Parrot Breeding for Conservation

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Parrot Breeding for Conservation THIS IS FOR THE BIRDS ... .. .YOUR BIRDS! No matter what kind of birds you love­ canaries, cockatiels, parakeets, finches, parrots-Boston Pet Supply has all the supplies you need to keep them healthy and happy. Boston Pet Supply is your center for bird supplies-in fact, it is one of the lar­ gest in the country. We carry over 30 different bird supply manufacturers' product lines-quality supplies from Nekton, Hagen, Eight In One, Lyric, Kaytee, and others. BIRD LOVER SPECIAL OFFER; Boston Pet Supply has a very special Bird Supply Catalog reserved for you. Send for it today, and you'll be able to spend time browsing through page after page of quality products. Take advantage now of this opportunity to keep your Parrot birds happy and healthy. It's easy: Fill in the coupon and send $5.00 (refundable with your first order) to: Breeding Boston Pet Supply Warehouse Outlet 70 Carnegie Row' Norwood, MA 02062 • (617) 769·3474 for Yes, I want to keep my birds happy and healthy. Send me my Bird Supply Catalog today. Name: _ Address: _ Conservation City: State: Zip: _ by AI McNabney, Chairman My $5.00 is enclosed. Please allow 3·4 weeks for delivery. AFA Committee on Ways & Means Walnut Creek, California A 200 year old tree falls in one of South America's rainforests, because a chain saw cut it down. The act of cut­ ting that tree took about four minutes. Nature took over 200 years to grow the tree. As the tree fell, a terrified squawk was heard. A multicolored bird flew from a nest, never to return. That bird, the two chicks in the nest, all ofwhom were killed when the tree fell, repre­ sents the fate of many birds. If the tragedy was an isolated instance avicul­ turists wouldn't be so disturbed. In the USA's pacific northwest a Distributing battle is being fought to save the spot­ quality ted owl. On one side, the logging wrought iron industry, on the other, those who are bird cages. trying to secure the future for the spot­ ted owl. Ninety percent ofspotted owl nests are found in old growth timber. We sell only fat and healthy birds - Guaranteed!! The birds live and feed in such habitat. All birds can be shipped anywhere in the U.S., and Clear cutting old growth national for­ can be surgically sexed. We operate a U.S.D.A. quarantine station. ests is good business for loggers, whose interest in the future of the Quantity prices are available on Macaws, Cockatoos, spotted owl is usually minimal, but Amazons, Finches and Softbills. most informed people believe loss of SPECIAL: hand fed baby the old growth timber will mean the Yellow Napes end of the spotted owl as a native Get on our Mailing List! species. On the island of Madagascar, rain­ Parrot Paradise - 26530 Harper forests are being chopped down to St.CI.Sh., Mich. 48081 - (313) 776-3551 Continued on page 37 afa WATCHBIRD 35 THE EW ong6ircfs Of America SE IES "APPLE BLOSSOM BLUEBIRDS" "DOGWOOD CARDINALS" PRINT #2 PRINT #1 Framed Size Framed Size 20112" X 20112" 20112" X 20112" America has long had a special feeling for Songbirds ... their energy, spirit, and the joy they bring to us. That spirit continues with Mark Anderson's second print in the So'ngbirds of America Series, "Apple Blossom Bluebirds. II Matching signed and numbered sets are currently available - but orders should be placed NOW! *Have your Collector Print framed as shown above by our professional framing SONGBIRDS OF AMERICA SERIES order form staff. It will be framed to museum standards for lasting protection and value. QTY. DESCRIPTION AMT. ALLEGHENY ART LTD. Cardinals" Bluebirds Matching Numbered Set @ $130 ORDER TOLL FREE: 1-800-323-6974 IN PA CALL: 1-814-849-4700 Dogwood Cardinals @ $ 65 Apple Blossom Bluebirds @ 65 $ NAME -""'-'--"-'--~'_'_____"_"'_ ~ _ Custom Framing as shown - add $65 per print ADDRESS _---::-- - -.:..-_-'---'--~ --O;:..--'--~ ~~ ___ ZIP SUB TOTAL CITY __ __ STATE SHIPPING ADD $5.00 UNFRAMED PHONE _(--"-- -.....-__ ADD $10.00 PER FRAMED PRI NT We will be happy to accept your Personal Check, or ifyou prefer 0 MasterCard 0 VISA PA RESIDE TS ADD 6% SALES TAX CARD NO. --- EXPIRATION DATE _ SIGNATURE _..."...,--..,..- -----.- ~-'-- ....,._- TOTAL PLEASE MAIL REMI7TANCE AND THIS ORDER TO: ALLEGHENY ART LTD. Thank You! P.O. Box 345, Brookville, PA 15825 Continuedfrom page35 Present State ofthe Art Does a Need Exist? create room for coffee plantations, Some aviculturists are already spe­ South and Central America's rain­ cattle grazing and general farming. The cialists, keeping a number ofpairs ofa forests provide habitat for hundreds of loss of trees has created a situation so particularly rare avian species. The species of birds. Today, expert after grave that much ofthe island's wildlife birds are watched over, tended, fed, expert is predicting the total elimina­ is threatened. Great Britain's Prince and housed under ideal conditions, all tion ofseveral hundred species ofbirds Phillip, world renowned conservation­ for the purpose ofachieving successful and animals within the next few years, ist, taking note ofthe dire situation has breedings. More often than not, an avi­ unless the destruction of habitat is asserted to Madagascar's political culturist maintains several species, not slowed. leaders, "Your country is committing because the birds are rare or endan­ George Smith, the well-known Brit­ ecological suicide." Still the tree gered but because "that's a species ish veterinary surgeon, aviculturist and removals continue. easily cared for. " The hope is, the birds author, spoke to the Avicultural Con­ CITES members, looking at the will eventually lay eggs, produce vention in Adelaide, Australia in 1980. declines in bird life, are moving toward young, thus enhancing the aviaries and Referring to ability of aviculturists to recommending a total ban on export of the activities of the aviculturist obtain birds from overseas for breeding any avian species from any country. involved. purposes, Smith said, "You have to rely CITES members are heard to argue the There are also truly expert avicultur­ on yourselves. You have to breed birds "bird trade" is causing declines in ists. They have practical knowledge, for aviculture, for there will be fewer avian species. together with information gleaned and fewer birds available from native So, when an American aviculturist from reading available literature. The regions as time passes." (NOTE: Austra­ looks about, there is substantial evi­ really expert aviculturists understand lian laws do not now permit import of dence of a sharp decline in many avian their birds so well they anticipate and avian species.) species in the United States andaround overcome problems almost before they In 1984, 31 parrot species were the world. Clearly, habitat losses, actually arise. listed in CITES, Appendix I. They are: man's activities and nature's catas­ Good Literature Red-necked Amazon trophes are"doing in" bird life the Aviculturists can have a number of Amazona arausiaca world over. sources of information. Good, well Yellow-shouldered Amazon AFA, an organization "dedicated to written material comes in the form of Amazona barbadensis conservation ofbird wildlife through books, magazines, and newsletters. Add Red-tailed Amazon encouragement of captive breeding to those sources, personal visits with Amazona brasiliensis programs," becomes ever more mean­ other aviculturists where information St. Vincent Amazon ingful and important. and knowledge is exchanged. Amazonaguildingii THE EXACT PRESCRIPTION FOR A HEALTHIER, HAPPIER, CONTENTED BIRD. RAINBOW MEALWORMS contain 12 of the 16 elements that are found in living tissue and rich in vitamins A and B. Natural vitamin A is essential to your birds nutrition and growth. Vitamin B is required to maintain the nervous system. RAINBOW MEALWORMS are a living food, clean and odorless. They should be kept under refrigeration at 40 0 to 48 0 (but not necessary). At this temperature they become dormant and maintain perfect condition for several months. RAINBOW MEALWORMS are graded in four sizes for your cor:veniences: SMALL, MEDIUM, LARGE, and MIXED. Each and every worm is fresh and lively. No need for sorting or sifting. We guarantee 10% or more over­ cou nt per measure. PROMPT SHIPMENT ALL YEAR AROUND. INSTRUCTIONS ON CARE ARE ENCLOSED WITH FIRST ORDER. MEALWORM COUNT BULK WHOLESALE PRICES 50 $6.24 2000 8.80 10,000 27.00 100 9.00 3,000 10.50 20,000 49.00 ~ 500 25.92 5,000 14.75 40,000 90.00 THE BEST FOR LESS Mealworms are easy to eat! Birds Love 'em! California Residents add 6% Sales Tax. Inquiries: '--'~ \ I P.O. BOX 4525 Or~~~~1~35.1494 ""\\~~\NBOIs-~ 126 E. SPRUCE ST. COMPTON, CA. 90220 (1-800) 777-WORM ~MEALWORMS ~ afa WATCHBIRD 37 Imperial Amazon when asked, "Such a situation would Amazona imperialis deal a setback to the idea of captive Cuban Amazon breeding of rare and endangered spe­ Magnolia Amazona leucocephala cies in an avicultural setting." Pretre's Amazon Amazonapretreipreteri A World Class Avian Facility Bira Red-crowned Amazon Avicultural efforts to breed rare and Amazona rhodocorytha endangered species are, at present, spo­ ~:.. ~"'V St. Lucia parrot radic. There is no overall plan for Farm Amazona versicolor ensuring that rare species are, in fact, \ Vinaceous parrot being bred in aviaries in the United Amazona vinacea States. With the spectre of a complete Puerto Rican Amazon shut down of avian imports it is time Amazona vittata for AFA to take the lead in the planning Glaucous macaw and establishing of a system, location, Anodorhynchusglaucus personnel, funds and the interest in Lear's macaw captive breeding of rare and endan­ Anodorhynchus leari gered avian species under avicultural Red-fronted macaw conditions.
Recommended publications
  • CITES Hooded Parrot Review
    Original language: English AC28 Doc. 20.3.5 CONVENTION ON INTERNATIONAL TRADE IN ENDANGERED SPECIES OF WILD FAUNA AND FLORA ___________________ Twenty-eighth meeting of the Animals Committee Tel Aviv (Israel), 30 August-3 September 2015 Interpretation and implementation of the Convention Species trade and conservation Periodic review of species included in Appendices I and II [Resolution Conf 14.8 (Rev CoP16)] PERIODIC REVIEW OF PSEPHOTUS DISSIMILIS 1. This document has been submitted by Australia.* 2. After the 25th meeting of the Animals Committee (Geneva, July 2011) and in response to Notification to the Parties No. 2011/038, Australia committed to the evaluation of Psephotus dissimilis as part of the Periodic review of the species included in the CITES Appendices. 3. This taxon is endemic to Australia. 4. Following our review of the status of this species, Australia recommends to maintain Psephotus dissimilis on CITES Appendix I, in accordance with provisions of Resolution Conf. 9.24 (Rev CoP 16) to allow for further review. * The geographical designations employed in this document do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the CITES Secretariat (or the United Nations Environment Programme) concerning the legal status of any country, territory, or area, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. The responsibility for the contents of the document rests exclusively with its author. AC28 Doc. 20.3.5 – p. 1 AC28 Doc. 20.3.5 Annex CONVENTION ON INTERNATIONAL TRADE IN ENDANGERED SPECIES OF WILD FAUNA AND FLORA ____________________ DRAFT PROPOSAL TO AMEND THE APPENDICES (in accordance with Annex 4 to Resolution Conf.
    [Show full text]
  • TAG Operational Structure
    PARROT TAXON ADVISORY GROUP (TAG) Regional Collection Plan 5th Edition 2020-2025 Sustainability of Parrot Populations in AZA Facilities ...................................................................... 1 Mission/Objectives/Strategies......................................................................................................... 2 TAG Operational Structure .............................................................................................................. 3 Steering Committee .................................................................................................................... 3 TAG Advisors ............................................................................................................................... 4 SSP Coordinators ......................................................................................................................... 5 Hot Topics: TAG Recommendations ................................................................................................ 8 Parrots as Ambassador Animals .................................................................................................. 9 Interactive Aviaries Housing Psittaciformes .............................................................................. 10 Private Aviculture ...................................................................................................................... 13 Communication ........................................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Management of Racing Pigeons
    37_Racing Pigeons.qxd 8/24/2005 9:46 AM Page 849 CHAPTER 37 Management of Racing Pigeons JAN HOOIMEIJER, DVM Open flock management, which is used in racing pigeon medicine, assumes the individual pigeon is less impor- tant than the flock as a whole, even if that individual is monetarily very valuable. The goal when dealing with rac- ing pigeons is to create an overall healthy flock com- posed of viable individuals. This maximizes performance and profit. Under ideal circumstances, problems are pre- vented and infectious diseases are controlled. In contrast, poultry and (parrot) aviculture medicine is based on the principles of the closed flock concept. With this concept, prevention of disease relies on testing, vaccinating and a strict quarantine protocol — measures that are not inte- gral to racing pigeon management. This difference is due to the very nature of the sport of pigeon racing; contact among different pigeon lofts (pigeon houses) constantly occurs. Every week during the racing season, pigeons travel — confined with thou- sands of other pigeons in special trucks — to the release site. Pigeons from different lofts are put together in bas- kets. Confused pigeons frequently enter a strange loft. In addition, training birds may come into contact with wild birds during daily flight sessions. Thus, there is no way to prevent exposure to contagious diseases within the pop- ulation or to maintain a closed flock. The pigeon fancier also must be aware that once a disease is symptomatic, the contagious peak has often already occurred, so pre- ventive treatment is too late. Treatment at this point may be limited to minimizing morbidity and mortality.
    [Show full text]
  • Special Issue: Genomic Analyses of Avian Evolution
    diversity Editorial Special Issue: Genomic Analyses of Avian Evolution Peter Houde Department of Biology, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM 88003, USA; [email protected] Received: 26 September 2019; Accepted: 27 September 2019; Published: 29 September 2019 Abstract: “Genomic Analyses of Avian Evolution” is a “state of the art” showcase of the varied and rapidly evolving fields of inquiry enabled and driven by powerful new methods of genome sequencing and assembly as they are applied to some of the world’s most familiar and charismatic organisms—birds. The contributions to this Special Issue are as eclectic as avian genomics itself, but loosely interrelated by common underpinnings of phylogenetic inference, de novo genome assembly of non-model species, and genome organization and content. Keywords: Aves; phylogenomics; genome assembly; non-model species; genome organization Birds have been the focus of pioneering studies of evolutionary biology for generations, largely because they are abundant, diverse, conspicuous, and charismatic [1]. Ongoing individual and extensively collaborative programs to sequence whole genomes or a variety of pan-genomic markers of all 10,135 described species of living birds further promise to keep birds in the limelight in the near and indefinite future [2,3]. Such comprehensive taxon sampling provides untold opportunities for comparative studies in well documented phenotypic, adaptive, ecological, behavioral, and demographic contexts, while elucidating differing characteristics of evolutionary processes across the genome and among lineages [4,5]. “Genomic Analyses of Avian Evolution” is a timely snapshot of the rapid ontogeny of these diverse endeavors. It features one review and seven original research articles reflecting an eclectic sample of studies loosely interrelated by common themes of phylogenetic inference, de novo genome assembly of non-model species, and genome organization and content.
    [Show full text]
  • Parrot Brochure
    COMMON MEDICAL PROPER HOUSING COMPANION DISEASES PARROTS: 1.) Nutritional deficiencies - A variety of ocular, nasal, respiratory, reproductive LARGE & SMALL and skin disorders caused by chronically improper diets. 2.) Feather picking - A behavioral disorder, sometimes secondary to a primary medical problem, where the bird self-mutilates by picking out its own Maecenas feathers. It is most often due to depression from lack of mental Proper housing for a macaw and other large birds stimulation or companionship and more Finding the right parrot cage for your feathered commonly seen in larger species. friend depends on the size and needs of your Purchasing your pet birds only in pairs bird. For example, while a parakeet needs a can help prevent this disorder smaller cage that can sit on a counter-top or from developing." table; the macaw needs a HUGE cage practically 3.) Bumblefoot - All caged birds are the size of a small room! It is always safest to “go susceptible to developing “bumblefoot" big.” Avoid galvanized metal wiring due to the or pododermatitis. This disease manifests potential for lead poisoning, and clean the itself as blisters and infections of the feet substrate on the bottom of the cage daily to caused by dirty perches or perches that weekly. Birds are messy creatures that love to are all the same size, shape and made of dive into their food bowls! Perches should vary the same material. i.e. smooth wood. in size, shape and material; including various How best to care for these diverse woods, sand paper and cloth. Clean perches and colorful birds and to ensure regularly to prevent diseases of the feet.
    [Show full text]
  • Nest Density and Success of Columbids in Puerto Rico ’
    The Condor98:1OC-113 0 The CooperOrnithological Society 1996 NEST DENSITY AND SUCCESS OF COLUMBIDS IN PUERTO RICO ’ FRANK F. RIVERA-MILAN~ Department ofNatural Resources,Scientific Research Area, TerrestrialEcology Section, Stop 3 Puerta. de Tierra, 00906, Puerto Rico Abstract. A total of 868 active nests of eight speciesof pigeonsand doves (columbids) were found in 210 0.1 ha strip-transectssampled in the three major life zones of Puerto Rico from February 1987 to June 1992. The columbids had a peak in nest density in May and June, with a decline during the July to October flocking period, and an increasefrom November to April. Predation accountedfor 8 1% of the nest lossesobserved from 1989 to 1992. Nest cover was the most important microhabitat variable accountingfor nest failure or successaccording to univariate and multivariate comparisons. The daily survival rate estimates of nests constructed on epiphytes were significantly higher than those of nests constructedon the bare branchesof trees. Rainfall of the first six months of the year during the study accounted for 67% and 71% of the variability associatedwith the nest density estimatesof the columbids during the reproductivepeak in the xerophytic forest of Gulnica and dry coastal forest of Cabo Rojo, but only 9% of the variability of the nest density estimatesof the columbids in the moist montane second-growthforest patchesof Cidra. In 1988, the abundance of fruits of key tree species(nine speciescombined) was positively correlatedwith the seasonalchanges in nest density of the columbids in the strip-transects of Cayey and Cidra. Pairwise density correlationsamong the columbids suggestedparallel responsesof nestingpopulations to similar or covarying resourcesin the life zones of Puerto Rico.
    [Show full text]
  • Commercial Members
    Commercial Members ABC Pets, Humble, TX, www.abcbirds.com Graham, Jan, El Paso, TX, [email protected] Adventures In Birds & Pets Inc, Houston,TX, [email protected] Great Companions Bird Supplies, Warren, MN, American Racing Pigeon Union, Oklahoma City, OK www.greatcompanions.com Angelwood Nursery, Woodburn, OR, [email protected] Hawkins, Connie, Larwill, IN, [email protected] Animal Adventure Inc, Greendale, WI, www.animaladventurepets.com Hidden Forest Art Gallery, Fallbrook, CA, www.gaminiratnavira.com Animal Genetics Inc./Avian Biotech, Tallahassee, FL, Hill Country Aviaries, LLC, Dripping Springs, TX, [email protected] www.hillcountryaviaries.com Avey Incubator, Llc, Evergreen, CO, [email protected] Hobo’s Parrot-Dise, Clarence, NY, [email protected] Avian Adventures Aviary, Novato, CA, Hopper, Verleen, Spring, TX, [email protected] www.avianadventuresaviary.com Innovative Inclosures, Fallbrook, CA Avian Resources, San Dimas, CA Intl Fed Of Homing Pigeon Fanciers, Hicksville, NY, www.ifpigeon.com Avianelites, New Holland, IL, [email protected] Jewelry & Gifts, Antioch, CA, [email protected] Aviary Of Naples & Zoological Park, Naples, FL, [email protected] Jo’s Exotic Birds, Ltd., Kenosha, WI, www.jos-exoticbirds.com Bailey, Laura Santa Ana, CA, [email protected] Johnson, Cynthia, Mehama, OR, [email protected] Beach, Steve, Camp Verde, AZ, [email protected] Jungle Talk And Eight In One, Moorpark, CA, Bell’s Exotics, Inc, Wrightsville, GA, www.bellsexotics.com [email protected] Berkshire Aviary,
    [Show full text]
  • Parrots in the Wild
    Magazine of the World Parrot Trust May 2002 No.51 PsittaScene PsittaSceneParrots in the Wild Kakapo chicks in the nest (Strigops habroptilus) Photo by DON MERTON The most productive season since Kakapo have been intensively managed, 26 chicks had hatched by April. The female called Flossie Members’had two. Seen here are twoExpedition! young she hatched in February 1998. Our report on page 16 describes how she feeds her chicks 900 rimu fruits at each feed - at least four times every night! Supporting parrot conservation in the wild and promoting parrot welfare in captivity. Printed by Brewers of Helston Ltd. Tel: 01326 558000. ‘psittacine’ (pronounced ‘sit a sin’) meaning ‘belonging or allied to the parrots’ or ‘parrot-like’ 0 PsittaPsitta African Grey Parrot SceneScene Trade in Cameroon Lobeke National Park Editor By ANASTASIA NGENYI, Volunteer Biologist, Rosemary Low, WWF Jengi SE Forest Project, BP 6776, Yaounde, Cameroon Glanmor House, Hayle, Cornwall, The forest region of Lobeke in the Southeast corner of Cameroon has TR27 4HB, UK been the focus of attention over the past decade at national and international level, owing to its rich natural resource. Its outstanding conservation importance is due to its abundance of Anastasia Ngenyi. fauna and the rich variety of commercial tree species. Natural CONTENTS resources in the area face numerous threats due to the increased demand in resource exploitation by African Grey Parrot Trade ..................2-3 the local communities and commercial pressure owing to logging and poaching for the bush meat trade. Palm Sunday Success ............................4 The area harbours an unusually high density of could generate enormous revenue that most likely Conservation Beyond the Cage ..............5 forest mammals' particularly so-called "charismatic would surpass present income from illegal trade in Palm Cockatoo Conservation ..............6-7 megafauna" such as elephants, gorillas and parrots.
    [Show full text]
  • Extinction Looms for Two Rare Bird Species After Devastating Hurricanes 25 October 2017, by Joann Adkins
    Extinction looms for two rare bird species after devastating hurricanes 25 October 2017, by Joann Adkins animals, including 40 endangered east African bongo antelopes, 35 primates including endangered golden lion tamarins, nearly 100 parrots representing a variety of threatened and endangered species and 42 critically endangered Florida grasshopper sparrows. The TCI team is putting in long hours to rebuild what was destroyed at the RSCF facility and to help the animals recover from the stress brought on by the storm. The Florida grasshopper sparrows are the greatest cause for concern. It is the world's most endangered bird with less than 100 remaining in the wild before Irma. The team fears the hurricane has crippled the wild population which Credit: Florida International University resides exclusively in the prairie grasses of Central Florida. They are working with state and federal wildlife officials on strategies to help preserve the small number of birds that remain on the planet. Conservation biologist Paul Reillo is torn between two worlds in the aftermath of Hurricanes Irma and Waiting Maria—one of swift action and one of waiting. Meanwhile, Reillo is waiting for news about There is little time to rest. More than 200 animals, Dominica's critically endangered Imperial Amazon. many fighting extinction, are relying on him. The FIU scientist is the founder of the Rare Species Conservatory Foundation (RSCF), a partner in FIU's Tropical Conservation Institute (TCI), which offers safe haven, captive breeding programs and field-based conservation to help save endangered species. In a matter of two weeks, two species of birds on the brink of extinction were dealt devastating blows when Hurricanes Irma and Maria crossed the Caribbean, leaving devastation in their wakes.
    [Show full text]
  • According to Dictionary
    Extinction: The Parrots We’ve Lost By Desi Milpacher The definition of extinction is “the act or process of becoming extinct; a coming to an end or dying out: the extinction of a species.” Once extinction has been determined, there is usually no chance of a species recurring in a given ecosystem. In mankind’s active history of exploration, exploitation and settlement of new worlds, there has been much loss of natural resources. Parrots have suffered tremendously in this, with over twenty species having been permanently lost. And there are many more that are teetering on the edge, towards the interminable abyss. In this article we find out what happened to these lost treasures, learn which ones are currently being lost, and why this is important to our world. The Old and New Worlds and Their Lost Parrots Little is known of the natural history of most of the world’s extinct parrots, mainly because they disappeared before in-depth studies were conducted on them. It is generally believed, save the Central American macaws which were least known, that most fed on diets similar to today’s parrots (leaves, blossoms, seeds, nuts and fruits), frequented heavy forested areas and nested mainly in tree cavities. A number could not fly well, or were exceptionally tame, leading to their easy capture. Nearly all of these natural treasures vanished between the 18th and early 20th centuries, and the main reason for their loss was overhunting. Some lesser causes included egg collecting (popular with naturalists in the 19th century), diseases (introduced or endemic), drought, natural disasters, predation by introduced species, and habitat alternation.
    [Show full text]
  • The Puerto Rican Parrot—A Story of an Amazing Rescue
    THE PUERTO RICAN PARROT- A STORY OF AN AMAZING RESCUE By Alan Mowbray1 HISTORY Five hundred and twelve years ago, on his second voyage to the New World, Christopher Columbus dropped anchor off the Caribbean island he named San Juan Bautista. He and his crew of Spanish explorers saw white sand beaches bordered by high mountains covered with lush forests. They were warmly greeted by the native Taino inhabitants who gave them gifts of gold nuggets they had plucked from the island’s rivers. Hundreds of noisy bright-green parrots with beautiful white-ringed eyes swooped overhead. The Taino called these birds “Higuaca.” At the beginning of the sixteenth century, Spanish colonists estimated that there were nearly a million of these beautiful birds living in the island’s forests. Today there are less than thirty Amazona vittata living in the wild on the island we now know as Puerto Rico. Although there are future plans to expand the wild population to other locations on the island, at the moment, the 28, 000 acre (19, 650 hectare) Caribbean National Forest, known locally as El Yunque, is the sole remaining forest habitat where the few surviving wild Puerto Rican parrots find trees with cavities suitable for nesting and seeds and fruits to forage. Amazona vittata’s near disappearance is not unique. Of the three parrot species that inhabited U.S. territory at the turn of the twentieth century, all but one, the Puerto Rican Parrot became extinct by the 1940’s. There are 332 known psittacine (parrot) species. Approximately 31 of them are of the Neotropical Amazona genus that inhabits central and South America and the Caribbean islands.
    [Show full text]
  • Birds of Marakele National Park
    BIRDS OF MARAKELE NATIONAL PARK English (Roberts 6) Old SA No. Rob No. English (Roberts 7) Global Names Names 1 1 Common Ostrich Ostrich 2 6 Great Crested Grebe Great Crested Grebe 3 8 Little Grebe Dabchick 4 50 Pinkbacked Pelican Pinkbacked Pelican 5 55 Whitebreasted Cormorant Whitebreasted Cormorant 6 58 Reed Cormorant Reed Cormorant 7 60 African Darter Darter 8 62 Grey Heron Grey Heron 9 63 Blackheaded Heron Blackheaded Heron 10 64 Goliath Heron Goliath Heron 11 65 Purple Heron Purple Heron 12 66 Great Egret Great White Egret 13 67 Little Egret Little Egret 14 68 Yellowbilled Egret Yellowbilled Egret 15 69 Black Heron Black Egret 16 71 Cattle Egret Cattle Egret 17 72 Squacco Heron Squacco Heron 18 74 Greenbacked Heron Greenbacked Heron 19 76 Blackcrowned Night-Heron Blackcrowned Night Heron 20 77 Whitebacked Night-Heron Whitebacked Night Heron 21 78 Little Bittern Little Bittern 22 79 Dwarf Bittern Dwarf Bittern 23 81 Hamerkop Hamerkop 24 83 White Stork White Stork 25 84 Black Stork Black Stork 26 85 Abdim's Stork Abdim's Stork 27 89 Marabou Stork Marabou Stork 28 90 Yellowbilled Stork Yellowbilled Stork 29 91 African Sacred Ibis Sacred Ibis 30 93 Glossy Ibis Glossy Ibis 31 94 Hadeda Ibis Hadeda Ibis 32 95 African Spoonbill African Spoonbill 33 96 Greater Flamingo Greater Flamingo 34 97 Lesser Flamingo Lesser Flamingo 35 99 Whitefaced Duck Whitefaced Duck 36 100 Fulvous Duck Fulvous Duck 37 101 Whitebacked Duck Whitebacked Duck 38 102 Egyptian Goose Egyptian Goose 39 103 South African Shelduck South African Shelduck 40 104 Yellowbilled
    [Show full text]