthops to for breeding. panionable and entertaining. In popu­ near-threatened status, the promotion Hyacinth Macaws: Appendix I. lar consciousness, they are the most from near-threatened status of White­ Current population is estimated at high-profile of birds, commonly fea­ headed Amazon Amazona leuco­ 2500 to 5000 total population. lllegal tured in advertisements that seek to cephala, and the addition of El Oro trade continues to decimate their assert the tropical authenticity of a Parakeet Pyrrhura orcesi, Fuertes' population. Further captive breeding product, and often humourised in Hapalopsittaca fuertesi and Fire­ is necessary to maintain adequate cartoon form to assure the conviv­ eyed Parrots H. pyrrhops, Blue­ amounts ofbirds. iality of and complicity in the experi­ cheeked Amazona dufresniana and Military Macaws: Appendix I. ence the product offers. Alder Amazons A.
    [Show full text]
  • Macaw Society America
    tary Macaws. This ecological differ­ that a number of the yellow feathers ence enabled them to evolve larger are richly tipped with green. Indeed, size, paler color, and now a different some of the coverts may be entirely pattern ofbehavior. This went to such green. Further, though this has yet to an extreme that they became a differ­ be corroborated by the measurements ent species: Button's Macaw (A. taken of museum skins, so many of ambigua). Elsewhere, the Military the aviary birds obtained from Macaw also became somewhat less South America (some are known to The montane and has now diffused over have been imported from Guyana) much of Mexico. These now differ seem so much larger generally (as subspecifically from those to the well as being brighter) than those south. known to come from northern Macaw Likewise, the Scarlet Macaw of Central America. Mexico and Central America may also The Scarlet Macaws from Panama, have gained entry only towards the and to an increasingly lesser degree end of the last Ice Age (some 12,000 Costa Rica, have examples of both Society years back). Originally, so few indi­ colorations in the population. It is, vidual birds percolated through the therefore, assumed that this area constraints of the Isthmus that they forms a "hybrid zone" between the were limited in their genetic diversity. brighter southern and the duller Once through this geographical northern races. of barrier, the inevitable inbreeding and It would take a study which subsequent evolution from the encompasses more skins than the founder-immigrants ensured that they British Museum, the Smithsonian, America developed a different appearance and the American Museum of Natural from those Scarlet Macaws found on History have supplied, to prove that by Robert Francis the mainland ofSouth America.
    [Show full text]
  • Federal Register/Vol. 83, No. 156/Monday, August 13, 2018
    39894 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 156 / Monday, August 13, 2018 / Rules and Regulations Authority: 42 U.S.C. 7401 et seq. Transport SIP to meet Infrastructure § 52.1020 Identification of plan. Requirements for the 2010 1-hour NO2 * * * * * Subpart U—Maine NAAQS’’ at the end of the table to read (e) Nonregulatory. ■ 2. Section 52.1020(e) is amended by as follows: adding an entry titled ‘‘Interstate MAINE NON REGULATORY Applicable geo- State submittal Name of non regulatory SIP provision graphic or non- date/effective EPA approved date 3 Explanations attainment area date ******* Interstate Transport SIP to meet Infra- Statewide ............ 2/21/2018 8/13/2018, [Insert Federal This approval addresses Prongs 1 structure Requirements for the Register citation]. and 2 of CAA section 2010 1-hour NO2 NAAQS. 110(a)(2)(D)(i)(I) only. 3 In order to determine the EPA effective date for a specific provision listed in this table, consult the Federal Register notice cited in this col- umn for the particular provision. [FR Doc. 2018–17248 Filed 8–10–18; 8:45 am] Program, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the inadequacy of existing regulatory BILLING CODE 6560–50–P 5275 Leesburg Pike, MS: ES, Falls mechanisms; or (E) other natural or Church, VA 22041; telephone 703–358– manmade factors affecting its continued 2444. If you use a telecommunications existence. The primary causes attributed DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR device for the deaf (TDD), call the to the decline of the hyacinth macaw Federal Relay Service at 800–877–8339. include habitat loss and degradation Fish and Wildlife Service SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: (Factor A), hunting (Factor B), predation (Factor C), competition and low 50 CFR Part 17 Executive Summary reproduction rate (Factor E), and climate Why we need to publish a rule.
    [Show full text]
  • Scarlet Macaw Ara Macao
    Scarlet Macaw Ara macao Class: Aves Order: Psittaciformes Family: Psittacidae Characteristics: Named for their bright red plumage, scarlet macaws also have green and blue primary and flight feathers. They have bare white skin between their beak and their eye. Typical of parrots, they use their feet to climb, grip and also as a “hand” for feeding and grasping (Blank Park Zoo). Behavior: Very social, “talkative” birds which live in flocks of up to 30 birds. They are fast flyers with great maneuverability. Vocalization is important for group communication (Sedgewick County Zoo). Reproduction: Similar to other macaws, the female lays 2 to 4 eggs on a nest cavity. The chicks hatch following a 24 to 26 day incubation period. When the chicks Range & Habitat: hatch, they are blind and featherless. They fledge the nest around 3.5 months old. Rainforests, forests bordering rivers, wooded grasslands Diet: Wild: Fruits, vegetable matter and nuts. Often found at clay licks around exposed river banks eating soil which may provide them with nutrients and minerals lacking in their diet and neutralize acid in their system. Zoo: Parrot pellets, seeds, apples, carrots, greens, oranges Conservation: Like other parrots, scarlet macaws also are suffering a decline due to Lifespan: up to 60 years in habitat loss and the illegal pet trade. While only one out of many birds captivity and in the wild. smuggled into the pet trade will survive, the smugglers think the payoff is worth the loss. A single macaw sold on the black market may be worth Special Adaptations: Can eat fruit thousands of dollars (Rainforest Alliance).
    [Show full text]
  • Golden Conure Research Will Aid Its Survival
    Golden Conure research will aid its survival By GLENN REYNOLDS We have long been concerned about this Brazilian species, which has suffered from tremendous loss of its rainforest habitat and being highly sought after for the illicit bird-trade; therefore, in May of 1999 we launched the WPT-USA ’Golden Conure Survival Fund’. We contacted Carlos Yamashita, Brazil’s leading parrot biologist, who had previously conducted research into the Golden Conure and its needs. He indicated he was anxious to do more to help its preservation. We published a detailed proposal from Dr. Charles Munn III in the August 1999 PsittaScene. Glenn Reynolds. The town of Paragominas, at the heart of History the region, is now surrounded by a The Golden Conure (Guaruba guarouba) is devastated landscape. Over the past several also known as the Queen of Bavaria’s years, two thirds of the town’s lumber mills Conure. Although it has been considered have ceased to operate, indicating an endangered since the mid 1940s it has exhaustion of local wood sources. This never been formally studied as its range means the forests that provide food for the was considered to be so remote that it was local fauna are likely to be razed in the out of harm’s way. In the early 1970s very near future. The rural social conditions construction began on the Tucuruí dam, spawned this boom-bust cycle of timber, which on completion flooded 888 square presenting a further obstacle in the Golden miles of rainforest. The dam evoked the Conure’s struggle to survive.
    [Show full text]
  • Pinho & Nogueira.Fm
    ORNITOLOGIA NEOTROPICAL 14: 29–38, 2003 © The Neotropical Ornithological Society HYACINTH MACAW (ANODORHYNCHUS HYACINTHINUS) REPRODUCTION IN THE NORTHERN PANTANAL, MATO GROSSO, BRAZIL João Batista Pinho1 & Flávia M.B. Nogueira2 Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso, Av. Fernando Correa da Costa, s/n, 78060-900, Cuiabá, MT, Brazil. E-mail: [email protected] & [email protected] Resumo. – Reprodução de Arara Azul (Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus) no norte do Pantanal de Mato Grosso, Brasil. – A Arara Azul (Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus) é uma das muitas espécies da fauna bra- sileira que é ameaçada pela atividade humana, principalmente devido a perda de habitat. A população total com de cerca de 3.000 indivíduos de Arara Azul de vida livre ocorrem principalmente no Pantanal de Mato Grosso, Brasil, uma das maiores áreas alagadas do mundo. Queimadas para a manutenção das pastagens e o tráfico ilegal tem sido e ainda são as maiores ameaças para a sobrevivência da espécie no Pantanal. Nós estudamos as necessidades ambientais, o sucesso reprodutivo e aspectos da biologia reprodutiva da Arara Azul em uma área de 31.000 ha na região norte do Pantanal, de modo a aumentar as informações necessá- rias para elaboração de estratégias de manejo e conservação desta espécie. Procuramos por ninhos, marca- mos e medimos as cavidades dos ninhos e tentamos identificar o potencial de forrageamento e de sítios de nidificação que podem ser colonizados no futuro. Na área de estudo, as Araras Azuis usam cavidades de árvores para nidificar, em árvores entre 10–25 m de altura, a maioria nas bordas de matas. Catorze ninhos foram encontrados (0,045 ninho/100 ha), sendo 12 (85,7%) em apenas uma espécie de árvore, Sterculia ape- tala (Sterculiaceae).
    [Show full text]
  • According to Dictionary
    Extinction: The Parrots We’ve Lost By Desi Milpacher The definition of extinction is “the act or process of becoming extinct; a coming to an end or dying out: the extinction of a species.” Once extinction has been determined, there is usually no chance of a species recurring in a given ecosystem. In mankind’s active history of exploration, exploitation and settlement of new worlds, there has been much loss of natural resources. Parrots have suffered tremendously in this, with over twenty species having been permanently lost. And there are many more that are teetering on the edge, towards the interminable abyss. In this article we find out what happened to these lost treasures, learn which ones are currently being lost, and why this is important to our world. The Old and New Worlds and Their Lost Parrots Little is known of the natural history of most of the world’s extinct parrots, mainly because they disappeared before in-depth studies were conducted on them. It is generally believed, save the Central American macaws which were least known, that most fed on diets similar to today’s parrots (leaves, blossoms, seeds, nuts and fruits), frequented heavy forested areas and nested mainly in tree cavities. A number could not fly well, or were exceptionally tame, leading to their easy capture. Nearly all of these natural treasures vanished between the 18th and early 20th centuries, and the main reason for their loss was overhunting. Some lesser causes included egg collecting (popular with naturalists in the 19th century), diseases (introduced or endemic), drought, natural disasters, predation by introduced species, and habitat alternation.
    [Show full text]