The Asiatic Breeding and Captive Parrot Society Management of the

he Asiatic Parrot Society of Red & Blue Lory T America (APSA) was launched in 1993 in Redondo Beach, California by Marriette Rogers to ful­ by Lawrence Kuah fill a need for more and better pub­ Singapore lished information on keeping and breeding birds of the Psittacula genus. Rogers, herself, had kept There has been much interest gen­ servationists ought to be applauded, as Psittaculids in Hawaii for 14 years erated recently, about the Red & Blue more often than not, papers presented and was frustrated at the dearth of Lory, Eos histrio, by both aviculturists and by conservationist and projectionist data on the the various species. conservationists alike, as for the very first groups are exaggerated, especially When she moved to California, she time, a commercial shipment of these when indicating the levels of exploita­ thought, there would be a plethora of lories occurred in 1992, with a signifi­ tion and trade. information available on all aspects of cant number of birds destined for However, a call for a full review of keeping the birds she loved. Not so. Singapore. the species' current CITES listing by the There were more birds and more Conservationists were gravely con­ same author, would be more harmful in aviaries, but little information-and cerned about this exploitation by the my opinion, as it basically calls for this that was still hard to come by. She live-bird trade which may endanger species to be placed III Appendix I of began typing up flyers and data sheets the survival ofwild populations ofthis CITES and subjecting more restrictive to give to the folks who bought the lory. And even before any great extent movements as defined under Article III babies she raised. From that, an idea of trade occurring, funds had been ofthe Convention. This calls for assess­ arose about starting a national society raised by the International Loriidae ment by the so called Berne-Criteria, in for gathering and disseminating infor­ Society, sponsoring an East Anglian accordance with Resolution Conf. 1.1 of mation on Psittaculids. University expedition to study and CITES. [The species has been, in fact, The Asiatic Parrot Society of America assess the population dynamics ofthis placed on Appendix 1. Ed.] was formed and went on to publish lory in its native habitat. (Low, 1992) Notable examples are of Goffin's the Quarterly Psittaculid Review (QPR) Previously, Red & Blue Lories Cockatoo Cacatua goffini and the Blue­ which completed its first year of publi­ occurred extremely rarely in trade, with streaked Lory Eos reticulatus both cation in 1995. The QPR has an 8 liz X a personal estimate of about five birds endemic to the Kai and Tenimbar 11 format, comb-bound, printed on 24 appearing in imports annually, in con­ Islands, which were more recently lb. laser paper, with a color photo signments ofRed Lories Eos bornea. This placed in Appendix 1. Personal obser­ cover showing a composite of mem­ was because the traders at Manado, a vations have revealed that serious avi­ bers' birds, featuring a rotation of town at the Northernmost tip ofSulawesi, culturists have abandoned the breeding species. Clear lucite covers protect the had not been active and any birds trad­ of these birds, and some even dis­ contents in the hope that the QPR will ed were taken as pets, presumably posed of their stock. The obvious rea­ find a permanent place in members' owned by local natives ofKepulauhan sons were because ofthe more restrictive libraries. Sanghir - Talaud, who occasiOnally measures caused by this listing and Each issue of the QPR offers a vari­ brought these to Manado, as items of the very virtue of these birds being ety of articles on the different species trade. No deliberate move was made to inexpensive and common, thus it was of PSittacula---articies on how to care obtain these birds in any numbers. not worth the trouble to wrestle in for and breed these parrots. And there However, in 1992, this situation changed abounding legislation and red-tape just are other useful articles, such as differ­ and local traders found an incentive to to keep or breed it. Listing in Appendix ing viewpomts on how ro construct the obtain this previously unassuming local I, in which interpretation being car­ best nest box, and, quite possibly, the pet as a commodity, which represent­ ried out intelligently, contributed to most complere list oftoxic flora in print ed a significant value in itself. And this the conservation and preservation ofwild appears in an updated version each was all the motivation that they need­ populations; but interpreted by over­ spring. ed to generate a supply for the demand protectionist authorities to constitute a In 1995 the APSA membership caused by the export market. reason sufficient to them, to put up unjus­ became international with members in Further information about this lory can tified and complete barriers to move­ Spain, Holland, Germany, Canada, be obtained from an article, published ments ofstock already in captivity or bred Korea and Australia. in the TRAFFIC Bulletin Vol. 13 No.3 in captivity, but not given exemptions For further information on APSA (1993). I found this to be a reasonably under Article VII, Paragraph 4 and 5, both please address your queries t'? APSA, fair and, more importantly, unbiased of these exemptions requiring sepa­ 734 S. Boulder Highway, SUite 400, account for trade and assessment ofsta­ rate treatments and approach. In extreme Henderson. NY 8901 S. ,. tus for this lory. Such articles by con- cases, all movements of Appendix I 22 January/Februaly 1996 species is prohibited, in obvious detri­ that can more readily be recognized by mercial export. And continued assess­ ment to the continued survival of the its smaller size and different form. But, ment ofsuitable reserves on Karakelong species in captivity which constitutes a the blue on the plumage is too variable Island, located in the Talaud group is valuable genetic source; in which excess to be used reliably as a tool for identi­ being conducted, directed to the con­ captive bred young cannot be disposed fication. servation and preservation of the Red and unpaired birds are unable to be For the general description it has a & Blue Lory. paired with suitable mates to become coral red body, and is of a more slen­ Literature indicates that it had been active breeders. der form than that of other Eos lories, long known in aviculture, and as long In a celebrated case in point, a a very broad band of blue extends ago as 1871, it had been exhibited at famous European park and breeding cen­ across the breast, and a band ofthe same London Zoo. Occasional mention ofthe ter for many species of rare parrots color across the crown, with a streak, species was also made by several and other birds, was told by the local extending from the eye, which meets the authors at Birdland, BOUl,ton-on-the­ CITES Management Authority to split up blue on the nape and mantle. Scapulars, Water, u.K., San Diego Zoo, USA,Japan their breeding pairs of Appendix I most the flight feathers and thighs are and Denmark. species, so as not to create surplus black. The tail is a duller, reddish-pur­ Recent importations have introduced stock, in the view of mounting protests ple color, and is longer and more this handsome lory to Europe, South because of the refusal of permission to tapered. It has a white cere, gray peri­ Africa, the Philippines, with the bulk of dispose and expolt excess captive bred opthalmic skin and an orange beak. the original imported stock, remain­ young from their stock to other breed­ Length of about 31 cm (12 in.) for ing in Singapore. To my personal know­ ers. (Low, pers. comm.) histrio and talautensis, 25 cm (lOin.) for ledge, at least three other importers, This is definitely against the very challengeri. including myself, have obtained this lory, principle and spirit of CITES and ofavi­ Previously, the Red & Blue LOIY was but I have not known of any other culture. As one of the aims of CITES is very rare in aviculture and it still is, as breeding successes in Singapore, other to gradually restrict and regulate trade a moderate number of birds were than in my own collection. However, to those species which may be suc­ expolted before coming to a complete another collection in the Philippines has cessfully managed and bred in captiv­ halt. Currently, it is included as a per­ bred this 100y, according to my personal ity. And velY sadly, this continues to be manently protected species by decree observations. the practice of many bureaucrats with­ of the Indonesian Ministry of Forestry, Of all my imports of this lory, none in authority, much to the frustration of Directorate-General ofForest Protection have been sold to date, as part of my many dedicated and serious avicultur­ and Nature Conservation. No longer will effOlt to consolidate a viable captive pop­ ists. Even when the CITES Secretariat it be legal to trap this species for com- ulation. From the other importers, it wascontacted~rcomment,in hope of ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ bringing about a more enlightened sit­ uation, the reply came in which the CITES Secretariat could only advise and sole discretion and final approval belonged to the CITES Management Authority ofthe particular sovereign state or country. Back to our Red & Blue Lory. There are three recognized sub-species, of which the nominate histrio comes from the main island of Sanghir, talautensis from the Talaud group, the largest pop­ ulation occurring on Karakelong Island within this group and challengeri belonging to the Nenusa Islands. I believe that histrio and talautensis may be conspecific, as occasional birds of known origin from Talaud Islands, have some black markings on the wing coverts, similar to those described for the nominate histrio. However, birds that come from Sanghir Island all have the typical black markings on the wings. However, these black markings only appear to be black, but on closer obser­ vations turn out to be a dark shim­ mering blue instead. Perhaps it only appears to be black against the vivid red of the general plumage. The last sub-species, challengeri appears to be a velY poorly defmed form, afa WATCHBIRD 23 Hand-reared chicks of this species seems that it has been used in further the feeding. commercial trade, but hopefully, recip­ For artificially incubated eggs, newly make excellent pets, and are both trust­ ients of these lories may make a posi­ hatched chicks were placed at 98°F in ing and show no fear of man. When set free within the isolated weaning room tive effort to breed them first, before a commercial parrot brooder, which attempting to break them up in com­ has to date given excellent results with ofthe nursery, most ofthem would make mercial sale. all species of parrots and other birds. short flights that rarely leave the ground, I am extremely fortunate to have (Animal Intensive Care United AICU, and if given an opportunity, would breeding pairs of all the three known manufactured by Lyon Electric, CA.) climb into sleeves and start nibbling at sub-species, including histrio. However, The first few breedings occurred ears and pulling hair. One of these this nominate sub-species, together with talautensis, followed by ehallen­ youngsters, possibly a male, would with ehallengeri constitutes only the geri and finally histrio. The first two make copulatory movements at my minority of the species kept in the clutches were removed from each fingers - talk about precocious behav­ breeding collection. The bulk of the breeding pair, with the pairs allowed to ior! breeding group consists of talautensis, raise their third and fourth clutches. This However, this species is still relatively of which this breeding is derived and species is prolific and can always be unestablished in aviculture, but there observed from. depended upon to replace clutches should be a future increase if all avail­ Pairs were first set up by the use of removed for artificial incubation. able birds were put up for breeding. Care surgical sexing and males proved to be Initial chicks were raised along side must be taken to pair the correct sub­ more plentiful, giving an uneven sex Purple-naped Lory chicks Lorius domi­ species together, but this would pose not ratio. eellus and Eclectus Parrot chicks Ecleetus a problem to most of the aviculturists However, pairs of all three sub­ roratus sharing the same brooder. They holding Red & Blue Lories, as they are species were available, and all ofthese were all fed the same mixture, which almost certainly to be talautensis, being were placed in the standard lory breed­ consisted ofa diluted adult mixture, and the most prevalent form in trade. But one ing cages that are used for all the larg­ grew very well, development was slight­ cannot rule out the possibility of hav­ er lories, except for smaller members of 1y faster than that of both the Purple­ ing the rarer and endangered histrio or the genus Charmosyna and the delight­ naped Lories and Eclectus Parrots. the smaller ehallengeri, thus it would be ful Whiskered Lorikeets Orepsittacus mfa­ They fledged and were weaned at helpful to check all the birds before pair­ ki. The dimensions are 160 x 80 x 80 approximately 70 - 80 days ofage, and ing them. cm high (5.3 ft. x 2.67 ft. x 2.67 ft.) with chicks at a premature age of only eight To date a large number of talaugensis perches, spaced apart to encourage weeks, were already able to nibble at have already been bred, together with more flight and exercise. Previous sur­ bananas held at them. a handful ofthe other two sub-species, gical sexing observations revealed The young birds, differed in plumage and all have been fitted with closed rings ample fat deposits, thus these lories may coloration from the adults, they were gen­ and permanent identification numbers. appear to be slender and graceful, but erally smaller, with no bright shade of Hopefully, they would be able to be most are very prone to becoming fat in blue, and the bluish-purple feathers made available to other aviculturists captivity if improper housing and man­ on the breast were interfused with the soon, as it is a very unique and won­ agement is practiced. red. The color at this stage can be derfullory, not just because of its rar­ A standard nest box of about 40 cm compared to the shade of that of a ity, but from its vivid colors and high 06 in.) and internal base of about Violet-necked Lory Eos squamata, endearing personality. 25 x 25 cm 00 in x 10 in) is provided except that it would appear only a bit for most pairs, with some of the earli­ more on the violet side. Some indi­ References er pairs, enjoying the luxury of having viduals may also appear grayish on Forshaw, ].M. (989) Parrots of the World, 3rd Edition, Blandford Press, London. a natural pine wood log, of similar the heads and upper body regions. Low, Rosematy (977) Lories and Lorikeets, Paul Elek, dimensions, but of a much smaller Others have the blue-violet extending London. base. from the crown to the mantle. Low, Rosemary 0989b) A Little-Known Eos Lory The birds are very vocal, and pairs Newly imported birds are easily Singapore Aviculture 9(1):14-15 Obi Violet­ necked Lory Eas squamata abiensis often perform the typical Eos lory threat stressed and very susceptible to bacte­ Low, Rosemary (992) Parrots, Their care and and hissing display, with the male, rial infections of the gut. And even breeding. 3rd (revised) Edition, Blandord Press, usually, arching its neck, hissing and established pairs are regularly dosed London swinging from side to side. Courtship with Baytril (Bayer-Germany) and this Kuah, Lawrence (992), Breeding the Purple-naped Lory, Avicultural Magazine Vol. 99 NO.2 1993 displays are less pronounced, but not bactericide is potent and effective in stem­ Lorius domicellus unlike to the threat display. The birds ming all outbreaks ofdisease in this lory. Collar, N.J., Andrew, P. (988) Birds to Watch the ICBP copulate from the side repeating their However, it is used mainly as a treatment, World Check-list of Threatened Birds, ICBP performance frequently. Technical Publication No.8, Smithsonian and only once every three months on Institution Press, Washington D.C. Two eggs form the clutch, and they established birds, as a preventative. Nash, Stephen V. (993) Concern about Trade in Red­ are laid with about two days difference. Red & Blue Lories must never be and-Blue Lories TRAFFIC Bulletin Vol. 13 No.3 ~ncubation lasts for an average of27 days crowded, although they are not over­ (993) Escott, c.]., Holmes, D.A. (980) The Avifauna of in the nest, but artificial incubation has ly aggressive, but the incidence of dis­ Sulawesi, Indonesia: faunistic notes and additions. given an average of only 26 days. Both ease under such conditions should act Bulletin of the British Ornithologists Club 100 parents carry out incubation duties. as a deterrent to most responsible avi­ White, C.M.N., Bruce, M.D. (986) The birds of The chicks hatch naked, with some culturists. Even hand-reared young, Wallacea (Sulawesi, the Moluccas and Lesser grayish down and are fed by both par­ Sunda Islands, Indonesia); an annotated check­ must not be crowded together, for the list. London: British Ornithologists' Union. ents, but with the female doing most of same reason. (Checklist no. 7) +- 24 January/February 1996