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Loro Parque, Tenerife Conservation In the annual Board Meet- ing, the meeting of the scien- tifi c advisory committee of the Loro Parque Fundación (LPF), it was decided this year to sup- port parrot conservation proj- ects world-wide with a record sum of 840,000 euros as a budget for the year 2009. For this reason the Loro Parque Fundación has for years been a leading organiza- tion worldwide regarding par- rot conservation projects and the support of endangered species. Numerous examples where the funding of conser- vation projects has resulted Inauguration of the new LPF breeding centre for Spix Macaws. A few of the committee members are, from left, in the recovery of wild popu- Dr. Nigel Collar, Povl Jorgensen, Roland Wirth, Brigitte Kiessling, LPF President Wolfgang Kiessling, Susanna lations validate the LPF poli- Leitinger, and Dr. Matthias Reinschmidt. cies and encourage the staff to continue the chosen path with new centre will off er the pos- and a manned guardhouse. recognized by the LPF and it determination. sibility to breed Spix’s Macaws Th e LPF was represented has found in the VZE a feder- Th is is how, for example, the on a bigger scale, although at the beginning of November ation which likewise pursues populations of Ognorhynchus at present only six are in the large federal exhibition these goals and places conser- icterotis, Anodorhynchus held by the LPF and the cen- of the VZE (Federation for vation breeding programmes leari and Cacatua haematur- tre has eight large aviaries all Breeding and Preservation) in at the centre of its work. opygia have recovered, which with broad interconnections Chemnitz, Germany with Dr. At present the annual stock can be attributed to the sup- that can be opened depending Matthias Reinschmidt and control is in full swing at the port by LPF of determined upon need. Th us, all the aviar- Inge Feier providing informa- LPF. Once a year at the end measures. However, currently ies can be connected to create a tion. Th e attendance at the of the breeding season each there are numerous focuses in complete fl ight area, or all sep- stand was enormous. In three is removed from its avi- parrot protection world-wide, arated to permit the accom- presentations the Loro Parque ary. Th e veterinary surgeons of and therefore the scientifi c modation of up to eight breed- curator presented the work of the Loro Parque take a blood advisors of LPF made it their ing pairs. the LPF in the wild and in the sample, for all the usual virus duty to help primarily where Th e areas between the avi- breeding centre in Tenerife. tests which are carried out the funds are needed most aries are planted, so that the Th e LPF positively seeks in Loro Parque’s own labora- urgently to avoid the extinc- vegetation creates a natural direct contact with breed- tory, and make a cloacal swab tion of any parrot species. protected environment for the ers, because in the long-term report about the bacterial pro- In the course of the two-day macaws. Th us a trend-setting the zoos alone cannot receive fi le of the bird. In addition, meeting the President of the enclosure has been created and breed the variety of par- a description is made of the LPF, Mr. Wolfgang Kiessling, according to the latest knowl- rot species in captivity. Here physical condition, such as inaugurated and handed-over edge, as a matter of course a close cooperation between body weight, plumage condi- offi cially the new breeding cen- including all necessary safety the breeders and the zoologi- tion, and evaluation of condi- tre for the Spix’s Macaws. Th e precautions, such as cameras cal parks is necessary. Th is is tion of nourishment. 42 Volume XXXV • Number 4 • 2008

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All these data together breeding centre in Mexico. result in an informative pic- Th e LPF is very proud ture of the bird. Because these that this importation, which data are collected every year absorbed an enormous amount for all the , one can also of time in preparation, has document developments over fi nally worked out. All the the years. Th e entire stick con- birds endured the long trans- trol takes nearly fi ve months, portation very well, and were between August and Decem- fi rst put into quarantine, where ber, because nearly 4,000 par- they have to spend at least 40 rots must be examined. Never- days and successfully pass all theless, the eff ort is worthwhile the stipulated health checks in because the annual check of the quarantine protocol before each bird is absolutely neces- they become integrated into sary to assure the high stan- the collection. Th is will not be dard in the health care of the A blood sample is taken from Ara glaucogularis at the stock control. before January 2009. population, and can be recom- Th e Maroon-fronted Parrot mended without hesitation to latest happy events in Loro each of the Maroon-fronted is one of the endangered par- private breeders and owners of Parque. Th ree new parrot spe- Parrot (Rhynchopsitta terrisi), rot species of Mexico, whose parrots. cies for the Loro Parque Foun- Gustav’s Parakeet (Brotog- wild population is less than a dation (LPF) collection arrived eris cyanoptera gustavi), and thousand birds, and for which New Species Arrive from Mexico. Two of them are White-headed Parrot (Pionus necessarily a genetic reserve An intensive preparation acquired for the fi rst time ever seniloides) were imported. In has to be build up in captiv- over several years, undertaken by a European zoo and are all cases the specimens con- ity. Compared to the related mainly by our biologist Rafael therefore signifi cant importa- cerned are off spring from Th ick-billed Parrot (Rhyn- Zamora, was required for the tions. Th us, a small group of successful reproduction in a chopsitta pachyrhyncha) (38

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Maroon-fronted Parrot (Rhynchopsitta terrisi).

cm), the terrisi are a bit bigger (42cm), kept by LPF increases to ten. number 44, property of the Government with the forehead coloured maroon. It Th e White-headed Parrot has always of Brazil) was brought back from the was only in 1947 that this parrot species been one of the rarities in European bird- ACTP, Berlin. He was transferred at the was described (by Moore), fi rst as a sub- keeping. Nowadays just a few birds are beginning of 2007 to the ACTP to repro- species of the Th ick-billed Parrot. Today held in Europe, and it seems to be unlikely duce with another female. However, the the consensus among most taxonomists is to be able to build up a breeding popual- pairing with the LPF female was dem- that it is a separate species. tion which is able to maintain itself. For onstrated as genetically more favorable, Until now Gustav’s Parakeets have not this reason the importation of birds bred and therefore a re-exchange was agreed. been known in Europe at all. Th ey are dis- in Mexico is an important step to refresh By order of the Institute Chico Men- tinguish in their colouring clearly from blood for the long term conservation in des of Biodiversity Conservation (Gov- their nominate form, the Cobalt-winged captivity of this interesting parrot species. ernment of Brazil), the Curator of LPF Parakeet (Brotogeris cyanoptera) by the With the White-headed Parrots there are Dr. Matthias Reinschmidt travelled to yellow bend and edge of the wing, which now eight diff erent Pionus held by LPF. Berlin to receive the Spix Macaw male. is reminiscent of the pattern of the Yel- Th e LPF will try to build up a self-sus- Aft er a six-week quarantine period, at the low-winged Amazon (Amazona aestiva taining breeding popualtion of each of beginning of 2009 the bird will be put xanthopteryx). With this fi rst importation the three new parrot species. together with his previous female and it of yet another interesting form, the num- At the end of november the Spix Macaw is expected that the successful breeding ber of Brotogeris species and subspecies (Cyanopsitta spixii) male (studbook (four chicks between 2004 and 2007) can

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be continued. At present the majority of our parrot species are not in breeding conditions, but there are always a few that produce some young in the winter. Th is winter the very small lorikeet species like the Plum- faced Lorikeet (Oreopsittacus arfaki) and the Red-fronted Lorikeet (Charmosyna rubronotata) have some chicks in the nest which they are rearing by themselves. A group of 21 clients of the Höchstadt Savings Bank came to visit Loro Parque in Tenerife. On this occasion the guide and marketing director of the Savings Bank, Christiane Laaser, handed over a cheque for 500 € to the Loro Parque Fundación to support the Spix‘s Macaw Conserva- tion Programm. Th e city of Höchstadt is in a cultural sense very much associated with the name Spix, because the natu- ralist and discoverer of the Spix Macaws, Canary-winged parakeets (Brotogeris versicolurus). Baptist Ritter von Spix, was born there and is the most famous son of the city. welcomed with a cocktail in the Hotel Even its own museum, the Spix Museum, Botanico, Puerto de la Cruz. Th e 23rd, iss dedicated to him. 24th and 25th of September 2010 will A donor campaign for the benefi t of be the days of congress, which will end the LPF was privately initiated by the with a big Gala Dinner. Th e staff of Loro pool attendant Matthias Heinrich from Parque and Loro Parque Fundacion will Achern. During the open-air swimming again prepare various surprises to lead to pool season he set-up a small information success the event, which takes place only kiosk about the work of the LPF and the every four years. Th e Congress is targeted conservation of parrots. Aided by a Red- at a broad audience, from parrot-lovers lored Amazon (Amazona autumnalis) he and parrot breeders to veterinarians and collected in his donation box 130 € for fi eld biologists, all of them in some form endangered parrots. Th e LPF thanks him involved with parrots. very much for such a worthwhile activity In the last Congress in 2006, 900 par- in the name of endangered parrots, and is ticipants from 44 diff erent nations all grateful for all other donations received. over the world were registered. Because of this, all lectures are translated simultane- Dr. Matthias Reinschmidt, Curator, ously into German, English, French and Veterinerian Kristin Oberhäuser with a 7-week- Loro Parque, Tenerife old Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoo. Spanish. Shortly the coordinators of the Preparations Begin for diff erent countries will be provided with Many lories have already laid their eggs Parrot Congress at Tenerife all the necessary information and materi- and are currently brooding them. Two very Th e preparations for the VII Interna- als to be able to receive the registrations. special parrot chicks are growing up in the tional Parrot Congress at Tenerife have For the fi rst time there will exist a direct Baby Station, and additionally with their begun. To ensure an early planning for all possibility to register online. Please visit own parents. At the Baby Station a young those who are interested, the specifi c dates www.loroparque-fundacion.org to fi nd Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoo (Calypto- can be announced now. On the 22nd of this possibility in due course. rhynchus funereus funereus) is being raised September 2010 all participants will be Slowly the breeding season is starting. by hand right now. Th is is the second chick

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aft er the fi rst chick hatched in the late year, has three fertile eggs and a third pair summer of last year, also still in the baby is very keen on visiting the nesting box, and station. As soon as the chick reaches inde- we are expecting the fi rst eggs very soon. pendence it will be socialised with its older sibling to get it used to its own kind. Cur- 10 Years of Eff ort, 10 Times as rently with its own parents, a young Palm Many Philippine Cockatoos Cockatoo (Probosciger aterrimus) is devel- As we approached, at the end of 2008, oping well. Th is is the fi rst time aft er a cou- the tenth anniversary of the Philippine ple of years that a chick of this species is Cockatoo Conservation Programme being raised by its parents at Loro Parque. (PCCP), we could all celebrate the fact Th e remarkable aspect is that both Three Keas in the Baby Station of Loro Parque that the eff orts have resulted in a tenfold adults were raised by hand. While the male is takes the longest. Th is breeding success increase in the population of wild Philip- already is already 12 years old, the female is once again evidence that hand raised Cockatoos (Cacatua haematuropy- was raised by hand in 2004 by theCurator. parrots defi nitely are able to raise their gia) on Rasa Island, the main stronghold in She was the very fi rst hand-raised Palm chicks independently. Palawan and the Philippines for this criti- Cockatoo.. Now, almost fi ve years later cally endangered species. Th ose responsi- Keas (Nestor notabilis) also belong to the female is giving thanks in the most the early breeders, normally starting to ble for this success, Peter and Indira Wid- splendid way imaginable by raising her breed in December and during the month mann, Sabine Schoppe and the rest of the chick herself. Now the youngster is seven of January the fi rst chicks hatch. We PCCP team, have recently reported to us weeks old and the fi rst black feathers are removed the fi rst clutch of eggs from our that the population on Rasa Island has growing. Palm Cockatoos belongs to the breeding pair, which has been successful reached the number of 2005, increased kind of parrot species whose development over the years, to incubate the eggs arti- from only 22 in 1998. Rasa Island, with fi cially, and now three healthy chicks are an area of 8.3 km2 has the highest natural developing in the Baby Station. Now the density found anywhere of the Philippine pair is sitting on a second clutch, which Cockatoo. we are leaving with the parents for natural Th e PCCP is run by the Philipinne- rearing of the chicks. based Katala Foundation, supported by the A second pair, who laid the fi rst time this LPF, Chester Zoo, CEPA - Conservation

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modest inducement, to become wardens to protect the cockatoos and habitats. As the connection between local income and presence of the cockatoos has become clearer, more people have been encour- aged to become wardens, and at an early stage the PCCP encouraged the forma- tion of Local Protected Area Manage- ment Committees, in some cases with the Municipal Mayor as presiding offi cer. Th e situation in Rasa Island, where this model of conservation for the Philippine Cocka- too started, is now so improved that the island has recently been declared as one of the top 13 bird-watching sites in the Phil- ippines by the Department of Tourism. Th is year on Rasa Island the wardens monitored 32 nest-trees, six of them new, and 49 fl edglings were leg-ringed. With the island population having reached sat- Narra—Philippine Cockatoo capital of the world. uration level, the young birds especially are expanding to the nearby mainland des Espèces et des Populations Animales local resources (within the framework of Narra district (of Palawan), where the (including ZooParc de Beauval) and of Philippine law, capacity-building for PCCP is also conducting a year-round ZGAP (Zoological Society for the Con- local decision-makers to ensure sustain- intensive campaign to protect them, along servation of Species and Populations). Th e ability of the conservation eff orts, and with other local partners. Th e coopera- Philippine Cockatoo is restricted to low- an ecosystem conservation method with tion of local government is impressive, for land forest areas and mangroves in the the Philippine Cockatoo as fl agship spe- example the Narra Mayor signing an order Philippines. Formerly, it could be found cies. An important part of the success has requesting all local district leaders and all over the archipelago, but in the last few been the recruitment of local people, espe- offi cials to help in monitoring the cock- decades of the last century a rapid decline cially previous nest-poachers, and with a atoos in their respective areas. We look set in which brought the species to the brink of . Of the various factors involved, habitat destruction and poach- ing were, and still are the most important factors threatening the Philippine Cock- atoo. Th us, the aim of the PCCP is the conservation and restoration of the most viable subpopulations of this species and its habitats, with the involvement of all key stakeholders. A current objective is to achieve a down-listing of the species in the “Red List” from ‘Critical’ to ‘Endangered’ within the next six years. Th e key to the success of the PCCP is its empowerment of local people to fully par- ticipate in decisions and actions that help the cockatoos. Th us, its strategy includes the community-based management of

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forward to at least another with a small geographical dis- most important for its long- located in Zamora-Chinchipe tenfold increase before the tribution, virtually endemic to term survival. In this region, province. Th e area of this next 10 years have passed. southern Ecuador, but recently deforestation has been exten- reserve is 3,500 ha, with very found also in northern Peru. sive at lower elevations within irregular topography cover- David Waugh, It inhabits upper tropical for- its range, and is gradually ing the upper altitudinal range Loro Parque Fundación est between 900 and 2,000 m, encroaching on the higher of this parakeet, and the cur- Conservation of White- but mainly between 1000 and altitude forest. An illegal trade rent population in the reserve necked Parakeets in 1700m on the south-eastern of White-necked Parakeets is small, with a maximum southern Ecuador slopes of the Andes. Th is spe- within Ecuador is an addi- of 19 individuals counted to Th e White-necked Para- cies has been observed in par- tional threat, and therefore date. As has been found with keet (Pyrrhura albipectus) is a tially and severely degraded this species is classifi ed as Vul- other threatened species of relatively little-known species, habitat, but primary forest is nerable by BirdLife Interna- Pyrrhura in Colombia, and tional (IUCN Red List). the endangered El Oro Para- To help conserve this spe- keet (P.orcesi), also endemic cies and its habitat, the Loro to Ecuador, there appears to Parque Fundación of Tener- be a shortage of natural nest- ife, Spain has been supporting ing sites, and that the erection a project of the Ecuadorean of suitable nest-boxes results NGO Fundación Jocotoco. in almost immediate occupa- Biologist Mery Juiña has been tion by the parakeets. Success- leading the conservation activ- ful breeding in nest-boxes can ities taking place in the Tapi- increase recruitment to the chalaca Reserve, which is population during the time

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that other conservation mea- to deter bees but still attract sures are being implemented. White-necked Parakeets.* Th e nest-boxes placed for the P. albipectus in the Tapichalaca Indonesian Reserve in 2008 have attracted the parakeets, but no breeding Parrot Project has yet been recorded. Groups Saving the World's with diff erent numbers of para- Rarest Cockatoo keets have been observed roost- Th e world’s rarest cocka- ing in the nest-boxes (three too has been rediscovered in groups of four one each of fi ve Indonesia. Th e Yellow-crested and of seven, and four groups of Abbott’s Cockatoo is found in unknown number). the wild only on a single island By the beginning of Decem- (tiny Masakambing Island; 500 ber 2008, the group of fi ve ha) in the Masalembu Archipel- Cockatoos feeding on the fruit of the Sukun tree (Artocarpus communis) parakeets had accumulated ago. Th is island is in the remote the greatest amount of feath- Java Sea, north of the cities of ers in the nest and had worked Surabaya and Bali, and east of on the interior, similar to the southern Sumatra. Th is archi- behaviour of P. orcesi before pelago also contains Masa- the start of egg-laying. Further- lembu Island [2000 ha] and more, sounds coming from the Keramaian Island [300 ha]. box have been typical sounds Parrots are the most endan- of interactions in nests in the gered bird family. A number breeding season, and therefore of the parrots threatened with the onset of egg-laying is pre- extinction are found only in dicted in January. Th is accords Indonesia. Four of the fi ve with a earlier record of an adult cockatoo species listed on the in post-breeding condition in highest category of protection April, but another previous by the Convention on Inter- record is of a dependent juve- national Trade in Endangered nile seen in September. Recent Yellow-crested Abbott’s Cockatoo at nest site Species are found in Indonesia. work on the Santa Marta Para- Of these, the Yellow-crested Studies in the 1990’s, which Indonesia, its allied NGO) keet (P. viridicata) in Colombia cockatoos (Cacatua sulphurea) remain largely unpublished, launched an expedition to the has shown that species to breed are the most imperiled. Th is found that only 5–10 individ- Masalembu Archipelago in in two seasons each year, and species contains four subspe- uals remained on Masakamb- June and July of 2008. perhaps P. albipectus will show cies. Th ree of these are fairly ing. However, there are essen- Th e fi eld work was led by the same pattern. well studied. tially no extant data since that Dudi Nandika and Dwi Agus- Permanent monitoring of However, one (C. sulphurea time, and intervening extinc- tina (both from Jakarta, Indo- nest-boxes during the breed- abbotti) has remained largely tion was a distinct possibility. nesia and co-founders of KKI) ing season will be neces- a mystery until now, but is Th erefore, the Indonesian Par- working under the guidance sary because unfortunately, known to be at great risk. rot Project (IPP; www.indo- of Dr. Stewart Metz, President even though these are within Th ere are no cockatoos in the nesian-parrot-project.org , a and Director of the Indone- a reserve, the probability of other two islands in the archi- U.S. allvolunteer, non-profi t sian Parrot Project. theft s of chicks from the boxes pelago, with the bird having non-governmental organiza- Because of the small size of still exists. Invasion of nest- been extirpated from Masa- tion working with Konser- Masakambing, Nandika and boxes by bees constitutes the lembu and not known to have vasi Kakatua Indonesia (KKI; Agustina were able to make other main diffi culty, and the ever populated Keramaian. Cockatoo Conservation detailed surveys of the entire project is working on a way

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WB_35-4_v14.indd 49 FFr 06/08/09 6/8/09 11:33:48 AM island. Once the skies had been fi lled with ocksfl of these cockatoos; now a total of only 10 cockatoos was identifi ed— four males, four females, and two juveniles—making them the most threatened cocka- too in the wild and one of the world’s rarest birds. Like other members of the C. sulphurea species, these beautiful birds have a largely white body with a brilliant yellow, forward-curving crest, and slight yellow on their ear covert feathers. Th ey may be the largest of the four subspecies. Th e fi rst photographs of these birds in the wild outside of Indone- sia were acquired, as was some videotape footage of the birds Dudi Nandika presenting information to government and military offi cials. mating, preening, eating, play- ing with twigs, examining favored habitat fl ora such a armed forces and police locally For the latter, attempts nest holes, and similar natural kapuk trees (Ceiba pentandra) were taught about the protec- would be made to locate and behaviors. and mangrove (Avicennia tions already in place nation- breed any C. sulphurea abbotti Two major threats to the apiculata). ally and internationally and outside the island or in local survival of the Masakambing Bcause of the extreme grav- were encouraged to conserve zoological parks. Th eir chicks cockatoo were identifi ed. One ity of the situation, an inten- the birds. Stickers reminding could then be used to repopu- is their capture for the ille- sive conservation program was villagers of the plight of their late Masakambing (unfortu- gal pet bird trade. It is usually initiated on behalf of these cockatoo will be placed at suit- nately, the other two islands nestlings, rather than adult cockatoos. Visits were made able locations. are too deforested to consider birds, which are taken. For- to Junior and Senior High Other measures under con- for this approach). merly, they were trapped in Schools to teach students the sideration include: paying the It is hoped that, in view of large numbers by outside visi- principles of conservation, villagers for each cockatoo the gravity of the situation, tors who took them to Bali and increase their awareness of the which is allowed to success- international assistance and Sumbawa Islands. Now, with plight of the birds, and foster fully fl edge (leave the nest); funding can be found to save the marked decline in their pride in their rare and unique hiring local villagers as “war- this magnifi cent but rapidly numbers, the birds are only bird. T-shirts are being made dens” to protect the nests from vanishing cockatoo. sought by government offi - to reinforce this message. disturbances; protection of For more information, inter- cials, who keep them as pets Laws to protect these birds remaining habitat; increasing views with Dr. Metz, photo- due to the prestige of owning had been passed but only in knowledge about the biology graphs or video please contact such a rare bird. the distant “kabupatan” (dis- of the bird through ecological Bonnie Zimmermann, Indo- A second risk factor has trict) of Madura and these research studies; holding town nesian Parrot Project, (707) been the logging of trees decrees are out of date; there meetings for informational 227-5155, (707) 965-2538 or which had been suitable to are plans to update these and and awareness purposes; and [email protected] provide food and nest holes for extend them locally to the providing artifi cial nestboxes or Dr. Stewart Metz at (425- these cockatoos. Th is area has islands of the Masalembu for breeding. Th e most aggres- 830-5295) or parrotdoc@ been planted, especially with Archipelago themselves, sive and complex approach gmail.com. coconut palms, with almost where they are more likely to might be to initiate a captive Bonnie Zimmermann, total destruction of previously be enacted. Offi cers from the breeding program. Indonesian Parrot Project

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