News about parrot conservation, aviculture and welfare from C(!jfi£%rid parro t C?9rust

CRUNCU TIME FOR

PSITTACINE AVICULTURE by Michael Reynolds

Across the world, events are moving committed to the survival and cruelty which has led to the sponsors of one of the bills, and fast in the long running affair welfare of aviculture, just as it is creation of our all-consuming hobby. recent communic'ations from the between man and the birds. More committed to the survival and Aviculturists can no longer plead American Federation of Aviculture than once in the short history of welfare of the parrots themselves. ignorance; if they wish to continue indicate that they are fighting their this 'PsittaScene' newsletter we (See our Aim No.S on the back cover importing wildcaught birds they corner with some vigour. have said that the writing was on of this issue, and also 'A new era in must also admit a lack of genuine In Europe the position is far less the wall for the mass trade in parrot aviculture' in 'PsittaScene' concern for the birds they profess satisfactory. We must apologise for parrots: never was it more apparent Vo!.3 No. 1). This being so, what to 'love'. Please do not confuse the mentioning the British publication than it is now. does the trust suggest in the way of essential facts with concern about 'Cage and Aviary Birds' again, but Consider the following reaction to these critical new loss of income in the countries of they have a lot to answer for. For developments:- developments? origin - we know that the serious several years they have been brain- 1. Two bills are currently before First, we recommend that all money goes to the middle men, and washing their hapless readers, the USHouse of Representatives, thinking aviculturists should accept the aim now must be to sustain the giving the impression that their one of which requires an immediate that the 'free for all' period is over. It birds in the wild where they may hobby is about to be banned by end to the importation of wild- has, after all, lasted for thirty years become tourism assets. wicked bureaucrats and caught birds, the other allows a five or more, and the rich nations of the Second, we must present the 'protectionists'. This is year moratorium. A compromise world have received from the true case for aviculture. Present it to preposterous, if only because the between these two bills is thought poorer nations vast numbers of the the public at large, and also, substantial majority of their readers likely. majority of parrot species. Time to crucially, to the legislators. In the are canary, budgerigar and finch 2. The majority of airlines now bring to an end the unseemly United States, aviculture and the fanciers; parrot keepers are not refuse to transport wild-caught spectacle of unrestricted greed and zoo world are included among the significant numerically in the birds. Soon all will refuse, due to public opprobrium, heavy fines for failure to meet shipping standards, and a lack of commercial viability. 3. AResolution has been adopted by the European Parliament, proposing a complete ban on the importation of wild-caught birds into ECcountries. Where does this leave parrot aviculture, bearing in mind that parrots represent by far the largest element - financially if not numerically - in the flow of wild- cau~t birds? The World Parrot Trust believes that these major developments put parrot aviculture on the spot, and in the spotlight, with an urgent need to put its house in order and justify its existence. Readers will probably know that the World Parrot Trust springs from an avicultural base and is

Parrots as tourism assets: a party of visitors on their way to see the Sf. Lucia Amazon.

1 -"' readershipof 'Cageand Aviary more in the future. Wehave also a. Accommodation: do your birds Birds' but they are vitally important asked for the full text of the have space, heat and other facilities financially becausetheir birds are Resolution. Weare also in touch appropriate to their size and valuable and generate a high with the Department of the species? percentage of this publication's Environment and other bodies to b. Health: do your birds have an advertising. That is why all the make the same casefor what we call appropriate diet and the services of canary and budgie men have to 'enlightened, responsible a competent avian vet? endure endless editorial drivel aviculture'. British readers may wish c. Conservation: if you hold about the wicked protectionists. It to write to their own MEPsto say species for which studbooks exist, would be harmless drivel but for that while they accept that the mass do you enter your birds on the list? one thing: by embroiling aviculture trade in wild-caught parrots for the Also, do you ever place birds on in their attempts to justify and pet trade must end, they must be breeding loan, or do you always preserve the mass pet trade on assured that the keeping of birds for insist on making a sale? which they depend financially, this avicultural or pet purposes will not d. Legality: have you ever publication actually endangers the be compromised. It is also vital to accepted a bird you suspected future of aviculture. insist on the continued free might have beensmuggled? That is why The World Parrot movement of aviary-bred birds e. Commitment: what have you Trust has now written to Dr. around the European Community done about 'putting something back' Caroline Jackson, MEPwho and around the world. to help the survival of parrots in the proposed the Resolution to the Third, we aviculturists must wild? European Parliament, to seekto work hard to raise standards. It is Although incomplete, it's a ensure that she understands that no good trying to defend the tough checklist, and few of us will aviculture is a legitimate and indefensible, and there is much in be able to give 100%positive fulfilling interest, and one which our field of interest which urgently responses.These are, nevertheless, already plays an important part in needs to be improved. some of the questions we shoul<;lbe the conservation of avian species, asking ourselves at a time when and if given encouragement can do Try this checklist: aviculture is under close scrutiny.

MILITARY MACAWS FLY DOME TO GUATEMALA

by Kevin 1. Clubb (CONAP)for re-introduction into the from the World Wildlife Fund, Bird cloud forest on the eastern slope of clubs of Virginia, The Miami Parrot AVICULTURAL BREEDING AND the SantaMaria volcano, in the Club and the Central Alabama RESEARCHCENTER department of Quetzaltenango, Avicultural Society. LOXAHATCHEE, FL Guatemala.The birds and major The first group of 11birds, 10 Following the background report - funding for the project were for release and 1to be used for local PsittaSceneVo!. 3 No. 2 we can now supplied by the Avicultural Breeding education efforts, were placed in a report that on May 9, 1991,11 and ResearchCenter in large flight cageconstructed for military macaws begana journey Loxahatchee, FL.The Interamerican housing the birds while they are back to the wilds of Guatemala,to Tropical ResearchFoundation prepared for release.The training repopulate an area from which their (Fundacion Interamericana de cageis 65 meters long, 32 meters ancestors had disappeared some Investigacion Tropical- FliT) is wide and 22 meters high. It is 100years ago.The Military macaws coordinating the project and caring located on a hill at the base of Santa (Ara militaris mexicana) were for the birds until release.This joint Maria Volcano at an elevation of delivered to the Guatemalan venture by ABRCand FliT, has 1,600m (4800ft). The view across National Council for Protected Areas supplemental funding and support the valley extends to the western

2 slope of Santo Tomas Pecul Volcano. educating them about wildlife and over and food is abundant. Until they were in the nest. Each bird was The upper reaches of this deep protection of their resources. In that time the birds will be given a thorough physical exam. valley are heavily forested and will their first days in Guatemala, the introduced to wild foods. Prior to They were tested for intestinal be their future home. A small town, macaws were greeted by a steady release, the birds will be fitted with parasites, papillomas, chlamydia Santa Maria de Jesus, population stream of curious and enthusiastic radio collars to monitor their (psittacosis), papovavirus 1020, lies in the picturesque valley local people who have never had activities after release. Radio collars (polyomavirus) and had complete on the Rio Samala. the opportunity to see a Military were specially designed and tested blood counts, tests for kidney and "Reintroduction of tropical macaw. The children were especially by Noel Snyder. Dr. Susan Clubb of liver function, and bacterial vertebrates is a slowly developing excited and enchanted by the ABRCtested the size and durability cultures. To protect them from art, not science, which requires beautiful birds. on macaws. disease that they may encounter in fieldwork, foresight, planning, Re-introduction of psittacines is Health considerations are of the wild they were vaccinated for biologists, captive-breeders and in its infancy, and risks are inherent. primary importance to this project parrot pox, pacheco's parrot considerable financial resources." This pilot project was designed to to prevent introduction of disease disease, salmonella and Newcastle says Jay Vannini, an American reduce anticipated risks and into wild populations, and to protect disease. biologist who has made Guatemala optimize the potential for learning the re-introduced birds from In order to provide as much his home. Under Vaninni's direction as much as possible. The fauna and diseases they may encounter. genetic variability as possible, the research team of FliT has made flora of the release site was Although no macaws are present in chicks were obtained from 6 an extensive ecological study of the extensively studied, including a the area 5 species of smaller breeding pairs. Additional birds Santa Maria area. In addition to the complete survey of possible food psittacines make their home from 4 additional blood lines are Military macaw re-introduction sources, predators, competitive between the volcanos. With this in now being prepared for export by project, FliT has released Bat species and nesting opportunities. mind the macaws were carefully ABRC."This is the first project in Falcons, Spectacled owls, Greater Other potential risks, such as theft selected and screened for this which captive bred macaws will be Curassows, and Pacas Calarge and shooting, were identified and a project. All were captive bred and of released into the wild" said Richard spotted rodent). plan developed to address these known healthy parents from stable Schubot, owner of ABRC."Hopefully Education is vital to the success concerns as much as possible. The collections. All but two were we can learn alot from this pilot of a re-introduction project and FliT training cage is protected by guards. incubator hatched and hand-raised. project that we can apply toward is working closely with residents of The release is planned for late The other 2 were parent raised and future reintroduction projects for neighboring villages and towns summer when the rainy season is carefully monitored during the time captive bred psittacines."

TUE KED FKONTED MACAW

(Ara rubrogenys) The Original Macaw by Marc Boussekey & Jean Saint-Pie

This bolivian endemic, spread over red-cheeked macaw. It later became A Semi-Desert Habitat for a the afternoon. The thermometer a very limited range, has adapted to known for the English as the red- Tropical Parrot! was around the 40°Cmark and the the constraints of a semi-desert, fronted macaw whilst the Germans hand of the hygrometer was fixed mountainous environment. In 1830, named it the red-eared macaw. Rio Caine, Central Bolivia in October below 30%. Just that morning, at 5 the French naturalist d'ORBIGNY In the 1980s, after having been 1990. o'clock, the air had nonetheless collected this rare parrot from forgotten for over a century, two In this Andean valley, situated at been cool and humid! Bolivia, for the first time. American researchers, RIDGELYand 2,000 metres altitude, our small Round about, the scanty In 1847,LAFRESNAYE,after LANNINGfinally took an interest in camp was perspiring amidst the vegetation proved to be a wonderful having described it, called it Am the geographical distribution and relative shade of a wild pepper tree lesson on how to adapt to these rubrogenys, otherwise known as the livinghabits ofAm rubrogenys. Schinusmolle. It was two o'clock in extreme conditions of climate.

3 TheIndiancultivationareawhereAra rubrogenys feeds. Photo:OliverMorvan

There were only racket and other rubrogenys macaws, equally ground, looking for its means of constant and compulsory closeness cereiform cacti, bromeliads, nettled nervous and noisy, joined them. sustenance. It is therefore a good brings with it a certain amount of shrubs or spiked with thorns. One Finally, they all decided to fly down walker, thereby fully justifying the tension. The two mates that we ofthem,Prosopiskuntzei, stayed our to the ground. Some time ago, the local nickname givenit it, loroburro, were observing, had just set their attention: it is a kind of broom Indians had sown some mani otherwise known as the "donkey- heart on the same choice piece: whose leaves are more like 10 to 15 (groundnut); the young shoots were parrot"! accompanied by piercing shrieks cm long, thick spears. The quechuas beginning to stick up out of the they fought over the food and, with Indians - about fifty families live in ground. A windfall for our thieves as wings spread out, faced each other the valley - use them dried to build they extracted the seeds with one Combining life as a pair with warding each other off with their impenetrable protective hedges snatch of the beak. life in a group claws. around their fields. This was when the systematic Close by, an immature, As well as we could, we tried to exploration and exploitation of the There was now gathered together recognizable by the presence of a protect ourselves from the crops began: each macaw paced up over 30 macaws, living in complete thin, frontal strip of brown feathers, debilitating effects of the heat. and down the surface with a firm promiscuity. But only in appearance. claimed its sustenance with a Suddenly a series of short, stride, virtually without a single flap We had, in fact, been following the raucous cry. With a ruffled head, it jarring cries stirred us from our of its wings, just using its legs! Its two members of our pair since they pestered one of its parents with torpor: two birds of a lush meadow- walk was hardly helped by the arrived. They had mingled with the assiduous attention. The parent, green colour, flew above our camp unevenness of the ground and the crowd, but were careful never to grown tired of resisting, finally and then, as they gradually lost bird's long, cumbersome tail. What lose sight of one another; in this complied: after repeated shakings of altitude, soared in direction of a did it matter! Am rubrogenys will respect the bond between the pair the head, it regurgitated food into nearby field. They were a pair of Ara spend no less that four hours a day, is strong so that out of sight the open beak of the troublesome rubrogenys!The presence of a wandering up and down this necessarily means out of mind! This beggar. macaw in such a habitat is the subject of an ecological paradox; the genus Ara is usually confined to damp, forest regions of low altitude. Here, there were few trees and therefore little possibility of perches and nesting sites. Fruit is so rare that it seemed that our macaw was condemned to starvation. How could he survive in such a poor and inhospitable environment?

A Macaw which has to walk... The pair had just landed on a small tree. It was obvious that this tree had been used to make regular stops: the ends of its branches had been stripped by the parrot's powerful mandibles. The two birds, which were highly excited, were melodying loud and clear. They were about to begin a quick preening performance. Before long, Ara rubrogenys spendsmorethan4 hoursper daywalkingon thegroundto feed. Photo:OliverMorvan

4 '*'- A Rare Species? such captures have been forbidden. As for the quechuas Indians, they In actual fact, at the time of our hardly bother Ara rubrogenysin observations,Ara rubrogenyswas spite of the damage it causes to one the most common birds, one of their crops. SoAra rubrogenyscan the easiest to spot and one of the sleep safely... noisiest too! Being quite tame, we But where exactly does our were able to approach it at less than macaw sleep? In spite of all our 40 metres away without frightening investigations, the puzzle still it. On more than one occasion, we remains unsolved. Locals whom we caught it pecking in perfect questioned claim that it spends its tranquility amidst animals in a farm- nights in inaccessible cliffs higher yard. up in the mountains. Also, they Is this the image we have of a apparently nest there in a semi- rare species? However... colony, in a natural cavity. At what Our macaw is pledged only to period? It's a mystery... the dry valleys of the Andes of Central Bolivia. This proves that its So, more than a century and a habitat hardly stretches over more half after its discovery, Ara than 150 kilometres from East to rubrogenys has not yet revealed West, and 180 kilometres from North all its secrets. It is hardly to South. LANNINGhas estimated its surprising of a species which, total population at 3,000 individuals, apparently, does not want to lapse maybe 5,000!Which, all in all, is very into what is merely the little. At the beginning of the 80s, commonplace! there were fears about the species A more complete and scientific as mass captures were beginning to study will be published in the be organised. Due to swift and January issue of BIRD appropriate legislation, brought in CONSERVATIONINTERNATIONAL, both nationally and internationally the magazine of LC.B.P. A pair ofAra rubrogenys roostingin a wild peppertree.Photo:OliverMorvan

IMPROVED OUTLOOK FOR TOE BAOAMASPAKROTONABACO

by Rosemary Low the parrot was confined to about 39 parrot, she has been there every However, by 1989 the Abaco sq km (15 sq miles) at the south- year since. population was estimated at about The BahamasParrot (Amazona eastern end of the island. Its When I met her in 1988a clearer 1000 birds. On Abaco, it was leucocephalabahamensis),a population on Abaco was believed picture of the breeding biology of believed that 10%to 15%of the handsome sub-species of the Cuban to be in the region of 750 birds. The this parrot on Abaco was beginning population was breeding but in 1988 Amazon, was once so numerous month was October, the breeding to emerge. The total population had only 30% of the laying pairs had that, according to Christopher season was over. and the parrots been estimated as about 1,500 with been successful in fledging young. Columbus, great flocks darkened the were the wariest I have ever another 400 or 500 birds on Inagua. The greatest problems the parrot sky. He probably observed it on observed. It was not difficult to Crooked Island, San Salvador, where understand why, for the ground was it is long extinct. By the end of the littered with spent cartridges. 'r--. 18th century, the Bahamas had lost Twenty years previously new roads \j ~ ~ LittleAbaca most of its large tracts of forest - had opened up the inaccessible «Great Abaca and the decline of its native parrot southern part of the island. It was was under way. Today it survives on then frequented by hunters who only two islands, Great Abaco - one took mainly White-crowned Pigeons of the most northerly - and Great but who were probably not adverse Inagua - the most southerly. It to a parrot or two. Q= ") \ became extinct on Acklins Island At that time (1980)no field work ~ BAHAMAS comparatively recently, for it was had been carried out on Abaco and described as common there in the it was unknown that feral cats were 194Os. \ Crooked the greatest enemy of this species. It In Volume 2, issue no. 3, of was realised, however, that a field Acklins' PsittaScenewe promised more study was urgently needed. Also at information on the Bahamas Parrot that time, a young lady called - and it is encouraging to report that Rosemarie Gnam was working in a ..J) Great the news since then is good. This New York office, in no connection c;..r Inagua species on Abaco is unique in being with natural history or conservation the only parrot in existence which biology. Fortunately for bahamensis habitually nests underground (due she decided that her line of to the absence of large trees). This business was not at all rewarding fact, and the presence of feral cats and that New York was not where on the island, is a recipe for disaster she wanted to be. Thus in 1985she The Bahamas Amazon which could lead to rapid found herself on Abaco, now occurs only on extinction. investigating the breeding biology of Great Abaco and Great Inagua.~ By 1980,when I visited Abaco, bahamensis,and fortunately for this

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11:. The percentage of nests which by Bahamian government fledged young (all nests) was 64% ministries, non-governmental and the percentage of nests with organisations and international chicks which fledged young was 84% conservation groups. (Summer 1991report of Friends of Thirdly, everyone who cares the Abaco Parrot). about this parrot must contribute to Unfortunately,in 1990,two Friends of the Abaco Parrot, c/o chicks were stolen from one nest - O.Gottlieb, p.~. Box 405,Marsh the same nest from which chicks Harbour, Abaco, Bahamas. If were stolen in 1987.Increased sufficient funds can be raised, some education and the creation and birds will be translocated to Little management of a well-protected and Abaco island. patrolled parrot reserve could help What about a captive-breeding to thwart illicit poaching. But this programme?some of you may be can only be achieved if the funds are asking. This Amazon has never available. It was for this reason that featured in international trade and it Rosemarie Gnam and a group of is illegal to keep captive birds on the enthusiasts on the island launched island (except those which have Friends of the Abaco Parrot last been in captivity many years, and year. If they can raise enough funds, these are few). There are no legally a protected reserve will become a held bahamensis outside the reality. Bahamas; if there are any at all then One of the first projects of the it is only those which have been "Friends" was to produce a "Let's removed illegallyfromone nest, as get to know the Bahama Parrot already mentioned. colouring book". As many of us Most aviculturists would be BahamasAmazononAbaco,thelaststrongholdof thissub-species. know, Paul Butler has already unable to distinguish one from a Photo:RosemarieGnam demonstrated on other Caribbean well-coloured Cuban Amazon, islands the vital importance of although there are well marked was facing were feral cats and loss disperse into non-burnt areas where of habitat. That year 14caseswere there was more food available, but known of nests being predated by where few parrots were nesting. cats, plus five others where cats Of the two nests predated by may have been responsible. Abaco cats in 1990one was located in an is only 1,600sq km in extent and unburnt area and the other suffered people invariably threw unwanted predation late in the nesting cycle kittens into the bush. when the shrub understory had That cats, more than any other regenerated. Anample food supply factor, determine the success or for the parrots, with pine cones as otherwise of the breeding seasonon abundant as in previous years, Abaco is demonstrated by the aided the success rate. results of the 1990season when 64% Of34nests monitored, eggs of nests fledged young. During the were laid in 33. Here it should be years 1985-198846%(average)of pointed out that nests are in egg-layingpairs fledged young. Why limestone cavities. Of those studied was 1990the most successful year during 1985-87,(75nests), 76%were in the study so far? It is believed to 51-150cm below ground level, and be due to the fact that during the averaged 124cm deep. The clutch winter of 1989-90fires in some of the size then was 3.5 eggs whereas in Eightweek-oldchickin one of thefewnestseverto fledgefour chicks. nesting areascleared the forest of 1990 it was 3.8. In 1990 the number Photo:RosemarieGnam its understory, causing cats to of chicks hatched per nest was 2.0. involving schoolchildren in parrot differences, such as the white on the conservation, and the excellent forehead extending round and results which can be achieved. behind the eye and the black Involve the children, and margins of the green feathers being conservation of such an identifiable more pronounced. Most specimens creature as a colourful parrot soon have more intense red on the face becomes a popular issue! And and upper breast; the vinous patch provided that the education on the abdomen consists of no more programme is a long-term project, a than a few scattered feathers or may whole generation of children will be entirely absent. Size is slightly grow up with the awareness that larger, that is, about 34cm (l3in). their parrot is important and must In the 1970s three pairs were be conserved - and that its held inthe Bahamas for a captive conservation may even boost the breeding programme - but this economy of their island one day, failed. What a pity that no one had when the Bahamas Parrot becomes the foresight and courage to give a tourist attraction. these birds to Ramon Noegel in So what does the future hold for Floridawho, during two decades bahamensis?What can be done to has bred literally hundreds of ensure its survival? First, perhaps, leucocephalaof all sub-species the fight against feral cats must except bahamensis.He was refused continue. In July 1990a US Fish and permission to obtain it. I feel certain Wildlife Service biologist spent a that had three pairs been in his week on Abaco evaluating the cat hands, there would be a thriving problem. The report he submitted captive population by now,thus must be acted upon. adding another cog to the wheel Secondly, Rosemarie Gnam's which is now turning to ensure the Note the more extensive white area on the head of bahamensis which recommendations, resulting from six survival of yet another endangered distinguishesit from other races of the CubanAmazon. Photo:Rosemarie Gnam years of study, must be acted upon Caribbean Amazon.

6 '" . - injuries. Without nest boxes we larger parrots. We will build a found we were able to keep fourteen second aviary on this scale as soon species, a total of sixty birds as it can be afforded. including some adult pairs, living The main structure of the flight happily together. is made with tanalised (preservative The landscaped floor of the treated) timber poles 20 feet long by TnB BIG FLIGnT flight is about two thirds grass, and approx 9 inches in diameter. These one third sand and rocks. It is are sunk four feet into the ground at interesting to see how much time intervals of 8 feet. The roof beams This is how we always refer to the From our own point of view, the the Galahs and Leadbeaters spend are 4" by 2" galvanised steel beams. substantial aviary we built at main benefit is to see so much eating the young grass shoots, and The wire used is 1"square 12 gauge Paradise Park, Cornwall, OK, in early natural behaviour, often for the first picking up microscopic items from galvanised Twilweld. At each end of 1990, even though it is labelled 'The time in an avicultural setting. For the sandy areas. It may not be the flight are substantial shelters World Parrot Trust Aviary'. It was example, it is thrilling to see a group completely natural behaviour, but constructed of shiplap timber. Also on several occasions I have seen a undoubtedly inspired by the aviary of twenty young cockatoos - at each end are small internal flights created by Harry Sissen (see Leadbeaters, Galahs, Goffins - flying pair of Scarlet Macaws rain-bathing approx, 8 feet by 16 feet: very useful 'PsittaScene' Vo!.2 No. 1) to give his from end to end, wheeling and in long grass. I have not seen any for introducing, releasing, and large macaws exercise during the swooping as a flock, while keeping other species of macaw do this, catching up birds. There are many winter months. in touch with contact calls. I now although the Keas do it and may perches at each end, and a number of feeding and roosting stations Our aims were a little different hear calls which I have never heard have taught our Scarlet Macaws. I before in over twenty years of could sum all this up by saying that throughout the flight. Our visitors from Harry's when we set about a very large aviary increases the walk along the front of the aviary, designing and building our big flight. keeping parrots. We put two pairs of Hawkheaded Parrots in the flight. In SCODefor an aviculturist to study separated from the birds by a Certainly we intended it to provide 'stand-off' fence and shrubs. The three years in 'normal' size aviaries and enjoy his birds, and learn things exercise for breeding pairs during which will lead directly to better wire is painted black to facilitate the winter, but it also had to provide we have rarely heard them call, and I had never seen one raise its crest. breeding results. As for the parrots, vision, and trees planted outside the interest and enlightenment for the it is plain to see that their natural back wall make a green wind-break. visitors to Paradise Park. It has been Within two days they were acting like kids let out of school, with instincts are better served by the The total cost, including sited just inside the entrance to the generous space and they are materials, labour, landscaping, park, and enables us to arrange a flashing eyes, raised crests, and their penetrating repetitive cries happier and healthier. I would like to alarm systems etc., was £12000 spectacular display of many species be on record as advising any ($22000). The reason it cost so little 'of parrot at a yitallocation. A being heard half way round the park. aviculturist lucky enough to have is due to Paradise Park being further aim is to give our home bred the necessary space available, to privately owned and chronically young birds every opportunity to A pair of Palm Cockatoos, consider building a 'big flight'. underfunded. Twenty years of daily develop their physical and social normally shy and reclusive, spent A few technical details. The contact with financial reality create potentia!. July to November this year in the aviary is 150 feet long by 22 feet valuable skills in low cost building. It has to be said that the big flight, becoming more assertive, red- wide and 14 feet high. The length The reverse is also true: London flight has met, and indeed faced and vocal as the months went was decided by the space available. Zoo, which has received almost surpassed, all our aims. The public by. After their summer break, they The width was decided by our £30M from the government in recent love it. At a time when zoos are are now back in a breeding desire to allow ample space for 'two- years, spent a reported £750000last subject to some criticism for the situation, and filling their nestbox way traffic' of large macaws. The year on an aviary of similar housing they provide for their with slivers of iIex oak, which is height was limited by our need to dimensions to ours. Yes, we could animals, we have a flood of somewhat similar to eucalyptus. I catch the birds without too much have built sixty of our 'big flights' complimentary remarks in our should point out that it is essential trouble and confusion. I can say that for this amount of money. But then, visitor's book, and verbally. 'So not to put anything resembling a after eighteen months use we would their aviary was architect designed, much space, so many beautiful nestbox or a hollow log in a big not want to change any of these and the British taxpayer was paying parrots, wonderful to see them fly community flight. This would dimensions, and indeed regard them for it. so freely' are typical comments. undoubtedly lead to disputes and as optimum for accommodating the

The Big Flight, built and landscaped, but before any birds had been introduced.

7

8: ------WOO'S A NAUGIITY BIRD SMUGGLER?

On 16August 1991, David Deans, 36, consignment of blue-cheeked of Deans Cage and Aviary Birds, amazons through customs at Mansfield, in Nottinghamshire, was Heathrow. found guilty of smuggling 11 blue- The subsequent investigation cheeked amazon parrots Amazona and prosecution, brought by HM dufresniarwfrom Guyanato Britain. Customs and Excise, has taken more Also, though he was acquitted on than a year, has involved detective several counts of forgery, he was work both here and in Guyana convicted of forging veterinary (including the presentation of three certificates that pronounced the Guyanese witnesses at Isleworth birds healthy. Crown Court, where the trial was In fact, six of the eleven parrots heard), and has cost more than subsequently died from phytlacosis, £12,500.And yet Deans walked from which affects domestic poultry. the courtroom, guilty, with £250in Potentially, they might have been fines and costs of £250. carrying the highly infectious There is no ceiling on the fine Newcastle's disease. Either way, the the court could have imposed, and consequence for any collection they the maximum penalty for Deans's might have landed up in would have smuggling offence could have been a real 'own goal' for aviculture. involved a seven-year prison The remaining five birds, all males, sentence (though custodial are being cared for by the World sentences are virtually never Parrot Trust while their fate is handed down in cases involving decided. wildlife). Blue-cheeked amazons are Blue-cheeked amazons are listed rare, and Deans's customers would on Appendix 11ofthe Convention on have paid up to £1,500 per bird. the International Trade in Cheeky. It cost 18 times more to have six blue-cheeked amazons die of psittacosis Peter Knights of the than it did to be convicted of smuggling them into Britain. Endangered Species (CITES),which Environmental Investigation Agency allows trade in them, providing that (EIA) described Deans's punishment parrots, despite his conviction, Encouraging news that, where the they have been issued with export as "... a real kick in the teeth for . law may fail, people-pressure can and import permits and health Customs. Traders can just treat because, under existing law, there is no provision to withhold CITES turn the tide comes with the current certificates. Deans applied for the fines like this as a cost of business. exemption certificates or other total of airlines which have refused necessary papers in the summer of They are absolutely no deterrent to trading papers from those to carry shipments of wild birds: 1989,expressing a wish to import others." Richard Porter, head of previously convicted of smuggling. now 23. This stand is already having the birds from Guyana. He was species protection at the Royal But new, replacement EC a major effect on the trade. The EIA refused permission by the Society for the Protection of Birds, legislation, which will come into reports that, in April, as a direct Department of the Environment on commented that "This is a sad day result of the airline embargoes, the grounds that Guyana had put a for customs and all those fighting to effect on 1January 1993, is likely to traders in Senegal (a major African stop to any trade in blue-cheeked stamp out the illegal trade in wild include such a provision. People like Deans could then be banned from exporter) were reporting a 40-50per amazons by imposing a 'nil quota' birds." But customs official s trading for specified periods, cent drop in the number of birds for that year, because of concerns stressed that the result would not depending on the gravity of their exported. about dwindling numbers of the deter them from bringing other species in the high-altitude forests prosecutions. offences and their previous records. And what of Deans? Under Perhaps being put out of business of the country's interior. But Deans for a while will serve as a better went ahead all the same. On 1 current EC legislation, his Reproduced by kind permission of deterrent than a paltry fine. February 1990, he was apprehended subsidiary comp~ny, Deans Import BBCWildlife Magazine Vol. 9, No. 10. trying to bring an illegal Agency, can continue trading in JESSICA HOLM

TRADE IN INDONESIAN PARROTS As readers of these columns are The Moluccan Cockatoo and the Armin Brockner, from Germany, tolerate trade on a large scale), also well aware, the Moluccan Cockatoo Chattering Lory have been exported visited the Moluccan Islands of the more common Red Lory (£05 (Cacatuamoluccensis),the largest by the thousands in recent years. Amboina and Ceram in the summer bornea) which is not immediately and arguably the most beautiful of Sadly, their popularity as cage and of 1991. In one bird market he saw threatened. We publish these the white cockatoos, is on the edge aviary birds has been their downfall. 40 Moluccan Cockatoos and met one photographs, taken by Armin, to of extinction. Certain Indonesian In 1989the Moluccan Cockatoo dealer who, the previous year, had bring home the reality that the lories, such as the Chattering was placed on Appendix 1 of CITES, handled more than 1,000 Moluccan capture of Indonesian parrots (Loriu5garrulus) and its sub-species, the Appendix which should control Cockatoos. continues unabated. have suffered very serious declines. very strictly trade in the endangered In Amboina he visited a dealer Many of those that survive The Purple-cappedLory (Lorius species. Yet CITESis powerless to who had cages packed solid with capture, transport and quarantine domicellus)has never been common stop these birds being taken from Yellow-backs, Blue-streaks (both look healthy. Unfortunately, when so in captivity and is now very rare. the wild. One of our members, island endemics which cannot many are held in such a small area,

8 Holdingfacilityfor IndonesianParrotsonAmboina.Photo:ArminBrockner YellowBackedLories- a speciesnowgreatlyreducedin numbersdueto overtrapping.Photo:Armin Brockner

they are stressed and at their most to other birds in the collection and virus, which could be incubating for disease can spread like wildfire... , susceptible.They contract diseases the resulting losses can be very months. Of course captive-bred birds can also be a disease risk because I such as salmonella, and viruses high. Today there are a number of The really wise breeder simply which are difficult to identify and very serious viral diseases among says "No" to wild-caught birds. They most of them have been in contact , impossibleto treat. This is often not parrots which were unknown in are a danger to the very existence of with wild-caught birds. For the evident until they have been some captivity 20 or even 10 years ago. his collection. Currently popular welfare of our parrots, we all need to months in the collection of a The careful breeder will methods of housing parrots just add work more closely with avian breeder or zoo. Then they are quarantine for at least two months to the problem. [n birds closely veterinarians. The advances in stressed, perhaps by aggression, any new birds acquired, whether or confined in small suspended cages, veterinary medicine (and surgery) cold weather or a poor diet, and the not wild-caught. This, however, often indoors or in large enclosed in the past few years have been problem surfaces. [t usually spreads cannot prevent the spread of a buildings with poor ventilation, remarkable. Take advantage of them!

No. 5 IN OUR SERIES

"IfI could keep only 11 one pair of parrots. . . by Nancy and Inge Forsberg

[nge Forsberg and his wife Nancy are Sweden's most experienced breeders of large parrots, especially Amazons, Cockatoos and Eclectus. They have bred multi-generations of several species. Nancy is an expert in hand- rearing - almost a pioneer of this science in Europe. For years she has Ingalill andHeinzMartin maintained detailed weight records for chicks of all species reared. Together the Forsbergs have had a greater influence on aviculture than pair no. 1 bred successfully for the successful years of breeding the perhaps anyone in Sweden. RosemaryL ow. 17th consecutive year and we are yellow napes for two generations we looking forward to the 1991 result had to go for an assignment abroad, with confidence. [n fact, they which did not give us a chance to What an alarmingthought! Maybe enough. Having been bird fanciers produced their first egg of the year bring our parrots. Our despair was appropriate as well. The time will for more than 30 years and bred on 5 March. changed into happiness when the come when we will HAVETO reduce tropical finches, lov~birds and We are choosing the yellow Forsbergs agreed to care for them the number of birds we keep, sadly parakeets, Australian and South napes since they are the most till we are back again. Both the male American parakeets, African and "personal" parrots we have been in and female of pair no. 1 came to South American parrots, Eclectus touch with, honest and straight Sweden in 1967. None of them had parrots, lories and cockatoos - try forward. Being the friend of a yellow any yellow on the nape. That started and choose ONEPAIR! nape, one has a friend for life... With to develop in 1968.Based on the

. OK, many ilre called but few are eggs or youngsters in the nest box, experience of some 30 youngsters chosen. We choose the yellow nape however, that is a different ball which the pair have nursed amazon (Amazona ochrocephala game. The yellow nape is also such themselves, that are now 25 years auropalliata). We got the a beautiful bird. old and still going strong. At least opportunity to care for 2 breeding As a visible sign of the yellow four of their female offsprings have pairs four years ago when our napes superior qualifications: We produced youngsters; one of them friends Heinz and [ngalill Martin have now together with the family producing her first egg at 3 years moved abroad and WE were chosen. Martin 11 sexed, true pairs of the and 8 months of age. We were allowed to take care of 2 yellow nape amazon parrots in our Yellow napes are truly breeding pairs, whereof pair no. 1 aviaries. [n each and every pair male fascinating. They are on a higher was the first breeding pair in and female are unrelated. With these 'intellectual' level than all other Europe. On 28 February 1974 the words we leave the final word to our amazon species that we have met. first chick hatched. Pair no. 2 friends Heinz and [ngalill: There are no doubts, they have consist of a female from pair 1 and It is easy to agree with the been, are, and will remain our IngeForsberg an unrelated, imported male. [n 1990 above superlatives. Alter 12 choice.

9 - COLOURFUL ISPECIAL EDITION1

Some of the best ideas are the most pleasing and highly useful book, one simple ones. In this case it amazes that would make an ideal present. me that no-one has done it before - You can buy it in soft cover for to publish selected articles and A$19.95(which includes postage BOOK features from the volumes of an within Australia) or a gold leaf case- avicultural magazine published over bound edition which is limited to two years. That bi-monthly 500 signed copies for A$39.95, from publication Australian Birdkeeper is Australian Birdkeeper, P.O. Box 6288 REVIEW full of bright ideas - and this is one Sth Tweed Heads, NSW2486, of the best. Australia. - RL. Australian Birdkeeper - Special Edition is packed with interesting articles - 42 in all, of which 26 are specifically about parrots. They cover the native Australian species plus the others available in Australia,Psittaculaparrakeets and Conures. The articles selected are extremely informative, with the accent on breeding. The illustrations used (all in colour) - not necessarily those which accompanied the original publication - are superb. The book is a riot of colour, with illustrations on virtually all the 128 pages. Good quality glossy paper and attractive presentation,- add up to a very

LETTERS TO TUE EDITOR Members write. .. which I was present with other Ornithologists attending the Georgetown (Guyana) 22 October 1991 officials and prominent well wishers. Ornithological Society's Conference I am delighted to inform you in August were fascinated at viewing that a number of local organizations the bus and its exhibits. Dear Sirs, has rallied to the cause, by actively Considering the small size of Please find enclosed my assisting in its operation and our communities, the bus has been membership contribution to The maintenance such as providing toured by over two thousand four World Parrot Trust. I attach a lot of alternate servicing, spares, gas and hundred persons in about twenty importance to your activities. I lubricants. outings, and has been praised by currently work in a country where I the local media. 17th September, 1991 The bus has been named have had the pleasure to observe "Jacquot Express" after my Our experience convinces me parrots and macaws fly free but Ministry of Agriculture, Lands, country's national bird, is decorated that replication is worth which is also the scene of trapping consideration elsewhere in our Fisheries and Co-operatives, with forest motifs, squawks like a and killings. Guyana is the second Castries, parrot and is proving a useful region. largest exporter of wild birds in Saint Lucia, West Indies. educational tool. Please convey to the World South America. It has toured various Parrot Trust my thanks and Please continue your campaign Dear Mr.Reynolds, communities from the north to the appreciation on behalf of the against this hideous trade. Publish It is with pleasure and a deep sense south of the island, assisting in Government of St. Lucia and my samples of cards to be sent to of appreciation that I write to thank Forestry Extension Programmes, Ministry. airlines, trade officials, parliaments you and your organization "World Library Summer Programmes, Our thanks will go also to the co- and other law-makers. Parrot Trust" for your gift to the School Visitation Programmes, sponsor 'Rare Centre for Tropical Please continue to raise public Bird Conservation'. Government of St. Lucia through my highlighting environmental and awareness, in both "developed" and wildlife protection, preservation and developing countries, in respect of Ministry of a bus for our Kindest wishes conservation and environmental conservation concerns. The bus is love and protection of these awareness programmes. also being used during the Tourism wonderful and complex creatures. The bus was officially presented Career Showcase to highlight the Yours sincerely, to the Forestry Department of my role of forestry in the development FERDlNAND HENRY Thank you Ministry on 4 April at a ceremony at of green tourism. Visiting Minister Robert Rensi

10 DearRosemaryLow, special permission to import them. ceiling. It was weighted on the viking fighting spirit tucked away in Before we could obtain a licence I am an Englishman who has lived in bottom by a big plank and the birds the remote fjords of Norway! were loose behind this curtain. This Norway for 20 years. I am a from the Ministry we were visited by In spite of all the 'help' they musician and play the viola in the a state-appointed veterinarian who was the cage! received all three survived. The Trondheim Symphony Orchestra. inspected our facilities. He had no Three eggs were laid and, the owner is now away at sea and his For some years I have be.en keeping hesitation in recommending us. We owner, who had no idea of the wife, who is expecting a baby, should have the birds in about six and breeding Lovebirds and Senegal incubation period, became restless wanted the young Amazons out as Parrots. Our dream has been to weeks so the first part of our dream after 26 days, took the first egg, soon as possible. Not intending to has soon come true. breed Amazons but Norway stopped made a crack in the shell and take advantage of the situation, we the import of all parrots in the early I would like to relate an replaced it in the box. Despite this, paid them a very decent price for 1980s.Even although the Ministry of incredible Amazon story which will all three eggs hatched! The owner one and arranged the sale of Agriculture will occasionally grant probably amuse and horrify you. We then became anxious that the birds another. Since they now realise that an import licence for breeding were recently contacted,by a might not feed the chicks properly they have valuable birds and have purposes, nobody is allowed to Norwegian seaman living on a small so, knowing nothing about hand- made a lot of money from the young, import a parmt as a pet. Ifyou want island off the coast. He had bred feeding, he set about I have no doubt that they will want a young bird you therefore have to three Blue-fronts, although he knew supplementary-feeding the chicks to take better care of them in the buy one of the very few Norwegian- nothing about birds. We went to with the aid of a syringe. Once a day future. bred birds which are very visit him and this story unfolded. he removed them from the nest and Before closing, let me say that expensive. We have hand-fed and The man's father-in-law gave him the fed them a dose of ice-cold fruit we findPsittaScenetremendously sold 55 Lovebirds and saved the parents some years ago; this spring puree straight from the refrigerator. informative and enjoyable. It is so money by buy Amazons. It proved he was surprised when the birds During these feedings he was professional compared to the impossible to get the birds we started to mate. He decided to build constantly attacked and badly literature of most groups and societies. wanted here so we are to obtain a a 'cage' for them and a large wooden mauled by the parents, losing pair of sexed Yellow-winged nest-box. Downstairs the man had several litres of blood! He was Amazons (Amazona aestiva partitioned a cellar room into two relatively unconcerned about this - With good wishes, xanthopteryx) bred by Inge Forsberg by means of transparent plastic which just goes to show that you Allan Williams of Sweden. We had to apply for sheeting which hung from floor to can still find the remnants of the old Melhus, Norway.

from David Rounsevell, the senior AUSTRALIA wildlife scientist. He replied that the release was to take place as planned Two issues ago (Vol 3, no. 2) we and that there would still be 10 pairs published an article by Peter Brown in captivity. He gave the assurance entitled "The Orange-bellied Parrot that the suggestions would be INTERNATIONALRecovery Effort." It described the considered at the next meeting of steps taken to try to prevent the the Recovery Team. extinction of this species, Australia's Is the decision of the Recovery Team in the best interests of the rarest Parrot (Neophema NEWSROUND-UP species. What do you think? The chrysogaster)whose population numbers between 100 and 150 birds. Editor would be pleased to publish He described the captive breeding letters arguing the case for or programme, whose potential against the planned release. breeding stock consisted of seven males and 18 females and concluded 1dddf the article by stating: "We are now at the stage where we have Rosemary Low and Mike Cannon sufficient captive stock to undertake (veterinarian) are the featured a release of birds back into the speakers at a mini-convention to be wild." held in New South Wales. The date: Since that article was published Sunday March 8 1992. The place: the decision has been made to Ingleburn RSL, Chester Road, release 12 birds in October 1991. Ingleburn. Cost is $39 per person. This decision was discussed at a More information can be obtained meeting of the Avicultural Society of from Ted Lowe (telephone 02 759 Australia held in August. Len 3998. The convention will be Robinson, the well known presented by Macquarie Fields & ornithologist, proposed that the Districts A:S:and by The Feathered society should write to the Orange- Friend Bird Shop. bellied Recovery Team and suggest that, before releasing any aviary- **** bred chrysogaster,the co-operation of "reputable and responsible Readers may be interested in an private aviculturists" should be update of events connected with the sought to establish further captive- story of the Night Parrot's breeding facilities. In addition, it rediscovery. was suggested that eggs from In October 1989,Mr Dick Smith, captive-bred birds should be placed chairman of the Australian in wild nests where clutch size and Geographic Society, offered a reward incubation status permit, also that of $50,000 for the first acceptable natural logs and/or nest-boxes evidence of the Night Parrot's should be placed in accessible continued existence. This offer was positions in the nesting areas of the valid for two years from its Orange-bellied Parrot. announcement. This was reported in the When Wayne Longmore, Max October 1991issue of Australian Thompson and I found the dried Aviculture (magazineofthe carcass in October 1990, we were AviculturalSocietyof Australia), unaware of this offer. We stopped in together with the reply received Boulia to ring the Australian

11 Museum and tell a few people of our were seen in August 1991. Mexico, in preparation for re-release find, before disappearing for GRAN CANAKlA Moluccan cockatoos have been into safe habitat areas. In contrast, another week of fieldwork in remote traded in huge numbers in the last birds confiscated in the United country. During this time we were States wind up being held for At Palmitos Park in the Canary fifteen years or so. For example, quarantine then sold at public oblivious to the growing excitement Islands, a Pesquet's Parrot more than 6,000 were exported from surrounding our discovery and the Seram and Ambonin 1983(Smiet, auction. Aviculture can help this (Psittrichasfulgidus) hatched on consternation at the Museum's 1985), but this rose to more than program succeed by sending April 28 has been successfully hand- inability to contact us. additonal donations of materials or reared from the egg. The breeding 8,000 per year in the mid-1980s money. Contributors so far include After our return to Sydney, the pair had been together less than five (Bowler, 1988). Australian Museum made a claim on months when the chick hatched. Today the Moluccan cockatoo is AFA,AviculturalSocietyofAmerica, the Australian Geographic reward. The male had been received from protected in Indonesia. In part this Arizona Seed Crackers Society, Long protection seems to be successful Beach Bird Breeders, Orange County In February, Dick Smith presented Switzerland the previous year, the cheque for $50,000 to Dr Des because there are apparently so few Bird Breeders, Sun Seed Co and where he had been for 18 years, Thee Birdie Bordello. For more Griffin,the Director of the Museum. most of that time at Zurich Zoo - wild birds left to trap. However, there is evidence of continuing trade information on how you or your The confirmation that the Night and alone. Rosemary Low, who was in this species. On the return boat club can help, contact AFAPresident Parrot survives has raised hopes of responsible for hand-rearing the journey from Seram, at least one Jack Clinton-Eitniear evenings at finding living individuals and chick, believes that it is not difficult cockatoo was being transported to (512) 828-5306. When animal rights studying them in the wild. By finding to persuade Pesquet's to nest - the - Ambon along with many other activists support activities such as out more about this elusive species essential stimulus being a palm log parrots. On the local market in this, they are "protecting wild birds we can determine if its existence is which they can excavate. Hand- Ambon eight birds were on sale at a from trade". Aviculture has an threatened and start to make rearing of the chick was totally maximum price of RP 125,000 (£40) opportunity to help return smuggle informed decisions about its uneventful and resulted in the, each. birds to the wild - species not conservation. Such a program will beautiful young bird, depicted here Other species of parrot are still currently allowed in international not be easy-nor inexpensive. aged exactly three months. being traded in large numbers. One trade. person in Wahai is exporting 100-300 parrots per week (5,200-15,600 per year). This compares with a total of NEW ZEALAND more than 40,000birds exported from the whole of the Moluccas in 1983(Smiet, 1985). It is likely that Earlier this year the editor received many more birds are being exported a telephone call from a member in from southern Seram where boats to New Zealand regarding a very Ambon are more frequent and distressing event which had journey times are much shorter. occurred there. A number of parrot During August 1991among the eggs which were illegally smuggh;d species being caught locally in into the country were confiscated Seram, and being transported to or by the authorities and placed in an sold in Ambon were the following: incubator. However, the officials red lory,Eos bornea, blue-eared lory, responsible seemed unable to adopt Eossemilarvata, rainbow lory, a logical policy regarding the fate of Trichoglossushaematodus,purple- the eggs. When the chicks started to naped lory,Lorius domicellus, hatch instructions were given that Moluccancockatoo, Cacatua the incubator must not be opened moluccensis,red-cheeked parrot, and that the chicks must be left to Geoffroyusgeoffroyi, great-billed die. Needless to say, our member parrot, Tanygnathusmegalorhynchos was appalled at this inhumane and Amboina kingparrot, Alisterus decision and had organised a Pesquet'sParrot,hatchedatPalmUosPark,GranCanariain April 1991,andreared amboinensis. delegation of aviculturists to meet to independence.Thereis not a morewonderfulspeciesofparrot in existence,says an official. Let us hope that by now RosemaryLow' References a decision has been made which will ensure that such an unfortunate Thanks to Dick Smith's Bowler, J. (1988). Extinction threat event could never happen again. It generosity and commitment to the INDONESIA to cockatoo. Bull. Orient. Bird Club is too much to hope that the Australian environment, we have No. 8: 6. outcome will deter smuggling, since been able to establish the Australian Smiet, F. (1985). Notes on the field those involved in such activity are Geographic - Australian Night Trade in Parrots in Seram status and trade of Moluccan normally solely concerned with how Parrot Fund to finance field-work A recent expedition to study the parrots. Bio/. Conserv.34: 181-194. much income will result. dedicated to finding and studying mammals of the Indonesian island of the Night Parrot. Seram, was also asked to survey Dr Andrew Kitchener, Curator of Australia is a big country, and Moluccancockatoos, Cacatua Birds and Mammals, Dept. of USA the distribution of the Night Parrot moluccensis,by the Department of Natural History, Royal Museum of occupies the majority of it, albeit Nature Conservation based on the Scotland, Chambers Street, much of it remote. This species neighbouring island of Ambon. Edinburgh EHl UF. Captive Breeding Survey Update seems to move according to local It soon became apparent that a AFAhas helped World Wildlife conditions. To avoid a 'needle in the systematic survey would not be Fund/TRAFFIC USAin distributing haystack' situation, we hope to start possible. In a three week period MEXICO the 1991 Captive Breeding Survey. our hunt by following up recent, during August 1991only one pair of To allow everyone an opportunity to reliable sighting. In this endeavour, Moluccan cockatoos was seen. A participate, the dead-line for the Museum would be grateful to further two pairs were seen in Smuggled Birds returning completed surveys has hear of any good Night Parrot western Seram on the return boat AFAPresident Jack Clinton-Eitniear been extended until November 30th. reports in the future. Updates on journey from Wahai (on the was at the National University of This survey will document captive this project will be made northern coast) to Ambon. In 1979- Tamaulipas (Universidad Autonoma breeding for the 1990 calendar year, periodically. 81 Moluccan cockatoos were de Tamaulipas) in Ciudad Victoria as a continuation of the successful already regarded as being locally (the capital of Tamaulipas, Mexico) survey last year. For those who still Waiter Boles common, but much rarer than ten October 23-25to view progress and don't have one, 1991survey forms Australian Museum years previously owing to trapping construction of the new parrot are available from Kurt Johnson; for the pet trade (Smiet, 1985). rehabilitation aviary. This facility TRAFFICUSAjWWF;125024th St; Excerptfrom theAustralian Natural Roosts of 16-20birds were seen at will be used to house and NW;WashingtonDC20037.The HistoryMagazine that time, but only a handful of birds rehabilitate confiscated parrots in phone number is (202)778-9679.

12 obtained, and that if they made this The St. Lucia Parrot now has a Parrot Action Plan PARROT MEETINGS concession to St. Vincent they might population estimated at 300, a This meeting has been arranged by have to make similar concessions to dramatic improvement over the ICBP(International Council for Bird perhaps twenty governments. situation 10 or 12 years ago when Preservation) and takes place in It is an indication of the importance Members of the Consortium perhaps only 100 existed. The only January 1992at their Cambridge UK agreed to provide funds for captive breeding programme of the parrots that so many headquarters. The World Parrot additional breeding aviaries at the outside St. Lucia is at JWPT. meetings concerning them are held Trust are among the limited number every year. Here are some notes on excellent facility in the Botanical On Dominica the Imperial Amazon is estimated to have of participants, and the intention is six such meetings. Gardens, Kingstown, St. Vincent. to review and coordinate the work In October 1991a meeting of the (See picture). A mist net to trap a increased its population from being carried out on behalf of St. VincentParrot Consortium was group of non-endemic parrots has around 50 birds after Hurricane psittacine species around the world. held at the New York Zoological been supplied to the Forestry Hugo to around 80 today. The Red- A future PsittaScene will report on Division, and the cost of re-printing necked Amazon is now thought to Society offices in Central Park, New what transpires. York. Present were representatives a handbook to assist keepers of pet number about 300, which is also a of most organisations holding this parrots on the island will be met by good increase. species, including Houston Zoo, the Consortium. It is clear that the improving Europarrot 92 status of these endangered parrots We reported this proposed has been brought about by the forthcoming meeting in Denmark in outstanding efforts of the forestry I our last issue, but unfortunately this staff on each island, and the ~ potentially valuable affair has had to inspirational work of individuals such as Paul Butler and David be cancelled for logistical reasons. The main purpose of the meeting Evans. Over a long period of years much valuable assistance has been was to have been to explore the I) consequences for parrot aviculture provided by the Jersey Wildlife of the arrival of the 'New Europe' at Preservation Trust, including aviary the end of 1992. The World Parrot construction and regular census Trust will aim to keep abreast of taking by David Jeggo and others. developments and report them to If only the solutions which have readers of PsittaScene. helped the Caribbean parrots could be so readily applied to parrot disaster areas such as Indonesia or 7th Papagaaien Symposium parts of Brazil. 1992 This important symposium will be The UKParrot Convention. held at Amersfoort, Holland on the Chester 4th of April 1992.For the first time, it will be held under the auspices of This three day meeting took place in The World Parrot Trust, as arranged Consortiummembersvisitingthebreedingfacilityon St.Vincent. November, with almost 200 by our new Benelux Chapter. delegates attending. We took the Previous symposia have included opportunity of holding the first ever members of a number of avicultural NewYork ZoologicalSociety, Caribbean Parrots PVA public meeting of the World Parrot organisations and clubs, but the Walsrode, Loro Parque, Paradise The World Parrot Trust was invited Trust. This was well attended and intention of this symposium is to Park, Dr.Tom Nichols, Jersey to attend this meeting which took we conducted a somewhat informal focus the attention of delegates on Wildlife Preservation Trust, and the place on St. Vincent, immediately review of the first two years' work of the conservation aims and activities St. Vincent Forestry Division. Mr. following the St. Vincent Parrot the trust. The programme included of the World Parrot Trust. A new Ramon Noegel was unable to attend. Consortium meeting in New York. many distinguished speakers, opportunity for us to remind Breeding results were reported PVAstands for 'Population Viability including Joanne Abramson and aviculturists of all they have from Paradise Park (1 female bred in Analysis', and this is a technique Richard Schubot from the USAand received from the parrots, and the ,;j; 1991) and St. Vincent (9 birds bred employed by the .Captive Breeding Tony Silva from Loro Parque. George urgent need for us to 'put something in last 4 years). The Consortium Specialist Group of IUCN,under the Smith departed from his scheduled back' to help preserve the parrots in controls or has information on 108 dynamic leadership of Dr. Ulysses S. subject to describe his journey in the wild. birds, and the genetic potential of Seal. search of the Glaucous Macaw. (He All are welcome to attend, and ~ these birds was reviewed. It was The Caribbean Parrots PVA didn't find it, but came across a delegate application forms can be considered that the birds available brought together an impressive number of tantalising clues.) The supplied by: B. Keresboom, represented a more than adequate group of experts including Paul organisers are to be congratulated Dillenburg 7, 3871 DEHoevelaken, founder stock for a viable longterm Butler, David Evans, Noel Snyder, on this convention, which ran Netherlands, or from: S. Coeck, 't captive population of this species. Rosemarie Gnam, forestry officers smoothly and with a most friendly With of 4, 2280 Grobbendonk, Various movements within the from St. Vincent, St. Lucia and and positive atmosphere. Belgium. Consortium were discussed, and a Dominica, and representatives from report will be prepared for the a number of institutions breeding consideration of the St. Vincent Caribbean parrot species. The Government. One recommendation status of island species was will be for the government to reviewed, and the news was demand the return of any St. generally encouraging. Vincent Parrot to St. Vincent if that The St. Vincent Parrot bird has not been exported with population is now estimated at official approval. around 500, with modest growth in It is important to note that numbers each year. It is thought members of the Consortium are possible that the Forest Reserve required to sign a document may be approaching its maximum confirming that all birds held, and holding capacity. The habitat is any offspring, are the property of subject to only minor the St. Vincent Government. At the encroachment, although the loss of meeting Vogelpark Walsrode forest is estimated at 1%per annum. became signatories to the A successful captive breeding Consortium, but Loro Parque programme has been established on refused to sign, stating that their the island, and a significant number two males had been legally of birds is held outside the island. Inauguralmeetingof WPT'sBeneluxchapter,heldatAntwerpZoo.

13 . NEW YEARS RESOLUTION

This is the first issue of PsittaScene appeals with sums exceeding £1O0? During 1992, we hope to for 1992,the Trust's third year of Have you held a Fund Raising Event continue our support for the existence. The World Parrot Trust like those reported on our action research programme for the Red has reported regularly on its page? Tailed Black Cockatoo, the Echo progress and the projects it has You have chosen to join the Parakeet on Mauritius, and further supported. In addition the World Parrot Trust because you mobile interpretive centres to help Newsletter has acted as a focus for care about Parrot Conservation, so the parrots in the Caribbean. With debate on avicultural issues and please make the World Parrot Trust your help we can continue to reported on research and news from your CHARITYOF THE YEARfor support these vital projects and around the world. 1992.Talk to your friends and make a real improvement in the It is time to make plans for 1992, colleagues about our achievements. survival chances of these birds. so lets start by making a new year's Consider ways of raising funds. 11 Everyone of us can play a part in resolution to "Actively Support you can afford it, support one of our halting their decline. 11we all work Conservation". Many of you have projects (Remember, in the U.K.any together we can provide a future for been very generous in donating gift from a company over £600will many beautiful parrot species, so sums in addition to your annual attract capital gains relief, a gift of lets make 1992a year of hope and membership fee and we are very over £600from an individual will optimism, a year of fund raising and grateful for this sign of your reduce the liability for higher tax or a year of real progress. commitment to the trust. But have smaller sums can be paid free of tax Judith Venning you supported any projects or through the PAYE. Scheme). Enthusiastic Administrator!

thieves. USA STUDBOOKS AMAZON STUDBOOKS Both these species are endangered in the wild and all aviculturists who maintain them Mark Pilgrim, UKStudbook keeper have a moral obligation to play their Following several requests from for the Green-cheeked Amazon part in helping to ensure their future American members wishing to (Amazona viridigenalis) and the in aviculture. It is important that register their birds in studbooks we Lilacine Amazon (Aautumnalis non-breeding birds or same-sex have been in contact with Robert lilacina) is disappointed at the lack pairs are identified now, while UK Wiese who is the AAZPNs* of response he has received from breeders still have the opportunity Conservation Biologist. He kindly aviculturists. Ifyou keep either of to obtain mates for them. Without provided us with the following these species, we appeal to you to this vital co-operation, the number details of regional studbooks contact Mark (North of England of breeding pairs in the UKwill be currently in operation in North America. Zoological Society, Chester Zoo, small. Caughall Road, Upton-by-Chester We would also appeal to Palm Cockatoo CH2 1LH)so that details of your breeders not to sell their young as Ron Young birds can be entered in the pets, but to contact Mark Pilgrim Mesker Park Zoo appropriate studbooks. who can put them in touch with 2421 Bement Avenue Confidentiality is respected - so other breeders. In this way, more Evansville, IN 47720-5500 your participation will not result in a unrelated breeding pairs can be visit from the taxman or from bird formed. Thick Billed Parrot Susan Healy Sacramento Zoo 3930West Land Park Drive Sacramento, CA95822

Hyaciothioe Macaw Bob Wilson Franklin Park Zoo Franklin Park Boston, MA02121

Red frooted Macaw Wendy Turner Cheyenne Mountain Zoological Park 4250 Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Road Colorado Springs, CO 80906

Hawk headed Parrot Don Rhoades Riverbanks Zoological Park PO Box 1060 Columbia, SC 29202

Pair of Green-cheekedAmazon (male centre) with one of two young they reared at * American Association of Zoological Palmitos Park, GranCanaria,in 1991. Parks& Aquaria

14 Cornwall, a small team of volunteers Parrot Studbook CONCERN ABOUT FUND RAISING IDEAS set up a display at the local Safeway SEXING TECUNIQUE Store and raised £560.00 during one Keepers Tracy Coots raised the magnificent short weekend. I! anyone else would Once again we publish a list of sum of £646.69during the summer. like to have a go, contact Judith Since requesting information about Studbook Keepers. All readers Venning, the Administrator, who will readers experience with parrot She gathered together a group of holding these species would do friends and colleagues and launched be pleased to give you a few hints sexing techniques, we have received well to register their birds with a "Parrot Day". Everyone dressed in and get you started. I!you have any the relevant studbook keeper. a significant number of complaints about inaccurate results. These parrot costumes, took their good ideas of your own, do let us The development of these vital seem to indicate that chromosomal collecting tins onto the streets of know. studbooks is being seriously Jersey and mingled with the holiday Don't Forget: RAFFLETICKETS damaged by the non- sexing of parrots in the UKis not to makers. A local bank was also are still available to U.K.members be relied upon. participation of leading for you to sell amongst your family aviculturists. If they are as A few examples:- persuaded to contribute to the A Leadbeater's Cockatoo was cause. Tracy Coote reported that or at your local bird clubs. conservation-minded as they everyone had a wonderful day. Unfortunately regulations prevent pretend, they will register their reported to be a cock. It was sold as Back at the Trust's base in us from offering tickets abroad. birds right away. such, but subsequent surgical I sexing revealed it to be a hen. BLUE-EYEDCOCKATOO*R* Result: a substantial linancialloss PALM COCKATOO*R* for the breeder. Dr.RogerWilkinson,NorthofEngland A group of eight cockatoos were ZoologicalSociety,ChesterZoo, CaughallRoad,Upton-by-Chester,CH2 hatched, reared and 'sexed' by the lLH same organisation providing the chromosome sexing service. GREEN-CHEEKEDAMAZON*R* LlLACINEAMAZON Surgical sexing showed that 3 out of eight were incorrectly chromosome MarkPilgrim.NorthofEngland sexed. Correspondence with the ZoologicalSociety,ChesterZoo, CaughallRoad,Upton-by-Chester,CH2 sexing service brought no lLH satisfactory explanation. MOLUCCANCOCKATOO*R* A correspondent reports that he sent two samples from the same RobColley,PenscynorWildlifePark, Hawk Headed Parrot. One came" Cilfrew,Neath,Glam.,5. Wales. back as a 'hen', the other as a 'cock'. GOFFIN'SCOCKATOO*R* Two leading zoos report a SCARLETMACAW*R* number of chromosome sexing BUFFON'SMACAW*R* results subsequently proved REDFRONTEOMACAW*R* incorrect by surgical sexing. DavidWoolcock,ParadisePark,Hayle, We could go on, with other CornwallTR274HY examples relating to Macaws, THICKBILLEDPARROT*R* Amazons and other parrots. In DavidJeggo,JerseyWildlife making this report we have felt it PreservationTrust,LesAugresManor, necessary to put the interests of Trinity,Jersey,ChannelIslands. aviculturists ahead of the interests HYACINTHMACAW*R* of those offering this service. ColinBath,PaigntonZoological& Nothing is more frustrating than BotanicalGardens,TotnesRoad, waiting for years for two birds of the Paignton,Devon. same sex to breed. GOLDENCONURE*1* AlanLieberman,SanDiegoZoo,PO Box551,SanDiego,California,92]]2- GREETINGS CARDS T-SUIKTS 055] USA GOLDENCONURE*R* Packs of Ten for £4.50 inc postage. Hyacinth Fund "Proteja" T-Shirts RED-VENTEDCOCKATOO*R* and World Parrot Trust T-Shirts Blank inside for you to include BLUE-STREAKEDLORY*R* available for £10 plus post and your own message. c/o TheParrotSociety,IO8b,Fenlake packing £2 in UKor Europe, or £4 Road,BedfordMK42OEU airmail elsewhere. *R* = UK REGIONALSTUDBOOK

*1* = INTERNATIONALSTUDBOOK MEMBEKSUIP DRIVE

We hope to continue the steady increase of members during 1992, and to encourage our existing members to help, we have the following incentives:-I! you can UYACINTU UOLDALL introduce FIVEnew members during 1992, we will give you FREEOF This is a lightweightwhite linen bag, CHARGEan unmounted limited measuring 40cm x 38cm, available 'edition print of the Hyacinth Macaw for only £3.50 including post and "The Noblest of Them All". I!you package. An ideal small gift for a introduce two or more, we will give friend. you a FREEposter depicting the I! you are in a hurry, all items Caribbean Parrots. I! you introduce can be ordered by telephoning one new member, we will send you Judith Venning on 0736753365 our exclusive World Parrot Trust during normal business hours, and badge. paid for by visa or access.

15 AIMS OF TUE 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 Jones, 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. 6 By promoting high standards in the keeping of parrots as pets. support, plus the cost of a four- wheel-drive vehicle (approx. 7 By encouraging research projects, Le.: the veterinary care of Brazil: Spix's Macaw. Helping with the cost of an expedition to £12,000,ofwhich £2,500was kindly 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) Brazil: Hyacinth Macaw. Field CXJ I above summary indicates a charity M (!J UK and UK and Fellow Overseas I research into the breeding biology that is active and full of initiative M Airmail £25 If'. D EuropeD EuropeD £250 D I of this species, carried out by Dr. and concern for its objectives. We ,... '" Single £15 Family £20 Surface Mail £18 Charles Munn. A contribution of (!J -I urgently need the support of M £6,000. Also a donation of £600 ,... I everybody who keeps parrots as 0 Additional donation £ '-' D I towards work carried out by a team pets or in aviaries, or who simply r/J If you can a/roed tn give more than the ba,1c sub.,crlpUon rate. ynur money will help '" fight haeder tn,ave the parrots. ~ of Danish biologists. cares about their survival and well- U Caribbean: St. Lucia Parrot. being. I enclose cheque/P.a. for £ ~ payable to The WorldParrotTrust: ~ OR Please charge my AccessjVisa Ac/No. I Providing posters and badges for an Michael Reynolds i7i educational campaign designed to 1- I Z reach every child on St. Lucia: Card expiry date Amount £ Date I E2 £2,500. Followed by our largest 0.. I o(j project so far, the purchase and Signature - I Z OR better stilL please sign this Banker's Order conversion of a 'conservation bus', c.;J I (j) the Jacquot Express. This has been ~ BANKERS ORDER I Cl delivered to St. Lucia and is being » Bank I .0 To: The Manager very successful in promoting the "0 Address 1 preservation of the remaining forest '" -I U where the endangered St. Lucia "0:J Postcode parrot lives. Cost to the World '"0 Sortcode : 0- ~ Parrot Trust: £14,000. "0 _I ~ Please pay The World Parrot Trust, the sum of £ Central America: Endangered ro "0 every month/year, starting on (date), and 1 Macaws. We supported the 1991 '" I ~ debit my account no. Honduras Workshop on Macaw b/) I .;;; Conservation and Management with '" Signed I a donation of £.600. Cl I Pay to The World Parrot Trust, A/C No. 91144022 I The World ParrotTrust Midland Bank plc, Exmouth, Devon EX8 I HF. GlanmorHouse,Hayle I CornwallTR274HY,U.K. Please send to The World Parrot Trust, NOTto your bank. I Regd.UKCharityNo. 800944 The World Parrot Trust, Glanmor House, Hayle, Cornwall TR27 4HY, U.K. I Tel: (0736) 753365 Fax:(0736) 756438

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