Winter 2017/18 Winter 2017/18 CONTENTS

Magazine of the

Editorial 5 4 From the desk of Matthew Kirchhoff, Glanmor House, Hayle WPT Communications Director Cornwall TR27 4HB UK info@parrots.org +44 (0)1736 751026 Rimatara Lorikeet www.parrots.org Population Re-established on Atiu Island 5 after 200 Years

ABOUT The WPT Slowing Parrot Trafficking 10 in Indonesia Capture for the live-bird trade, habitat loss and other factors put wild parrots at risk. One in three parrot species are currently threatened in the wild. Back from the Brink, Again: The Decline and Recovery of the Tasman Parakeet As an international leader in parrot 14 conservation and welfare the World Parrot Trust works with researchers, in-country organisations, communities PsittaNews and governments to encourage effective solutions that save parrots. 18 Parrot News and Updates WPT Contacts Since 1989 the WPT has grown to become a global force that moves quickly to address urgent issues and Parrots in the Wild support long-term projects for parrots. Purple-crowned Lorikeets WPT has led projects in 42 countries 20 for 67 species of parrot.

CHARITY INFORMATION United Kingdom: # 800944 14 United States: EIN 62-1561595 Canada: BN 89004 1171 RR001

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ON THE COVER

A Rimatara Lorikeet (Vini kuhlii) forages on a giant banana bloom, using its specialised brush-tipped tongue to acquire nectar and pollen. Photo © Alan Lieberman

Editor: Desi Milpacher These parrots have experienced a remarkable growth in their numbers Layout & Design: Michelle Kooistra since 27 were translocated from Rimatara to Atiu in 2007. Production: Karen Whitley 10 The World Parrot Trust does not necessarily endorse Learn more on Page 5, Rimatara Lorikeet: Population any views or statements made by contributors to Re-established on Atiu Island after 200 Years. PsittaScene. It will consider articles or letters from any contributors on their merits. Visit parrots.org/ psittascene for Guidelines. Anyone wishing to reprint PsittaScene articles in full or in part needs permission from the author/photographer(s) and must state that it was copied from PsittaScene. All contents © World Parrot Trust

Printed by Brewers — Part of the Martin Luck Group Tel: 01326 563424 Winter 2017/18 PsittaScene.org 3 | Editorial What will be your legacy? “I can’t Let your dedication to parrots live on! Leaving a legacy gift to the parrots through believe it...” your estate may be one of the most fulfilling contributions you will ever make. Those were the first words out of Visit our website at parrots.org/legacy my mouth on our A message from... or contact an office near you (see page 19.) first morning on Matt’s desk Atiu as we began our survey of the In this issue we focus our sights on the island, nearly 10 Australasian region of the world—an area years after the that includes Australia, New Zealand, New reintroduction Guinea, and the Islands of Indonesia and the of the Rimatara Pacific Ocean. It is an immense geographic Lorikeet (Vini kuhlii) area of immense importance to parrots. It translocated from sustains 42% of the world’s parrot species, including half of all Critically Endangered Rimatara in 2007. species. We at WPT have resolved to improve that picture for parrots in this region.

Some of the WPT-supported work currently in progress is highlighted in this issue: from the Tasman Parakeet, which is teetering on the edge of extinction, to the beautiful Rimatara (Kuhl’s) Lorikeet, a nectivorous parrot (with a brushy tongue!) whose recovery in the wild is celebrated, and a startling but hopeful story about the destructive trade in the wild parrots of Indonesia.

As always, our aim is to inform and inspire. Your support of the World Parrot Trust is critical to our collective success. Thank you for your help and feedback.

Best wishes for the new year!

Matthew Kirchhoff, Communications Director

Leave a Legacy

4 PsittaScene.org Winter 2017/18 Winter 2017/18 PsittaScene.org 5 We had an inkling of what to expect in terms of population size from the regular reports we received Rimatara Lorikeet over the years from our Population Re-established on Atiu Island after 200 Years “man in the field” Roger By Alan Lieberman and Gerald McCormack Malcolm, who kept track of the lorikeets flying over The Rimatara Lorikeet first breeding from translocated roads that cover the island, and the Atiu Villas Resort. Even (also known as Kuhl’s, Ruby, ‘Ura, parents on Atiu - the first lorikeet then consider the total available though we were hoping to Kura, and Scarlet-breasted lorikeet) chicks hatched on Atiu in 200 years. habitat on the island to estimate appears on CITES Appendix the potential number of birds see (and count) lorikeets, II and is listed on Birdlife The initial translocation project that are on the island. we could hardly believe International/IUCN Red List as was organized by the Cook what greeted us upon our “Endangered” due to its small Islands Natural Heritage Trust, We walked every morning for population, limited distribution, the Ornithological Society of 2-3 hours beginning just before arrival on Atiu. and risk of ship rats becoming French Polynesia (MANU) and sunup when the birds are most established on its home islands. the San Diego Zoo Global with active and vocal. We formed Before we even started the support of the communities 4 teams of 2-3 persons and The species is restricted to of Rimatara and Atiu, and the followed pre-assigned routes our official count, we saw three islands: Rimatara in approval of the governments each day, often replicating routes not just a bird or two, here western French Polynesia, and of French Polynesia and the taken by the different teams. Tabuaran and Teraina in remote Cook Islands. We counted all birds seen or and there, or perhaps a northeastern Kiribati. The heard within 50 metres on either pair or trio… but rather former natural range for the Our goal for the survey in 2016 side of the road, which totalled amazingly, and to our species was the southern Cook was to determine, as closely as a transect area of 292 hectares Islands and Rimatara, while the possible, the total population (29km in length x 100m width delight, we had the thrill inclusion of the Kiribati Islands size on Atiu and how the = 292ha). of watching dozens of lories is due to birds introduced by available habitat was being feeding in nectar-rich didap Polynesians before the discovery utilized by the new reintroduced The average number of birds of the island group in 1798. lorikeet population. Counting detected within 50m of the tree blossoms (Erythrina The native Atiu population birds in the field is a science in eight road-transects was .35 subumbrans). valued the lorikeet’s brilliant itself with many techniques and birds/ha. The 292 hectare red plumage, and it was hunted models to consider. We decided area sampled via transects to extinction before Captain to use a direct count along constituted 26.5% of the We were in open-mouthed Cook’s arrival in 1777. transects as defined by the eight habitable 1,100ha on the island. awe by what we saw and The overall goal of this excited about how robustly conservation effort was the flock had grown in to reintroduce a founder less than 10 years. What population from Rimatara to establish a reserve population was our two week survey on a rat-free island within its going to reveal in terms of former natural range. Using total birds? capture and transport techniques used for similar lorikeet species in French Polynesia, in 2007 But before we get to our the field team captured 27 birds in Rimatara, transported and best estimates, let us released them on Atiu. The begin at the beginning... following year we recorded the Alan (l) and Gerald (r) reviewing the transects for the survey

6 PsittaScene.org Winter 2017/18 Winter 2017/18 PsittaScene.org 7 From an initial infusion of just 27 birds “ released in 2007 to a conservative estimate of 385 birds in less than “ 10 years is truly remarkable... Rimatara lorikeet We multiplied .35 Kura/ha x 1,100ha to eradicated and the removal of the last (Vini kuhlii) arrive at our estimate of 385 Rimatara bird, ironically enough, occurred during World population: lorikeets on Atiu. The entire exercise our survey in September 2016. So now < 2000, decreasing. was wonderful.... walking a tropical the lorikeets, kingfishers and fruit doves Where found: Pacific island every morning, looking can breed unmolested. Rimatara in the Austral Island for lorikeets but also enjoying the native group of French Polynesia; Tabuaran and Teriana in the Pacific pigeon and chattering kingfisher, After two weeks of walking roads Kiribata Island nation, and most and especially the endemic Cook Islands (we liked to call our team “Old Men recently, re-established on the fruit dove and Atiu swiftlet. Of course, Walking Roads”) we reviewed all of island of Atiu in the Cook Islands. the lorikeet was the highlight. our daily survey data, considered all of Threat Summary: the most recent mapping of the island Exploitation for this species’ red feathers is the reason for In the afternoons, we concentrated our and its varied habitats, and agreed on a its prehistoric extinction on activities on mist-netting lorikeets that conservative population estimate of 385 the Cook Islands. A significant modern threat on other islands feed late in the day on the banana flowers Rimatara lorikeet on Atiu. From an initial is the black rat (Rattus rattus) that begin to open around 4 pm. This infusion of just 27 birds released in 2007 eating their eggs, young and the proved to be much more challenging than to a conservative estimate of 385 birds often the adults themselves. counting active birds. We captured four in less than 10 years is truly remarkable. birds and gave each a quick physical exam It is a testament to what can be done if to include blood samples, ectoparasite you have a willing species, a dedicated About the Authors collections, weights and measurements. human population and a habitat that is Alan Lieberman is a Research All four birds were in excellent physical still intact and can support the return of Fellow at San Diego Zoo Global. condition. The birds were handled quickly a native species. Gerald McCormack is Director of the (<15 minutes), banded and released. Cook Islands Natural Heritage Trust. The recovery effort has exceeded our See the article “An Island Endemic - An ancillary but critical component of wildest expectations and we are thrilled Kuhl’s Lorikeet”, in PsittaScene the recovery effort for the lorikeet on with how quickly the population has November 2008. Atiu was the complete elimination of the grown. Given the number of acres common myna (Acridotheres tristis). This dedicated to food crops on the island species was introduced in 1916 in an (especially banana) and the abundance effort to control the coconut stick insect, of nectar producing trees, we feel there a pest on the coconut plantations. is still ample room for the population to grow. Many thanks go to the National Heritage Trust, Air Rarotonga and Atiu Villas for their logistical support. The survey team consisted of Unfortunately, the abundant and Gerald McCormack of Natural Heritage, Alan Lieberman and veterinarian Dr. Bruce Rideout of San Diego Zoo Global, Roger Malcolm and pugnacious mynas have had a negative We look forward to returning to Atiu in George Mateariki of Atiu, along with new members Elaina Bufano, Liam Kokaua and Alanna Smith. The authors are indebted to the British impact on the native birds by harassing another 10 years for a 20 year follow-up Birdwatching Fair through Birdlife International and Te Ipukarea Society, Cook Island Natural Heritage Trust, and San Diego Zoo Global them when they attempt to nest within to the initial translocation to conduct with support from Loro Parque, the World Parrot Trust’s 2007 Action Grant, the American Lory Society and numerous private donors. On a myna territory. Mynas were observed another survey of “Even Older Men Atiu, the program has enjoyed support from the Mayoress and the Island Council, the traditional leaders especially Rongomatane Ariki, attacking the nest of the first nesting Walking Roads”. What better way to Man Unuia, Maara Tairi, Nooroa Teipo, Kau Henry, Roger Malcolm and Eddie Saul. Special thanks to Jason Tuara and George Mateariki lorikeets in 2008 and the Atiu Island enjoy a tropical paradise like Atiu than by who were tireless in their quest to take out the last myna on Atiu, and to Dr. Lisa Nordstrom for her valuable comments on survey Council agreed to the removal of the watching lorikeets wheel through the air, methodology. Photo credits: Alanna Smith, James Millet, Bruce Rideout, Gerald McCormack, Alan Lieberman. non-native myna. Over the next 8 chattering and bickering as they consider years, an estimated 26,000 mynas were which nectar tree to land in next.

Winter 2017/18 PsittaScene.org 9 The sprawling Indonesian archipelago is home to thousands of land-based species, many of them endemic to each of the islands. The area was once almost completely forested, with tropical moist and dry broadleaf forest blanketing the hills and valleys.

The higher mountains are home © Mehd Halaouate to montane and sub-alpine forests, and mangroves are common in coastal areas.

The islands are secluded too: their | Pixabay © Nawalescape Concerning scattered and enigmatic nature Far left: Rescued White Cockatoos seek comfort with each other. Confiscations makes Indonesia an ideal place Above: Slash and burn is a common Since the meetings took place, for piracy and smuggling. method of agriculture in Indonesia. officials in Ternate have confiscated birds which had been advertised Upper and lower right: Eclectus on the Internet: twenty Red-flanked Parrots and Black-capped Lories © Mehd Halaouate Lorikeets (Charmosyna placentis) regain their strength after rescue. and five Violet-necked Lories by desi milpacher (Eos squamata).

© Mehd Halaouate Another seizure, with seven Black- Slowing Parrot Trafficking capped Lories (Lorius lory), three Chattering Lories (Lorius garrulus), in Indonesia one Ornate Lorikeet (Trichoglossus ornatus), one Yellow-crested Cockatoo (Cacatua sulphurea), and one Sulphur-crested Cockatoo region’s trafficking issues, the bulk of each other and narrowing down North Sulawesi and North Maluku (Moluccas) Chattering Lories in particular are A new era of partnership (Cacatua galerita), took place in which focused on bird trade. Since key actions to focus on: monitoring feature most prominently as areas for under extreme pressure from heavy and cooperation Sulawesi province Gorontalo, when 2016 a new directorate, civil and the source, route and destination of someone tried to sell some of them trafficking in all manner of wildlife, trapping to supply the bird markets in Now, thankfully, there is a renewed marine police, and navy units have trade, encouraging border control through Facebook. They are now especially parrots. The World Parrot Trust Java and Bali. Not surprisingly, this has recovering at Tasikoki Wildlife Rescue counter-effort to quash it.The region been taking stronger measures in and detection, empowering law has become increasingly concerned about had devastating effects on wild parrot Centre in northern Sulawesi. was recently the focus of a series tackling wildlife smuggling issues in enforcement, and most crucially, accelerating numbers of lories, parrots and populations, as evidenced by trappers of meetings involving local and different parts of the country. Various housing and caring for the vast array The latest confiscation took place in cockatoos being trafficked throughout not finding any birds to capture on international NGOs, local zoos, a NGOs have done fieldwork in the of confiscated wildlife. November 2017, when 125 parrots Wallacea, an area many of the islands. (White Cockatoos Cacatua alba, newly-minted government, host region recently, gathering new data on that comprises And the reasons and Eclectus Parrots Eclectus roratus) Tasikoki Rescue Centre, and sponsor wildlife populations and trade impacts, In the midst of this are the local people. Sulawesi, Lombok, for concern go were seized from four smugglers in World Parrot Trust. adding important heft to this brand- Many have already had their lives four regions on Halmahera Island. Sumbawa, Flores, beyond the decline new collaboration. severely affected by the loss of their Sumba, Timor, in numbers and The Wallacea Regional Wildlife natural resources to outsiders. To make The World Parrot Trust is on site Halmahera, Buru, welfare issues of Trafficking conference was held in assisting in the rehabilitation of the Addressing the issues will take no up for it, many have turned to trapping birds, and has provided funding Seram and a the birds: officials June 2017, and marked a fresh start small amount of planning, as the to earn a meagre living. Because of this for nutritious food, and training for number of smaller are also worried in the fight to end illegal trapping of number of islands, governments, and development, in order for anti-trade proper care. WPT will continue to support these birds in their recovery, islands. The area that increasing indigenous wildlife. It was the first square kilometers involved in the trade efforts to work it is imperative that local with the hope that some can be boasts dozens of trade is bringing meeting ever to bring forestry law in this area is staggering. Meeting people have a say in the use of their returned to their historical ranges. species of parrots and cockatoos, some of zoonotic (animal to human) diseases enforcement officials from Maluku attendees have already accomplished country’s natural bounty and benefit which are commonly found in trade. into contact with more people. and Sulawesi together to discuss the much by making contact with from its protection.

10 PsittaScene.org Winter 2017/18 Winter 2017/18 PsittaScene.org 11 Sulphur-crested Cockatoo (Cacatua galerita) Photo © Ian Wilson thank you! Donors making a difference © Mehd Halaouate © Mehd Halaouate

Upper left: The careful I am a believer that all living cleaning of damaged creatures deserve respect feathers begins. and the freedom“ to live in a safe environment. I support Upper right: Transporting confiscated birds to Tasikoki. World Parrot Trust because of the critical work they do in Lower left: Nutritious foods protecting those birds when help feed hungry birds and they cannot protect themselves. promote their recovery. Working inside the world of parrot ~ Karen D. Shaw, Lower right: WPT’s Mehd conservation is often a logistical United States Halaouate with Tasikoki staff and political nightmare;“ often a and government workers. Sisiphean task that seems hopeless at times. WPT and their partners persevere every day in the face of terrible odds, and for that I am © Mehd Halaouate © Mehd Halaouate eternally grateful. With its focus on conservation, ~ Emily Robinson, research, welfare and education – United States the four pillars“ necessary for saving Encouraging community engagement Yellow and Green, and Chattering Lories wild in the wrong areas. Still to come is through education and awareness – from neighbouring islands. Outside of training and the dispersal of educational wild parrot populations – the World Parrot Trust has built a strong outreach and endorsing sustainable the region brings bBack-capped Lories, materials for the local people so they foundation upon which my dream and alternative livelihoods for all Sulphur-crested and Palm Cockatoos, and can begin to lead birders into the forest, of a peaceful and compassionate is paramount. various Racquet-tailed species. Bait birds, and then benefit from the parrots being world full of parrots can be built. which are used to attract wild birds for there. Educational banners and other ~ Cheryl Rutherford, The hard work begins capture, are being seized in an effort to materials will be dispersed, bringing the Canada slow the trappers down. The situation is word about parrots and their plight in the Mehd Halaouate, World Parrot Trust’s sometimes overwhelming. wild to as many people as possible. Indonesia Program Manager, and Angela D’Alessio from Tasikoki Wildlife Valuable skills are being taught; these This is just the beginning in what will be IMPACT Rescue, have begun leading the charge. REPORT include the delicate art of handfeeding a relentless effort on many levels, / 2016 17 They recently took an ambitious number chicks, instructions in housing, all in a bid to untangle the complicated of trips around Wallacea to provide husbandry and enrichment, and and seedy world of the wild bird trade wildlife management training and to preparation of suitable birds for eventual in Wallacea. It will not be easy, but with www.parrots.org collaborate with officials, spending two release. Hands-on learning occasionally regional and international cooperation, weeks in the field in Ternate, Halmahera, happens: a recently confiscated White and determination, it’s hoped that Bacan and Obi islands. Together, they Cockatoo chick still begging for food wild parrots will begin to fly free without are encouraging authorities to work proved to be the perfect teacher in one fear of capture in Indonesia again. together to coordinate confiscations, of the sessions. View the full WPT 2016/17 urgent care and rehabilitation efforts. Many thanks to these NGOs: On Ternate Island in particular, forestry Forestry staff have received guidance Tasikoki Wildlife Rescue Centre, ProFauna Impact Report online at: workers are faced with an influx of birds on species and subspecies identification Indonesia, TRAFFIC Southeast Asia, WCS-Indonesia, Burung Indonesia, – White Cockatoos, Eclectus and Great- as all too often, but with the best of Indonesia Parrot Project, Haribon billed Parrots, Violet-necked, Red-flanked, intentions, birds are released into the Foundation, Wildlife Reserves Singapore. parrots.org/2017impact

12 PsittaScene.org Winter 2017/18 Norfolk Island is a bit of serenity in a tiny package: abundant green rolling hills, crystal clear rock pools, soaring seabirds and magnificent Norfolk Island pines are all part of the island’s backdrop. Back from the Brink, Again: The Decline and Recovery This remarkable place is also home to around sixty other plant species of the Tasman Parakeet found nowhere else on Earth, including the world’s tallest tree fern.

Along with neighbouring Nepean Island, Norfolk has been identified by BirdLife International as an Important Bird Area because it supports entire populations of a number of endemic bird species.

One of them, the Tasman Parakeet (Cyanoramphus cookii), is especially in need of help.

The mainly green parrots with And, like many other island species, Park, and less on directly protecting the red-accented foreheads are found they sometimes find themselves at the parakeets. The birds seemed to only on this mild, rainy islet between the mercy of unexpected major backslide again after that. It’s worth Australia and New Zealand. They events, such as severe storms or noting too that local communities feed in trees and on the ground, busily disease outbreaks. strongly interested in the welfare sweeping aside leaf litter with their of the birds saw declines in their feet looking for seeds. They weigh These vulnerable parrots have populations. all of 100g each, and are very much also come up against a shift in endangered in the wild. conservation management: nest- Urgent action needed, agreed on provisioning and protection of Upon the discovery of Norfolk Island natural nest sites, which had Thankfully, that was to change. in the late 1700s they were common previously helped to recover their Collaboration with NGOs, Parks in the forests. Now they inhabit a tiny numbers, were overlooked once Australia and other important forest fragment of 300 hectares, and the parrots returned from near organisations are now in place. An face threats typical of island dwellers extinction in 1988. The population action plan, implemented by the Adapted from a report by: – past clearance of large trees, and had increased by 250 chicks, and Australian Government, called for Luis Ortiz-Catedral, competition with introduced animals sightings became more common. expert training of national park Raymond Nias, such as Crimson Rosellas (Platycercus It was considered to be ‘saved.’ rangers to ensure birds and nests were James Fitzsimons, elegans), Common Starlings (Sturnus properly monitored and maintained. Samantha Vine and vulgaris) and feral honey bees. Feral As a result, and because of budget A targeted survey, the first since the Margaret Christian. predators have made an impact too constraints, the work concentrated 1990s, was begun in 2013 once a - rats and domestic cats have caused on restoring habitat and multiple reliable counting method had been Photos © Luis Ortiz-Catedral catastrophic nest failures. species in Norfolk Island National determined by experts.

NORFUK AILEN GRIIN PAERAT Cyanoramphus cookii © JD Gilardi Our parrot. Our pride. Left: A poster in Norfolk language featuring the Tasman Left: Researchers at translocation site, Parakeet or “Green Parrot,” promoting awareness of the eroded by goats and rabbits, on Phillip Island.

Photo: Luis Ortiz-Catedral plight of the species to the Norfolk Island community. Top right: Luis and student Serena Top: Margaret Christian (Flora and Fauna Society) briefing evaluating parakeet foraging habitat. the community about progress on the conservation of the Lower right: Cassandra Jones from Norkfolk Island parakeets. National Park working on a predator-proofed natural nest. Bottom: Luis Ortiz-Catedral and Tasman Parakeet plush toys used for outreach and educational activities on Norfolk Island. © JD Gilardi

It revealed that between 42 and nest success (where at least one has taken the form of public that the key to ensure the long- to increase the number of Thanks to the collaboration and 96 birds survived, including only chick fledged) became 70% by the seminars, the use of educational term survival of Tasman Parakeets individuals. So, the next milestone support of the following organisations: ten females. It was thought that 2016 breeding season, up from 40% materials, and sharing up-to-date is multi-agency partnerships in the conservation of the species the low numbers were the result previously. Surveys have continued census data. Businesses from tourism which bring in a range of experts is to establish a population on Mohamed bin Zayed Species of nest deterioration and a lack of every 4–6 months, conducted by shops, supermarkets and cafés have to help, and the formation of a rodent-free Phillip Island, located Conservation Fund, The World Parrot feral predator control around nest volunteers and staff from the Norfolk received over a hundred information formal team to continue the birds’ 6 km south of Norfolk Island. Trust, Norfolk Island Flora & Fauna sites. Tasman Parakeets, like other Island National Park. There were posters, and students have been given recovery is a must. It’s hoped that this will provide Society, WildMob, Island Conservation, Cyanoramphus species, reach breeding 13 active nests which fledged chicks symbolic parakeet soft toys. Staff an important insurance population The Packard Foundation, The Nature age within months of fledging and by mid-2014, and by early 2017, from Parks Australia have visited The Recovery Plan, first drafted in case of extreme events such Conservancy’s Ecological Science lay clutches of up to eight eggs in seventeen females were on secure schools with messages on protecting in 2002, is due for revision to as disease outbreaks or major Program generously funded by the right conditions, so the decline in nests. Developing a method for nests and the importance of keeping guide future recovery efforts, and habitat loss. The Thomas Foundation, Auckland birds clearly spoke to the necessity of disturbance-free nest checking was domestic cats away from nesting areas. planning and implementing habitat Zoo Conservation Fund, Australian shoring up their nests. important. To prevent females from Thanks to these efforts, the Tasman restoration is also key. But keeping In the end, the fate of the Tasman Government’s Department of the deserting nests they are checked parakeet is becoming somewhat of an a close eye on the birds’ numbers Parakeet is in the hands of human Environment and Energy, Foundation After necessary meetings involving weekly, but only after males call icon – a special survivor that people and starting new populations in benefactors. But history shows for Parks and Wildlife Australia, The officials at all levels of the females out of the nest to feed them. can be proud of and inspired by. secure locations are top of the list, that with a little sustained help from Parrot Society of Australia, Massey environment ministry, within a year as the species now only exists as a its friends, this sturdy little parrot University, BirdLife Australia, Island 78 cat and rat-proof nests were Instilling pride in and stewardship The plan forward single breeding population. can come back from the brink and Conservation, Parks Australia, Norfolk installed and predators were reduced. for the peoples’ bird thrive again. Island National Park, Taronga Zoo. A renewed commitment to maintain The Tasman Parakeet team and its Experience with other A special thanks to the Disney and protect the nest sites began, and Engaging local communities in the many collaborators will keep up the Cyanoramphus parrots has shown Conservation Fund, whose support follow-up surveys saw increasing conservation of their endemic parrot momentum on the gains that have that translocation to predator- has made this possible. parakeet numbers: on average, has become essential. Involvement been made. Researchers firmly believe free sites is an effective measure

16 PsittaScene.org Winter 2017/18 Winter 2017/18 PsittaScene.org 17 Psitta| News WPT CONTACTS Updates News Events ON THE WEB Fighting for African Grey Parrots parrots.org Scientists’ colourful quest to discover Rottnest Island’s native Rock Parrot Keas Uplisted to Endangered Think Parrots 2018 psittascene.org how parrots became green population saved from extinction Sunday 10th June 2018 facebook.com/WorldParrotTrust In early December 2017, WPT’s Africa Keas (Nestor notabilis) have seen Kempton Park Racecourse twitter.com/parrottrust Program Director Rowan Martin A team of scientists have identified their wild populations decline Sunbury-on-Thames, Surrey, England attended meetings in Geneva, the mysterious yellow pigment gene rapidly as of late. The alpine parrots convened to discuss ways to manage that parrots have in their iconic green were once abundant, but due to Back for another year, the ever-popular MAIN BRANCHES the global trade in endangered plumage. A recently published study predation by introduced stoats, Think Parrots event is always an wildlife. The ban in trade of wild has found the gene encoding the rats and possums their numbers excellent opportunity for those who are African Grey and Timneh Parrots passionate UNITED KINGDOM (Main Office) enzyme that creates yellow pigment have plummeted. A bounty scheme Karen Whitley, Administrator about parrots (Psittacus erithacus and Psittacus in Budgerigars, called a ‘psittacofulvin.’ introduced in the late 1860s Glanmor House, Hayle, timneh) was on the agenda, and the It’s unique in the animal world in that before that did not help, resulting and want to Cornwall, TR27 4HB © Cas Liber CC2.0 18 Tel: (44) 01736 751026 many countries attending discussed it is only found in parrots. Another in the loss of over 150,000 birds. provide the 20 best care for Fax: (44) 01736 751028 the impact of the CITES I decision and recent study found that feathers Five years ago, local conservationists grew As a result of recent population [email protected] SHOW 10 th JUNE ways to improve its implementation. coloured with psittacofulvin pigments concerned about the fate of a group of studies, the International Union their birds. A UNITED STATES are better resistant to bacterial Rock Parrots (Neophema petrophila) on the for the Conservation of Nature has wide diversity of exhibitors will be there providing all Glenn Reynolds, Administrator This meeting occurred just as a new breakdown than white feathers. island of Rottnest, off the southwestern uplisted the Kea from Vulnerable P.O. Box 935, Lake Alfred, FL 33850 peer-reviewed study of trade in Grey coast of Australia. Their surveys found only to Endangered. New Zealand is things parrot, and will again feature the Tel/Fax: (1) 863 956 4347 Parrots was published in scientific Read more: six of the birds, which were once common stepping up efforts to remove UK’s most knowledgeable experts to [email protected] discuss the important topics concerning journal Emu. The most comprehensive tinyurl.com/yc3x3coh on the island. The population’s decline was invasive predators, a job the CANADA analysis of its kind, the study reveals due to removal of eggs for the caged-bird government hopes to complete companion and wild parrots. Michelle Kooistra, Administrator that a staggering 1.2 million African trade and the introduction of feral cats. by 2050. 4377 Gordon Dr., Kelowna, BC, V1W 1S7 grey parrots were legally exported While you are there, be sure to drop Tel: (1) 250 766 7828 After steps taken by the Bold Park Bird [email protected] between 1978 and 2014. Further Banding Group and the Rottnest Island Read more: by the World Parrot Trust booth to say observations of confiscated birds Authority to protect and band the parrots, tinyurl.com/yc6zl8zk hello to David Woolcock, WPT Trustee have shown that at least 50% of them a new count has revealed a total of 16, and Curator at Paradise Park (Cornwall) die during transport. The majority of with hopes for more with the breeding and chat about all the new and exciting ADDITIONAL BRANCHES captive-bred Grey and Timneh Parrots season. An information campaign has also PS Extra things happening in the areas of parrot now come from large breeders in been launched to encourage island visitors conservation, and beyond. Africa Rowan Martin [email protected] South Africa. to report sightings of the small parrots. EB Cravens article, Part Two Get your tickets: In the Autumn 2017 issue of Australia Nicholas Bishop Read more: Read more: www.thinkparrots.co.uk [email protected] PsittaScene, EB Cravens wrote about tinyurl.com/y87438kl © Jerry Tillery CC2.0 tinyurl.com/yblaakvw the state of companion parrots in Benelux Ruud Vonk rescues in Reflections on Parrot [email protected]

Rescue and Adoption. Parrot Lover’s Cruise 2018 Belgium Ronald Coens Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao [email protected] New hope as Orange-bellied Parrot reported in old South Australian habitat Part two, Solutions that Might November 9-17, 2018 Benefit the Rescue/Adoption Brazil André Saidenberg Imagine cruising crystal blue waters [email protected] Situation can be found online at There is renewed optimism about the Orange-bellied Parrot (Neophema chrysogaster): a while experiencing some of the most the WPT website (parrots.org) ranger has reported seeing the rare bird along the coast of Canunda National Park, in South incredible sightseeing in the world. India Avin Deen under Learn > Reference Library [email protected] Australia’s southeast. The parrots haven’t been reported in that particular area for nearly two Join your fellow parrot lovers aboard > Ethics & Welfare. decades. Bob Green, the coordinator of the South Australian Orange-Bellied Parrot (OBP) for eight days of enlightening seminars Indonesia Oka Dwi Prihatmoko Recovery Team, is investigating the claim and notes, “It would confirm that we do have birds and exciting excursions visiting a [email protected] moving into South Australia…the last orange-bellied parrot known in South Australia was variety of stunning locations, all while Italy Cristiana Senni five years ago at Port MacDonnell.” supporting parrot conservation. [email protected]

Green also stated that sightings had to be investigated carefully as members of the public Don’t miss out - contact Carol Cipriano Japan TSUBASA [email protected] often confused them with blue-winged parrots (Neophema chrysostoma), Rock Parrots to book your ticket today! (Neophema petrophila) or Elegant Parrots (Neophema elegans). He was hopeful however, as the Netherlands Ria Vonk ranger who spotted the lone bird also reported a distinctive call associated with the species. Email: [email protected] [email protected] get past issues online at: Phone: (1) 510-200-5665 Read more: Peru/Spain/ Rosa Elena Zegarra © JJ Harrison CC3.0 Psittascene.org Web: parrotloverscruise.com Central [email protected] tinyurl.com/y9s9wto4 English, Dutch, German, Italian, America Portuguese, Spanish, Swedish Sweden Maria Rogstadius [email protected] 18 PsittaScene.org Winter 2017/18 Parrots in the Wild: xxxx (xxx) xxxxx

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Parrots in the Wild: Purple-crowned Lorikeets (Glossopsitta porphyrocephala)

“One of those amazing experiences that make the hours of toiling away looking for birds all worthwhile. I visited this nesting site on a couple of occasions to check in on the progress of the breeding season, and on this particular morning there was an abundance of activity amongst the Purple-crowned Lorikeets.

No less than eight individual birds inspected this nest, at one stage six birds were all perched around the hollow. But the resident pair were not going to give up their home - the bird pictured inside the hollow fiercely protected its patch and fought off all would-be challengers!”