News about conservation, aviculture and welfare from qg&%rld q&rrot~t

TRUSTVETASSISTSSURVIVAL OF WORLD'SRARESTPARROT New clues to problem ByPallIa Harris

When the World Parrot Trust was The World Parrot Trust has project, contributing funds and of the World Parrot Trust and a launched in 1989, our first consistently provided funding for parrot expertise to both the member of the International priority was to help the world's the Echo Parakeet and maintained programme and Veterinary Group. When the rarest parrot, the Echo Parakeet, close relations with the project's wild population management captive population of which still numbers less than 20 director, Carl Jones, and the efforts. This new opportunity became ill this spring, Andrew in the wild. With your Jersey Wildlife Preservation provides the World Parrot Trust advised project staff in generous donations, the Trust Trust, which finances and with one of the greatest by telephone and by fax. was proud to present the Echo manages the project with the co- challenges in parrot conservation Subsequently, at the request of Parakeet project with a badly operation of the Mauritius today. the Jersey Wildlife Preservation needed four wheel drive vehicle government's Conservation Unit. The followingstory is drawn, Trust, the World Parrot Trust sent to enable field researchers to Recently, the World Parrot Trust in part, from a veterinary report Andrew to Mauritius to reach the remote forest in which was invited to become a major by Andrew Greenwood,MAVetMB investigate tragic mortalities the parrot struggles to survive. partner in the Echo Parakeet MIBiolMRCVS,a founder Trustee among the Echo Parakeets.

The world's rarest parrot shares its have succeeded in creating a small, island home with the but fragile, haven for the parakeet. world's rarest falcon, the Mauritius Even if good could be Kestrel, and the world's rarest assured for the wild birds, their pigeon, the . Along nest holes remain vulnerable. Rats with eight other indigenous and monkeys eat the Echos' eggs , the Echo Parakeet has and young, while Indian mynah declined largely because of mass birds colonize the few available on the island and the nest holes. Nature provides the introduction of rats, monkeys and final blow to the species. Cyclones mynah birds. Forests were felled regularly strike Mauritius, killing first for sugar plantations and birds outright and stripping away later for pine plantations, leaving vegetation so that the survivors only one area of indigenous forest have little or nothing to eat. along a mountainous ridge. This Mauritius was once the home to region, the Black River Gorges, has six species of parrot, all of them been designated as the first unique to the island, but by the national park in Mauritius. 1970's the Echo Parakeet was the Though now secure from further only parrot species left apart from development, the forest is the introduced Ringnecks. Today encroached upon by exotic flora the wild population is estimated which threatens to strangle the at 16 to 20 birds. natural vegetation on which the parrots depend for food. Weeding Captive Breeding Setbacks campaigns conducted for several To ensure the survival of the years to eliminate foreign plants species, Carl Jones began a programme to breed Echos in captivity, following similar procedures to those which had proved so successful with the Pink pigeon and the . Jones and his team have learned from long experience that they can remove eggs from the nest of wild VetAndrewGreenwoodin Mauritius

1 parakeets in the early stages of nesting and the pair will immediately nest again. Chicks are removed only when it is apparent that the nest is going to fail and the chicks would die if left in the wild. So a captive population of Echo Parakeets can be established without depleting numbers in the wild. But efforts to keep and breed Echo Parakeets have proved frustrating. Since research on the Echo Parakeet began on Mauritius in 1974, twenty birds have been maintained in captivity. None of the birds have reached breeding age. Beginning in 1979, a colony of lo,cally-captured Indian Ringneck parakeets has been maintained in Mauritius at the Mauritius EchoParakeet at 48 days government's Black River Aviaries to act as foster parents for Echo Parakeets and chicks. A serious captive diet of the foster parents became sick with signs of vomiting research effort began in the 80's during the rearing period and of and lethargy. Andrew's treatment, the weaned Echo chicks in an with the ringnecks proving advised by fax and telephone, CONTENTS: singularly effective foster parents, attempt to reduce a perceived consisted of antibiotics and anti- hatching and rearing almost every obesity problem, but no further emetics, such as were available in Echo egg and chick they have been change in management took place. Mauritius. They seemed to hold presented with as well as breeding Also to solve the obesity the situation. One bird in which and rearing their own young. problem, the World Parrot Trust treatment produced no response has funded research to create a Status and Conservation However, 12 of the 15 Echo died 9 days after the first, a third of parrots in ...4&5 Parakeets held in the aviaries since better diet for the captive Echos. began feeding again after 1987 have died. Seven birds were When St. Vincent parrots became treatment but was later lost and a Pa alive in the spring of 1993, obese at New York's Bronx Zoo, fourth appeared to have recovered nutritionist Dr. Ellen deriving from eggs and chicks well, but died suddenly from taken in 1991/2. In April disease Dierenfeld requested samples of intussusception and intestinal StOJ)the swept through the captive the vegetation the wild birds ate in prolapse. A fifth bird which was parrot chicks! ? their native Caribbean forest. A population leaving only 3 birds also ill and treated, recovered and detailed chemical analysis was remains alive. Research&Breeding alive, one sub-adult pair and a made of each flower, and fruit. A water sample from the aviary R~port m" 8&9 juvenile. Eightof the deaths (67%) have occurred in April/May when Foodstuffs readily available to the water system was reported to be zoo in North America were the birds were aged 4 - 18 months. grossly contaminated with Although veterinary analysed and compared to native coliform bacteria, and unfit for investigations have been foods for vitamins, minerals and human consumption. Postmortem ActionPage 12 conducted in the past, results have fibre content. A new diet, examinations were carried out by been inconclusive. No data remain duplicating as closely as possible aviary staff, with the help of the on the 4 chicks harvested in 1974- the foods the parrots selected for Ministry of Agriculture's 5. Scant information on captive themselves naturally in the wild, laboratory. Gross examination of Echos dating from 1987 mentions, was strictly administered to the the bodies showed only one bird to but dismisses, the finding of a parrots. Now the World Parrot be in fat condition. Various Aims.oftheTrust 15 number of Gram negative bacteria Trust is funding a similar study for bacteria were cultured during life isolated from dead parakeets, the captive Echo Parakeets. and after death from this group of organisms which we now recognise Samples of the indigenous plants birds, including coliforms. Various Parrotsin theWild d6 eaten in the wild have been as major pathogens of parrots. tissues were collected, shipped to the OKunder licence and Gram negative bacteria are collected and shipped to Ellen normally found in the gut of man Dierenfeld's New York laboratories submitted to Rest Associates for and most and birds, for analysis. rapid histopathology. The findings especially carnivores, but are not Already the Echos are fed an may be summarised as almost entirely fruit, vegetable and haemorrhagic enteritis with Members of normally present in any numbers in parrots. Healthy parrots can leaf diet, but in spite of this the secondary kidney damage. One deaths have continued. Andrew bird had salmonella isolated at probably fight them off and do not become colonized unless there is Greenwood reports that the Echo postmortem. At the same time as IUeN, an underlying dietary, immunity or Parakeet appears to be a rounded the parakeet deaths, several The World Consemtion Union disease problem or an 'fat' bird, more closely resembling fruit bats and two Mauritius fodies also died in the overwhelming challenge with a pigeon in shape. Even the birds severe contamination. of the wild population which are aviaries. The deaths of the fodies foraging on native and appear unrelated to the Echos, but Is Obesity a Mortality fruits have a similar appearance. most of the dead bats were not Factor? A fresh look at the problems the examined. The World Parrot Trust does Echos face in captivity was clearly When the Trust sent Andrew Detailed data on birds lost before needed. not necessarily endorse any 1991 are not available. Seven Greenwood to Mauritius at the end views or statements made of May, all deaths, except among parakeets were examined in 1991. by contributors.to World Parrot Trust Begins the bats, had ceased and no A preliminary report on these . Investigations parakeets remained on treatment. -11\\1...~I.\ \10011... 1.1' birds ruled out any significant The Trust's involvement with the At the Black River Aviaries he It will of course: consider infectious or parasitic disease, but captive Echo Parakeet mortality approached the parakeet problem articles or letters from any concentrated on the large fat contributor on their merits. stores present in the bodies. This problems began in April 1993 as a typical avicultural or zoo site when one bird died and others led to a major change in the investigation. He often conducts

'l. this kind of study when improved by the construction of group is potentially extremely established for them. An aviculturists are experiencing the new aviary block where serious. Andrew suggested that alternative would be to capture unusual losses or reproductive parakeets will be kept separate consideration may need to be some wild birds and blood sample failure among their stock. He from other species and have a given to phasing out Ringneck them intensively prior to re- assesses all aspects of the large flight cage. The present fostering. They could be replaced release. This would allow further husbandry and management of the facilities have served the Mauritius with artificial incubation and hand- tests for blood parasites and aviary, collects samples of known Kestrel and Pink Pigeon captive rearing or, eventually, by Echo psittacine and feather quality and origin and correlates breeding programmes well, but Parakeets as foster parents if and disease. this information with clinical, parrot species are extremely when pairs are established. Or a Other species, such as doves postmortem and other laboratory sensitive to disease and the Echo newly established Ringneck group and passerines, may also present findings. At Black River he Parakeets will require a much either from within or outside the a threat to parakeets, as well as to collected fresh faecal samples more rigorously controlled island (preferably within) could be Pink Pigeons and fodies, by from 6 Ringneck aviaries and from environment. used after testing them during a transmitting virus diseases such as the surviving Echo parakeets for quarantine period for all available avian pox, or parasites. Their culture. He also blood sampled six Fighting Disease on Several Fronts parrot diseases. disease status needs to be studied, individual Ringnecks and sent the Routine monthly faecal samples particularly with regard to the samples for virological Andrew made various hygiene need to be collected from all risks introduced by supplementary investigation at the University of recommendations designed to parakeets (Echos and Ringnecks) feeding in the wild. Giessen in Germany. minimise the bacterial load to and submitted for Gram stain, Lab Tests Continue which the parakeets are subjected. culture and sensitivity and parasite Evidence Suggests Disease All parrots are highly susceptible examinations. Andrew would like Histological sections from the four After a thorough on-site to infection with Gram negative to see a Mauritius government vet dead Echo parakeets have been investigation of the Echo Parakeets bacteria, especially if stressed by selected for specialized avian submitted to the University of in captivity and in the wild and other means, and such bacteria are pathology in a U.K.laboratory. Georgia for DNA probe and receipt of postmortem and clinical regularly present as a result of immunofluorescence tests for the examination results, Andrew is contamination by humans as well Monitoring Wild presence of polyomavirus, to see if convinced that the parakeet as pest species. The obvious peak Populations this may have played any part in problem is a disease which must be of mortality among Echo Parakeets In any situation where highly the losses. Blood smears from the tackled if the species is to be saved. in April may be associated with are being captive Ringnecks have been Faecal samples from the pair of some heavy environmental managed and manipulated, as submitted for examination for Echo Parakeets and two of the 6 contamination at that time of year, much as possible needs to be haematozoa, which was negative. pairs of Ringnecks contained a perhaps water-borne. known about their disease status Andrew is also considering the number of Gram negative bacteria. He also advised keepers of the in the wild and that of any closely- possibility of Iow-grade zinc All 6 Ringnecks were negative for possibility of transmission of related species present. Almost no toxicity from galvanised aviary Psittacine herpesvirus, but all were disease between aviaries on their work seems to have been done on wire and discussing a study of positive to polyomavirus, a highly shoes, clothes and implements (so this aspect of Mauritius wildlife, existing material from the contagious virus which only called fomite spread). Keepers yet the presence of introduced Mascarenes' Reference Collection affects the chicks. Typically, chicks should have no contact with Ringneck parakeets presents an with the Leeds Metal Reference may die at a young age or simply domestic poultry or other birds obvious disease threat to Echos. Laboratory. Andrew is also anxious to re- be very diffiClllt to rear, with outside their work and poultry Field research is conducted year repeated bacterial infections and must be excluded from the round on the wild population, so it examine the management records, poor growth rate. Also the results immediate environs of the aviary, would be quite easy for postmortem reports and material indicate that psittacine as poultry diseases are present on field workers to collect fresh faecal from previous years, particularly polyomavirus is present and active theisland. samples from wild Echos and as polyomavirus testing was not within the group, as it has been Despite the excellent results submit them for regular analyses. then available. Reviewing this passed from parents to offspring. achieved by the Ringnecks as The same could be done for material in the light of the current The facilities at Black River foster parents, the presence of Ringnecks if a regular feeding findings and with modern Aviaries are about to be greatly polyomavirus infection in this station or foraging area can be techniques could be extremely important to the success of the captive breeding programme for the Echo Parakeets. The World Parrot Trust is committed to pursuing its investigations into the cause of mortality among the captive population of Echo Parakeets. In Mauritius some of Andrew's recommendations have already been implemented and others are underway. The three remaining birds are well now, but the mysterious disease must be identified and eliminated before spring returns, bringing with it the possibility of additional losses. Veterinary science is pitted against a seasonal time bomb in the fight to help save the world's rarest parrot from .

TheWorldParrotTrustisgrateful toBritishAirwaysAssistingNature Conservationfor flyingAndrew GreenwoodtoMauritiustoconduct hisvital investigations.

Mauritius Landscape

3 TUBSTATUSAND CONSBRVATIONOF PARROTSIN TUBKINGDOMOFTONGA

By Dr. Dieter Rinke Carmosyna amabilis may also be have been colonized by Ship Rats. public breeding station on Tonga's close to this low number. The total number in Tonga may be main island Tongatapu. Since Captain Cook's voyages into In order to stop the continuing about 20,000 birds. The Red The parrots are held in two the tropical Pacific Ocean, the decline of birds in the Pacific lives on 'Eua, where large aviary complexes, each with a islands of the South Seas have region, the Brehm Fund for numbers are about 1,000. 110m2 aviary and six smaller fired the imagination of the International Bird Conservation 3000 years ago, a species of side-quarters, which have hollow Palangi (the white man), and until has started a programme for the and the trees for breeding. well into present days, the islands preservation of endangered birds. PhygissoIitarius, were present on In 1991, two pairs raised three between Hawaii, Tahiti, and The programme includes field 'Eua, and probably elsewhere in young Red Shinings, in 1992, five have not lost their attraction. surveys, captive breeding within Tonga, but have not survived the pairs laid 12 eggs, raising seven. But paradise has its dark sides, the region, translocations, and initial period after the arrival of The latter were transferred to humans. f too. As in other islands and education. Since 1989, we have (Vogelpark Walsrode, and I archipelagoes, islands in the focused on the conservation of The feathers of Red Shining Mallorca, the breeding station of tropical Pacific have suffered birds in the Kingdom of Tonga. Parrots are used to decorate mats the Vogelpark Walsrode), in order tremendous losses of their Negotiations are under way in since ancient times. Although to split the captive population for biodiversity since humans arrived. order to install similar projects in coloured chicken feathers are now security reasons. Since the "discovery" of other Pacific island nations. being used frequently, parrot By August 1993, eight pairs by Europeans, two species of Besides a comprehensive feathers are still highly prized. have already produced 22 eggs, 9 Cyanoramphus from the Society programme to preserve Tonga's Towards the end of the breeding of which have hatched so far. A islands, and numerous populations rarest bird, the megapode season, many young parrots can be few more females are examining of lorikeets from Polynesia Megapodiuspritchardii,our seen in the villages of 'Eua. They nest boxes, and we expect some have become extinct, and the New attention was drawn to two species are kept as pets for a while, but, more clutches, which consist of Caledonian Lorikeet ( ofparrots. owing to poor feeding, most of either two or three eggs. diadema) is almost certainly gone. Tonga has two species of then die, within half a year. Their Similar aviary complexes are Much greater, however, were parrots, the Blue-crowned Lorikeet feathers are then plucked, and, used to maintain and breed Blue- the losses of species and Vini austraIis and the Red Shining often, the birds are eaten. crowned Lorikeets.Sofar, we have populations after the arrival of Parrot Prosopeiatabuensis,the We collected such young raised two young lorikeets in 1992, Polynesians. Bones of two more latter was introduced from Fiji in captive parrots from the villages and two pairs are breeding at species of Vini (one named the pre-European times. Our surveys on 'Eua after two breeding present (August 1993). Lorikeets Conquered Lory, Vini vidivici, in found the lorikeets uncommon (on seasons, and also obtained some apparently need a different design order to "honour" the human uninhabited forested islands) to older birds in poor conditions. By of aviary, or may have to be kept superiority over nature), and a very abundant (on islands with this, we established a captive in pairs, because only one pair per species of from extensive plantations ), flock of more than 30 Red Shining aviarybred so far. Tonga have been discovered, and but absent from islands which Parrots, which are held in a partly The basic food for our lorikeets the beautiful Polynesian lorikeets, which are now restricted to few islands, have populated almost every Polynesian island. Hunting, the introduction of predators, and loss of habitat have been blamed for the and reductions in numbers of ~ Polynesian birds. New comparative studies have revealed that, at present, the Ship Rat Rattus rattus is the most important factor causing the decrease and extermination of parrots in Polynesia, while in Melanesia, habitat destruction has an adverse effect on many parrot species. Among the 20 most endangered parrots of the world (see "League table of endangered parrots" in PsittaScene 4/4),4 species from tropical Pacific islands should be listed: Ouvea Horned Parakeet comutus uveaensis,Henderson Island Lorikeet Vini stepheni, V. ultramarina, and Scarlet- Breasted Lorikeet V. kuhlii, all of which havepopulations of less than 2000. The Tahiti V.peruviana, the Kadavu Shining Parrot Prosopeiasplendens, and the Red-throated Lorikeet Authorfeedingtheparrots

4 Nestling of Red Shining Parrot at the age of 25 days. Nestling of Blue-crownedLorikeet, about 35 days old.

is a nectar solution (Bio-Tropic reproduce in captivity its highly Parrots are not threatened at the in most of the island groups. Lory Nectar and Nekton Lory), endangered congeners from East moment, large scale loss of habitat We plan to release captive-bred supplemented with pollen. The Polynesia. by loggingmay pose some Red Shinings on a remote volcano liquid is offered in half or Conservation programmes for problems in the future. in Tonga. This project will not only water melons, the pulp of which is endangered species are facing The establishment of forest guarantee the survival of these partly removed in order to form a numerous difficulties and may be reserves on inhabited islands takes gorgeous birds, but also provide bowl. In addition, a variety of fruit extremely expensive, once a a lot of effort and time, and is valuable data for future releases of (, sweetsop, rock melon, species has been reduced to very often unsuccessful with regards to captive-bred parrots into the wild. , and ) is given low numbers (for example: Puerto proper control. Part of the Detailed reports about both depending on availability. Rico Parrot, Echo Parakeet, solution to preserve endangered species, including colour photos, Blue-crowned Lorikeets are not Kakapo). The Brehm Fund, species in the Pacific would be to have been published in the threatened, but developing captive therefore, made it one of its rules establish populations on remote, AF.A WATCHBIRD(in English, vol. breeding techniques would be of to act before such a situation predator-free and inaccessible XX,no. 4) and in PAPAGEIEN(in value for future attempts to would arise. Although Red Shining islands. Such islands are available German, vol.5, no.4: and in press).

PARROTCONSERVATIONPolitics, poverty, deforestation, habitat loss. what can we do to help maintain wild populations of parrots around the world? ByRosemaryLow

Inlate 1991,aneconomicembargo the Hispaniolanconure Aratinga parakeetAprosmictusjonquil/aceus now rare in aviaries; the perfect wasdeclaredagainstthemilitary chloroptera. Oncecommon, both andthe IrislorikeetTrichoglossus lorikeet T. euteles,which was never governmentof Haiti,oneof the are on the decline. The Amazon is iris,bothofwhicharerarein rare and, in my opinion, never poorestnationsin theCaribbean shot for food, and nests are aviculture; the Edward's lorikeet truly appreciated. which,with theDominican robbed to sell chicks roadside, T.haematoduscapistratus,which If you lived on Timor and you Republic,formstheislandof perhaps to unsuspecting tourists was common in the 1970s and is had lost your possessions and Hispaniola.About 150,000jobs who are ignorant of international werelostwhenthis happened.As laws and local regulations which aresult,thepovertyof the makes this illegal. If you did not peasantsis soacutethat many know where your next meal was havesoldtheir fewpossessions coming from, you might also shoot just to buy food.Nowthereis only a parrot for food or rob a nest for onewayleft to survive:to cut money to buy a meager meal. downtreesto makecharcoalto Halfway across the world, in sellin themarket.In someareas, Indonesia, is another island notreessurvive,sorootsareused divided into two politically: Timor, instead.Deforestationresultsin in the Lesser Sundas. In 1975, East erosion,lessrain,fewercrops-and Timor (the Portuguese part which famine.Deforestationresults extends to more than 7,300 square inevitablyin thedecline,thenthe miles)was invaded by troops from localextinction,andfinally the Indonesia who ruled the western globalextinction,offorest-dwelling part. Furious resistance from the species.Parrotsareespecially people of Portuguese Timor vulnerable. resulted in 150,000(one quarter of their population) being Politics and Poverty slaughtered. Several parrot species On Hispaniola, there are two are endemic to Timor or are found parrot species: the Hispaniolan also only on a couple of small AmazonAmazonaventralisand islands: the Timor crimson-winged Hispaniola Amazon. Photo:Rosemary Low.

5 perhaps most of your family during the oppression, if cutting down a few trees to trapping a few parrots was the only way in which you could eke out a meager living, you probably would do it too. Deforestation in the has been especially severe. This fact, and the high rate of trapping and eJ\.'Portof the parvula sub-species of the Lesser Sulphur- crested Cockatoo, has resulted in it being classified as endangered. For a decade or more, it was the most commonly exported cockatoo; most parrot keepers would have greeted with incredulity the suggestion that it soon would be endangered. I haveused just two examples from areas of the tropics that once were rich in parrots but that have been torn by political strife. Wars, ,; Iris Lorikeets and their youngster, all bred by Rosemary Low. famine and poverty prevail in may parts of the world; conservation is an expensive luJ\.'Urywhere people risk of predation: their growth rate of Lear's macawAnodorhynchus proved unsuitable for breeding. i are starving or dying violent is poor because they receive less lear! estimated at 65 birds, is Denied the company of their own deaths. The sad fact is that so food, and fewer young fledge than struggling for survival. Like many species during the formative many bird species are now did formerly. parrots, it has specific food months, they (especially the males) threatened with extinction that In the tropics, natural requirements; there may not be may have failed to learn behaviour there never will be the resources vegetation has been destroyed to enough to support a larger typical of their own species, or the personnel to save them all; make way for sugar cane and population. without which they cannot breed. plantations. On islands, Or the species proved difficult to in the past year>or so, the figure of No Easy Solutions one third of all parrot species has however, parrots are pushed to breed and, at this moment, is in been widely quoted. The fact is, ever-dwindling areas as the human The above does not make happy danger of dying out. In Europe, however, that the status of many populations increase. On some reading. The last one or two certain groups have suddenly been decades have seen crises of parrot species is not known. The Caribbean islands, parrots exist alerted to this fact and EEPs situation may be worse than that. only in mountainous areas as previously unknown proportions (concerted breeding programs for among parrot populations. No easy one endangered species usually HabitatDestruction small as I percent of their original range (Puerto Rico, for instance). solutions exist. A number of initiated by , in which private A combination of factors has On tiny Pacific atolls, there may be underlying factors may be involved aviculturists are invited to caused the decline of most species, nowhere for them to go except in the endangerment of species. participate) are being born at an with habitat destruction and plantations that have been sprayed These are usually not well encouraging rate. trapping for local trade, export or with pesticides or where they are understood until field studies have You might have heard these food being the principal causes. shot as pests. been made. Only then can one begin words before, but at this point in However, not only in Third World On Mauritius, the population of to address the problems. However, time we really are at the countries are parrots threatened. the Echo Parakeet or Mauritius the scale of parrot declines and, crossroads where the fate of many In the wheat belt of Western Parakeet echo,the rarest world-wide, the urgent threats to parrots species can be saved. the survival of thousands of other , fragmentation of parrot in the world, has been What Can You Do? habitat, small "islands" of forest below 20 since 1978, if not longer. species of flora and fauna, mean within thousands of acres of The destruction of native that for only a small percentage will So far from the scenes of these cultivation, means that the white- vegetation causes its decline. it be possible to stave off eJ\.1:inction. crises, what can we do about the situation.? It is almost too late to tailed black cockatoos Biologists have worked for more In many cases, this is best done by ""01 Calyptorhynchusfunereus baudinii than a decade to try to save it and protecting entire habitats, rather promote the sale of only captive- haveto fly so far to find enough the other endangered birds on this than embarking on very expensive raised parrots. The fact that most food that chicks remain untended Indian Ocean island. In northwest programs to save a single species, as airlines are now refusing to carry ,. in the nest for hours, incurring the Brazil, the only known population occurred in the case of the Puerto wild-caught birds means that soon Ricanparrot Amazona vittata. or already the choice between wild- But, surely, many readers will caught and domestic will not exist. exclaim, most parrot species can But all those who breed parrots be saved through captive breeding. must act responsibly and in the Some will continue to survive in best interests of the species. A aviculture long after they are proportion of young must be extinct in the wild. But a few reared for breeding purposes - this generations of domestication, or means either parent-raising or the very act of hand-raising, bring keeping them with their own about changes in their behaviour species until they are old enough which render them unsuitable for to breed. Alternatively, they can "reintroduction" (The correct term cooperate with other breeders of for the release into its former the same species to sell unrelated habitat for an animal that is sexed pairs as soon as they are extinct in the wild is "restocking"). weaned. The advent of Alas, a number of parrot chromosome sexing and DNA species have become rare in sexing makes this possible. aviculture after their eJ\.'Port Secondly, everyone who makes ceased. This indicated that without money from their birds, and all coordinated breeding programs, others who can afford it or who many will not be established in can embark on fund-raising captivity. Too many h~ve been sold ventures, should donate to parrot conservation projects. LesserSulphur-crestedCockatoo- once commonly imported, now infrequently bred. as pets, or hand-reared and later

6 STOPTUE TRADE IN PARROT CUICKS!

ByRosemaryLow stress.Therearesomanychanges insensitiveanduncaringowners. cherishedcompanion.Purchaseof - food,environmentandthe Sellingunweanedparrotchicks food,cageandotheritems,would Theincrease in thenumberof peoplehandlingthem.Onaoneto to pet shopsor specialistoutletsis benefitthe pet industryfor years parrotsin captivityseemsto be onebasis,in thehandsof a caring big businessin theUSAThereare to come,to saynothingof the bringingnewproblemseveryyear. person,theywill quicklyovercome manybreederstherewhohave pleasureits ownerwouldhave Parrotbreedersusedto beparrot this. Butwhereindividualand neverweaneda chickin their lives! experienced.Instead,its younglife lovers.Nowit seemsthereare expectattentionis not available, This seemsto beinevitablewhere wascut short astheresultof the somewhocarelittle for thebirds theywill bestressedandtheywill mass-productionis involved.And breederwantingbiggerprofits. theybreed.Profitis their only beat their mostvulnerable.An with thegradualphasingout there This is just anotherexampleof motive.HowelsecanoneeA'Plain infectionor viruspresentinjust of importedwild-caughtbirds,this whata friend of minedescribesas adisturbingtrend,broughtto my onememberof agroupof young practiceis likely to increase. "the avicultureslavetrade".If you attentionby oneof our members parrotscanspreadrapidly.The Indeed,it is normalpractice. area responsiblebreederor a in theNetherlands?Sheappealed chicksmaydiein the shop.Orthey However,the situationin theUSA caringpotentialpurchaser,you to me:pleasecanyoudo maydie soonafterpurchaseby an differs in that therearemany will not beinvolved. somethingto try to discouragethe unsuspectingbuyerwhocannot avianspecialistveterinarians,for Large-scalebreeders,however, saleof parrot chicksin pet shops. recognisesignsof ill health. whomparrotsmakeup the largest will beunmovedby this plea.It Shetold metheyarebeingsold Whydobreederssellchicksso part of their practice.In recent wouldbeimpossiblytime- in shopswhosestaff lackthe young?Thereasonis simple:they yearsmanyhavegainedmuch consumingto weanall theyoung experienceto look afterthem, removethemfrom thenest knowledgein thefield of theyproduce.Sowhatarethe especiallyif theyshouldbecome becausehand-rearedyoungare paediatrics(careof chicks).The alternatives?Theycanpay sick. Theyareunawareof the tameandhavea highervalue. retailerswhobuylargenumbersof experiencedpeopleto weanthem problemswhichcanariseandare However,weaningthemis time- parrot chicksusuallyworkclosely andprobablyalsosellthem.This totallyunqualifiedto advisethe consumingand,for the with aveterinarian.Someof them will not appealto manyasit will generalpublic. Theysellaparrot inexperienced,alsodifficult. Sold buy onlyfrom onesource.Both reducetheir profit. Ortheycould chickwith abigbagof food,as at a fewweekstheycanearnas thesepracticesgreatlylessenthe let the parentsreartheyoung, thoughit weregoldfish or a muchmoneyaswhen diseaserisk. Bewarned,therefore, then sellthemto discerning guineapig.Butaswe,unlikethe independent.Thosewhobuythem that breedersin Europecannot breedersor thosewhoenjoythe public,areaware,it is a helpless for resale,convinceprospective copytheAmericanpracticeand challengeof tamingaparrot.There andvulnerablecreaturewhose purchasersthat to havea really expectarelativelyhigh success aretwo disadvantages:themarket rearingneedsto beaccomplished tamebird whichis "bonded"to rate. is reducedandin somecasesthe by anexperiencedperson.There them,theymustcompleteits Thedeathof parrot chickssold birdswill not nestagain,therefore aresomanypitfalls for the rearing.Thisis untrue!In fact,in at theageof a fewweekswill have the numberof youngproduced inexperienced.Aviculturistswith manyinstances,youngparrots a harmfuleffecton thepet maybegreatlyreduced. problemscanturn to other whichmayhavebeenrearedby industryandonaviculture.If you It is not thebreederwhowill breedersor avianveterinarians.A their parentsandleft with them hadjust spenta largesumof put anendto this practice,I fear. memberof thepublicwhobuysa until theyareindependent,then moneyona veryyoungparrot It is not likely to bethepurchaser. parrotchickin this mannerwill kept asapet becomejust astame whichdiedafter a shorttime,you Howcanwereachthesepeople referto theshopfor advice, ashand-rearedbirds.Somuch wouldnot bein ahurry to repeat whensomanypurchasesaremade unawarethat theyneedthehelpof dependsonthe personwhois the exercise.In all probability,you onimpulse?TheonlysolutionI aspecialist. caringfor it. If the owneris wouldneveragainconsiderbuying canseeis to makeit illegalto sell Lackof expertiseis onereason sensitiveandlovingandableto a parrot.Thesamechick, unweanedparrot chicksacrossthe whymortalityamongchickssold understandthebird's needs,it will purchasedweaned,perhapssix or counterof a pet shop.At leastthis in this mannermustbe flourish.Manywonderfulhand- sevenweekslater,wouldhavethe wouldput anendto impulse unnecessarilyhigh. Butthereis rearedparrotshavebeenruinedby potentialto bealife-long, buying. anotherreason.In recentyears large-scaleimportationsof parrots from all cornersof thetropics haveresultedin anincreasing numberof diseaseswhichaffect parrotsbeingintroducedinto aviculture.In veryyoungparrots theimmunesystemis not developed;theyareextremely vulnerableto disease.In thesame waythat responsibleownersof puppiesdonot exposetheir pets to otherdogsuntil theyareold enoughto bevaccinated,young parrotsshouldnot beeA'Posedto othersfrom differentsources. Whathappenswhenpet shops buyparrotsfrom varioussources is thattheyoungbirdsareeA'Posed tovirusesandbacterialinfections to whichtheyhavenoresistance. In theenvironmentin whichthey werehatchedtheyarebetterable to cope,athoughsomewill succumb.Butmovingchicksto a newlocationbeforetheyare independent,causesthemmuch Chicksof specieswhich are fXJpularaspets,such as the Umbrella Cockatoo,are mOstlikely to bevictims of being sold before weaning.

7 RESEAKCU AND BREEDING Report from Birds International Inc.,

DearFriends and Colleagues, Lorikeet (Glossopsittaconcinna) (believed to be a world first) that tropical environment of the and the MountApo Lorikeet has been particularly pleasing to Centre, especially the Indonesian It is with pleasure that the (Trichoglossusjohnstoniae). everyone connected with the species. One of the highest Research and Breeding Centre that The Scaly-BreastedLorikeet species, was the Centre's first priorities of the is the Red- is operated by Birds International, (Trichoglossuschlorolepidotus)was breeding of the Guaiabero Parrot Vented Cockatoo. As an endemic Inc., is publishing this, its first one other species which bred for (Bolbopsittacuslunulatus). This species of the Philippines, this bird regular Newsletter. It is now hoped the first time in 1993, the first species has proved to date almost has long received close attention that this format can be continued chick hatched proved to be a impossible to establish in captivity from the Centre and captive with two (2) Newsletters appearing double surprise for not only was it on the few occasions that it has breeding continues to.be each year in the months of June the Centre's first successfully been seen in aviculture outside the successfully achieved. The young and December. reared chick of this species, but it Philippines, and even given the birds produced by the Centre will It seems a natural place to start also proved to be a Cinnamon Centre's perfect climatic become increasingly important in by looking at some of th~ more Mutation. conditions and abundant supplies aiding the current European and important breeding successes that The Fig Parrots are following of natural food items, the North American populations of have taken place during the first their 1992 successes with even Guaiabero has proved to be one of this species, if they are to become part of 1993, from January until greater consistency in 1993. At the the most difficult of all psittacines sustainable. The Red-Vented June. One group of the psittacines beginning of the current year a to be established into a captive Cockatoo is one species which BlI which have received much great emphasis has been placed population. Now that a number of has initiated an international stud- attention in recent years at the upon producing parent reared Fig pairs have become established into book for, anyone keeping this Centre are the . The Parrots, previously it had been a captive lifestyle at the Centre species is asked to contact the completion of a new facility in late easier and more productive to and now that the first chick has offices of BIl to gain more 1992 increased the breeding hand rear the chicks. Following been successfully reared, it is information on participation. accommodation available for these extensive research and the hoped that this success can be Perhaps the one species for birds at the Centre by an provision of accommodation and built upon with more success which the Research and Breeding additional 100 breeding cages. dietary guidelines, large scale being anticipated before the end of Centre, and Bll in general, has Nineteen types have been bred parent rearing is now being the year. The initial breeding pair become internationally know for during the first six months of successfully achieved with all have already laid, and currently its breeding, is of the Spix's Macaw 1993, many for the first time. three species are incubating their second clutch (Cyanopsitta spixii). It is with great Some of the more important (Edward's, Salvadori's and ofeggs. pleasure that the Centre can successes include the Rajah Lory Desmarest's) and also with the Another pleasing first breeding formally announce the successful (Chalcopsittaa.insignis), Cardinal Double-EyedFigParrot (Opopsitta which has taken much time and rearing of four Spix's Macaw Lory(Chalcopsittacardinalis),Red diophthalma). The remaining patience before success has been chicks so far in the current 1993 andBlueLory(Eoshistrio),Black- species, the Orange-breasted Fig achieved was the initial breeding season, and the possibility of a WingedLory(Eoscyanogenia),Obi Parrot (Opopsittagulielmitereti) is of the Great-Billed Parrot further clutch of eggs is by no Lory(Eossquamataobiensis), currently the subject of much ( magalorhynchos). means out of the question before Black-CappedLory( concentrated effort at the Centre The successful pairing of this the end of the year. The Hyacinth chlorocercus),Purple-NapedLory and successful breeding is species has been established at the Macaw also has continued its (Loriusdomicellus),Yellow-Bibbed anticipated in the near future. Centre for six years before the first record of success at the Centre, as Lory(Loriuschlorocercus),Musk One first breeding success eggs were laid in the current have a large number of other season. The two resulting chicks Macaw, Conure and Amazon were both reared in the Nursery species. The Amazons and some of Department after initially spending their closer relatives such as the their first two weeks being Pionus and Hawk-Headed Parrot naturally reared by their parents. (Deroptynus accipitrinus) generally Two other Tanygnathus species, initiate breeding slightly later in the Blue-Naped Parrot the season than Asian, Australian (Tanygnathus lucionenis) and the and African species at the Centre. Blue-Backed Parrot (Tanygnathus Although the Centre already has sumatranus) also continued their many chicks from this genus, a record of consistent breeding at complete description of their the Centre which has been breeding will, however, be left sustained now for several years. until the December 1993 The Racket-Tailed Parrots Newsletter. (genusPrioniturus) are currently Continuing improvements and considered to be among the building work at the Centre has highest priorities of the Research included new, more seclusive and Breeding Centre. The most accommodation for Palm successful species to date has been Cockatoos (Proboscigeraterrimus) the Blue-Crowned Racket-Tailed and a new development of aviaries Parrot (Prioniturus discurus)which to enlarge the Centre's collection is now breeding consistently with of Asian species. The young birds having been are another subject successfully reared by both group that are currently receiving artificial and parent rearing much attention at the Centre, methods. again, a description of the Centre's The WhiteCockatoos (genus Hornbill collection and research Cacatua)that are maintained at work into their reproductive the Centre continue to prove to be biology is scheduled for a future extremely prolific given the issue of this Newsletter. EdwardsFig Parrots (psittaculirostns edwardsii).

8 out by the Research and Breeding CAlL FOR PARTICIPATION IN Centre on Endemic Philippine FORMING INTERNATIONAL psittacines can be expanded to STUD-BOOKSFOR PHIIJPPINE include further species of Racket- ENDEMICBIRDS. Tailed Parrots. Currently, these BII,in collaboration with the species with the collaboration of Philippine government's Protected the Philippine's Protected Areas Areas and Wildlife Bureau (PAWB), and Wildlife Bureau (PAWB).Also, has now formally established as will be described later, several international stud-books to record international stud-books have been and review the status of the established at the Centre to following endemic Philippines monitor the status and current species. Forms of participation are work being undertaken with some currently being prepared and will of the Philippine endemic species. be sent to anyone wishing to join Of the other projects that BIIis in with the project. These stud- involved in, perhaps the most books will play an important role important is the Centre's on going in assessing the future work with the Spix's Macaw. At a conservation management of the meeting of the Spix's Macaw birds listed not only in aviculture Recovery Group that took place in but in assessing the priorities for Brazil during the latter part of increased field study and land 1992, the importance of trying to management conservation of Spix'sMacaw at SaoPaulo Zoo. release at least one captive-bred to remaining wild populations as join the single remaining wild bird, well. It is hoped that aviculturists Amongst construction work future breeding stock are handled was universally realized and will recognise the importance of currently being carried out is a and fed in such a way that human supported. Currently, final these stud-books and will contact new additional building for the contact can be minimized and, negotiations are being carried out the address given at the bottom to weaning and conditioning of the whenever possible, these birds are in regards to BIIdonating one of register their birds of the following Centre's hand-reared birds. From familiarized with other birds of the Centre's captive-bred birds to species: the start of 1993 much more be flown back to Brazil for this their own species as soon as Red-Vented Cockatoo detailed attention has been given possible in the rearing process. purpose. The BIIbird is a female, -Cacatua haematuropygia to the conditioning of hand-reared Once weaned they are then as it is believed that the remaining Blue-NapedParrot birds produced by the Centre to accommodated in large communal wild bird is a Male. Once all the prepare them for the future flight aviaries where they mix and details have been finalized, the - Tanygnathus lucionensis Blue-BackedParrot lifestyle that the bird will lead interact with the other birds and, female will be flown from the once it leaves the Centre. Many of at the same time, strengthen and Philippines to Brazil where they - Tanygnathus sumatranus the more commonly known pet develop their flight muscles and will spend a period of time in M. Apo Lorikeet species such as some of the improve their general level of quarantine and acclimitization - Trichoglossusjohnstonaie Amazons, Cockatoos, African . before eventual release into the Philippine Greys and Pionus which are being As already mentioned, the wild. . Loriculus philippensis reared to provide pet birds for Philippines' own endemic birds are The progress of this bird and Blue-Crowned Racket-Tailed Parrot domestic situations, now receive given an extremely high priority by its proposed release into the . Prioniturus discurus much greater attention from an the Centre. Successful breeding is nature will be further followed in PalawanRacket-Tailed Parrot early age in regards to their taming being achieved with the future editions of this Newsletter, - Prioniturus platenae and familiarization, voice training, Red-Vented Cockatoo (Cacatua as will the breeding results and Green Racket-Tailed Parrot hand perching and general haematuropygia), Blue-Naped events at the Research and . Prioniturus luconensis handling. Other species which are Parrot (Tanygnathus lucionensis), Breeding Centre. It is hoped that Sulu Racket-Tailed Parrot this Newsletter will be received being hand-reared to provide BlueBackedParrot (Tanygnathus . Prioniturus verticalis future breeding stock, particularly sumatranus), Mt. Apo Lorikeet with interest by our colleagues and Mountain Racket-Tailed Parrot that closer cooperation in the endangered species which are (Trichoglossusjohnstoniae), - Prioniturus montanus management of jointly held being hand-reared receive a Philippine Hanging Parrot Mindanao Racket-Tailed Parrot completely different format of endangered species can follow in (Loriculusphilippensis),Blue- - Prioniturus waterstradti Nursery care, which is designed to Crowned Racket-Tailed Parrot cases where this is needed. We help eliminate the risk of (Prioniturus discurus) and now the welcome correspondents from (NOTE: Although the Tanygnathus imprinting and to encourage Guaiabero (Bolbopsittacus other avicultural collections species listed above are not strictly natural behaviour. Such birds lunulatus) as well.It is hoped that working with any of the species endemic to the Philippines islands, which are being reared to provide the work currently being carried mentioned in the Newsletter and it is felt that their populations believe that there are many species within the Philippines are key to such as the Fig Parrots, Lories, the species overall survival and so and Tanygnathus where they have been included within the our captive breeding programs, group of birds covered by this based upon a sustainable number initiative). of bloodlines, could prove to be of Any aviculturists that would be great importance to Western willing to join the stud-books for avicultural populations of these the species listed above, should species if they are to be self contact the office of BIIat the sustaining and viable in their long address given below: term future. We hope to review Stud-book Administrator, Birds some of the Centre's work with International,Inc.-Research and specific groups of birds in more Breeding Centre (BII) detail in future editions of the 99 Timog Avenue, Diliman, Newsletter. Quezon City, Philippines Tel: (632) 965-222/(632) 923-0430

Hawk-headedParrot at ParadisePark.

9 AUSTRALIA BENELUX

Australian National Aviculture Press release on how Smuggling Convention of rare cockatoos discredits bona The Aviculture Federation of fide breeders. tNTBRNATI 0 NAL Australia, as the co-ordinating April 27, 1993. The World Parrot body for aviculture and bird- Trust Benelux and the keeping in Australia, has organisations of breeders Onze NEWSROUND-UPannounced details of the Seventh Parkieten, Pakara and National Aviculture convention to Parkietensocieteit disassociate be in Melbourne, the of themselves energetically from the Victoria, from 11-14 March 1994. illegal import of eggs or chicks of Some of Australia's leading rare Australian cockatoos. In an aviculturists - including Jim Gill unacceptable way the more than "Avian Veterinarian"; Carl Roberts 20,000 bona fide breeders in the "Finches"; Syd Smith "Parrots"; Benelux are brought into discredit Stan Sindel "Parrots and again by smuggling activities. Bowerbirds": Ken Weeks Since three years rare "" and Ross Weber Australian cockatoos, including "Pheasants and Waterfowl" will Redtailed Black Cockatoos, are popping up at several breeders. speak at the convention. They will The birds are equipped with a be supported by four English closed legring as proof of being ~ aviculturists - Mike Fidler, Bill bred in captivity. However, these paynter, Mike Reynolds and John kind of birds have not or very Stoodley. seldom been bred in Europe. So The Third National Avicultural there is a reason to view the Convention, held in Melbourne in coming parrots with a certain 1985, was hailed as a "friendly mistrust. The World Parrot Trust convention" and the 1994 suspects that the eggs or chicks convention promises to live up to have been imported illegally, that well deserved reputation. despite the high degree of There is only one way to find out protection from the Australian the truth of this claim, yes, to visit government. Then the birds are Australia - a country of great hand-raised, equipped with rings beauty, fascinating birds - and and sold at very high prices. interesting aviculturists. Our organisation to protect The 1994 venue is the parrots, together with three Ringwood Performing Arts and national organisations of breeders, Convention Centre in Melbourne's disapproves and wants to make a leafy eastern suburbs. As stand against these evil practices. Australian conventions attract Such behaviour does not benefit about 350 delegates all the protection of the birds in any participants have the opportunity way and will not be tolerated by of getting to know a wide range of members of WPI. interesting people - from far and The Australian government is wide - in the atmosphere of the lawful owner of the cockatoos. aviculture fellowship. Therefore she has to be involved in Rosemary Low, editor of decisions regarding the future of PsittaScene, recalls with great these birds. WPT pleads the affection her first visit to following options: re-introduction Australia for the 1989 convention supervised by experts if possible, in Adelaide, South Australia, when or placement with bona fide zoos she was one of the overseas and breeders. The last option speakers. Among the things based on breeding-loan to exclude Rosemary vividly remembers are - any financial profit. the commitment of Australian The World Parrot Trust, aviculturists, the smoothly run supported by the organisation of breeders mentioned, offers all convention, the variety of lectures possible help to secure the care of presented, the friendliness of the these rare parrots. In this way WPT delegates and speakers, and the hopes that the confiscated birds thrill of seeing native Australian will not prove to be the losers at birds in the wild. the end. For further information and a registration form contact: Latest Developments John Hince, Publicity Officer, Some of the accused have "Donnybrook", Piper's Creek Road, threatened in public to free Kyneton,Victoria3444, Australia; confiscated birds at all costs. phone(054)223364 There have been some attempts to break into aviaries in order to find Graeme Hyde the hiding place of the parrots. Editor, Australian Aviculture (The market value have been estimated at Of!. 1.5 mio.). Up till now without any success. For this reason zoos and breeders are reluctant to house the parrots. One of the accused demanded

10 in court an arrangement to visit The list of extinct by rats or die from the damage transmitters. An abstract of the his confiscated birds. The judge and populations is much longer, in they suffer during their capture. proposal is set out below. We look refused to allow such arrangement fact, the yellow-shouldered parrot In addition to the factors forward to reporting on the results because he was of the opinion that (one of the seven species of the already mentioned, the Blue- of this research in a future edition the Dutch government took care of genus Amazona with the highest crowned Conure is also being of PsittaScene. the birds in a proper way and that risk of extinction), became extinct affected by habitat destruction. sale of the birds abroad was not in Aruba in 1947, and a similar Many zones of its home range and ProjectProposal possible because the public story probably took place in feeding sites are being cleared by The ecology and status of the Cape prosecutor had no permission to Curacao and in the oriental portion sand mining and by the current Parrot Poicephalusr. robustus doso. of Margarita Island. accelerated construction of (Gmelin) in South Africa Dutch police are now Currently, this parrot only touristic villas. Abstract investigating in Australia to survives in a few isolated patches The case of the Blue-crowned Cape or brown-necked parrots obtain further evidence. along the Venezuelan coast on the Conure requires additional Poicephalus r. robustusare listed Next session of the court is on Island of Margarita, La Blanquilla research, and urgent action must as vulnerable in the South African October 5, 1993. and Bonaire. Our studies have be taken to stop the factors that Red Data Book for birds (Brooke estimated populations of only 80 have been detected and quantified. 1984) and their numbers are birds on La Blanquilla and around Unfortunately, the fact of having a declining. This decline is National Park that includes all its CARIBBEAN 800 on Margarita. attributed mainly to illegal The main threat to this species reproductive area has not collecting, shooting by nut farmers is the capture of fledglings for contributed significantly to its and destruction of their forest PROVITA Nurtures Endangered conservation. In some cases we habitat. The nominate race is Fledgling Parrots Confiscated commercial purposes. In fact, most of the juveniles are taken by have even observed harassment by confined to South Africa and only from Smugglers. tourists and boatmen that increase smugglers before they are able to breeds in a narrow belt of mixed by Franklin Rojas-Suarez pressure on this species. fly, using methods that are cruel Podocarpusforest from the north- The Yellow-shouldered Parrot eastern Transvaal south to the In October 1992, under the hot sun and destructive. Fledglings are and the Blue-crowned Conure are of the arid zone of Macanao eastern Cape Province, between taken from nests using metal facing severe extinction threats. (Margarita Island), we witnessed an 1O00-1800m as!. Little is known of hooks or bromeliad leaves, We invite your help. event of great beauty: seven frequently killing them. Nests are the parrots, particularly their Yellow-shouldered Parrots Franklin Rojas-Suarez is breeding and feeding habits, also damaged, as tree-holes are cut Technical Director of PROVITA. Amazona barbadensisthat we kept despite their large size (+300g) and up with axes and machetes to give Donations can be made to vociferous nature. There is also in captivity since they were very access to the fledglings, often PROVITAaccount at: evidence to suggest that the young were liberated into their destroying the nesting holes Banco de Venezuela International natural habitat. forever. subspecies P. r. robustusis a valid These birds were confiscated 500 Park Avenue, 8th Floor species though a full investigation These factors are magnified in New York, NY 10022 from smugglers two or three years including examination of DNA is the very small population that Account No. 251-333423 required. The aims of this study ago when they were just a few survives in La Blanquilla, where Our postal address is: Apartado will be to establish the breeding days old, and kept by our team in almost all of the fledglings are Postal 47552, Caracas 1O41-A, requirements and feeding habits of large cages located in their natural captured every year. habitat, away from human Venezuela. Cape parrots in Natal (province), About 20 parrots have been Please feel free to contact us and to conduct a census of the disturbance. Now, after a detailed confiscated from smugglers and medical examination that indicated for any additional information you remaining populations of this given to PROVITA.They are kept in the good health of the birds, a may require. subspecies in South Africa. A large cages located in their wild group was liberated provided with mathematical model, based on radio-collars. These transmitters habitat until they reach adult age features of the forest identified as and are then liberated. will allow us to monitor the important to parrot occupation, The case of Margarita's Blue- SOUT" AFRICA process of adaptation of the wild will be developed to determine population. crowned Conure Aratinga whether current areas lacking Caribbean islands are known acuticoudata is more serious. Only parrots are suitable for reintroductions. Once this for their beautiful parrot species, 180 individuals survive in the wild, The World Parrot Trust is pleased most of them endemic. and the total reproductive success to support the Cape Parrot Project information is available, a Nevertheless, many of them are (birds that reach flying age) is which is being organised by Olaf conservation plan for the Cape either extinct or under severe practically nil: 89% of the Wirminghaus of the Department of parrot can be drawn up with the collaboration of conservation danger of extinction. Among the fledglings are taken by smugglers Zoology and Entomology at the extinct species, are seven macaws, at an average age of 16.74 days, University of Natal. £500 has been bodies. four parakeets and three parrots. and the remaining 11% are eaten donated by the Trust to pay for

The Yellow-shoulderedAmazon (Amazona barbadensis)and its habitat. P. robustus Photo:Rosemary Low

11 We would like to bring to our readers' attention to a quarterly publication called 'The Shape of Enrichment'. This includes some ideas relevant to parrots, but will be of value to anyone keeping any animal. The subscription is $8 per calendar year, but it must be paid in USfunds only, drawn on a US bank. Write to: THE SHAPEOF ENRICHMENT,1650 Minden Drive, San Diego CA 92111- 7124, USA The following short article is re-published from 'The Shape of Enrichment'.

TUE VALUE OF ENRICUMENT By Peter Ryan, Primate Keeper, Edinburgh Zoo, Scotland

How do we "care" for animals? schedule, then perhaps the wrong Enrichment is all about Perhaps by analyzing ourselves as system is in operation. What do we animals. It is caring for them as animal keepers or zoo managers, really think our jobs are about? mentally and physically well as we can_decide what we expect of Are we muck shovelers who care, possible. Unfortunately for the the job and what we are expected affectionately perhaps, for our animals, enrichment has to start to offer the animals. The term animals, or are we "habitat with us, the workers at the zoo. "animal carer" is an ambiguous controllers" who show their care Our responsibility is not only to one. What exactly are we caring and interest by developing the animals we look after. We must about? enriching enclosures and feeding surely have a responsibility to all Take, for example, a pet bird in regimes? It is my belief that a captive animals. We can, with real a cage on its own. Perhaps it never change in the way we perceive tact, encourage others to catch the leaves its small cage and perhaps, ourselves changes the way we enrichment "bug". Think about through ignorance, it is fed a poor work, as well as the content of that how we first became interested in or improper diet and lives in a work. enrichment. If it was through stressful environment. Enrichment is a good example publications, we can pass them on; Now, this bird may be loved by of how establisments can work if it was by seeing something, we its owner, its owner may "care" together and how we can learn can talk about it to other keepers. very much about the pet and from each other. It is surely the Many students who have no eventually, sadly, grieve its death - one area where keepers can play idea of zoo management or but was that animal really cared the leading role, next to the keeping routines and about? animals of course, regardless of responsibilities have come to Surely this applies to our their position. The beauty of it is Edinburgh Zoo and contributed eJo.:periencein zoos and our that ideas are free, whether we ideas for animals, such as feeding attitudes towards enrichment. adopt them from other devices. It is possible to Most keepers "care" deeply about institutions. There is nothing incorporate these ideas and ideas their animals. The point is that, wrong with utilizing the ideas of from other sources into general while we are busy caring about our others, but surely wrong when we husbandry and day-to-day animals, we may not care for them refuse to even try these new routines. More and more keepers properly, by using enrichment enrichment ideas. are doing this and finding it an techniques. People are often reluctant to interesting and rewarding part of Do managers make it easy change. This is understandable. their jobs. enough for workers to develop When an establishment starts Perhaps we should ask new ideas for the benefit of their enrichment programs and sees ourselves, why we are keepers? animals? Are workers keen enough them as beneficial, it almost seems Maybe our reasons will be better to develop new ideas or try ones like an admission that animals are served if our animals are being suggested by managers and staff? now cared for where they once enriched. Luckily, no matter how If well-set routines are too strict to were not. Some proud people may many times an idea has been done allowany have a problem dealing with this. before - or, indeed, where it was deviation The fact is that most of our thought up - that idea will be new fromthe collective knowledge and and exciting to every animal that day's understanding of animals comes gets it for the first time. from other people's work and success. No one establishment can discover everything. If we can so easily adopt ideas from predecessors, why do some of us have a problem adopting and implementing enrichment ideas FOR SPA CB from contemporaries? Has enrichment raised a question that some of us want to shy REASONS, away from? If we are now being told WE UAVB that we are not caring for our animals properly unless we 0 MlITB D employ enrichment techniques, does that mean we have not been TUB LIST OF looking after our animals properly up until now? Surely STUD BOO KS enrichment can be viewed as a development, and not as a FROM TUIS change. We can't afford to be hung up on how it might look if we change our ISSUE husbandry techniques or on how we thought we were doing okay until now.

12 TUE WORLD PARKOT TRUST GALLERY

0 FEND AN GE RE D PARK OTS By Rosemary Low No.2 Uvaean Parakeet (Eunymphicuscornutusuvaeensis)

felled and this striking parakeet survives in an nowhere else outside the Pacific region) - a In the second draft of Parrots, An area no more (and probably less) than 4 or Skm Action Plan for their Conservation: number which is probably in the region of 20. (2 1/2to 3 miles) in length. Unlike the Horned Parakeet, which is now well 1993-1998, produced this year by ICEP, The truth is that little is known about established in Europe, this sub-species proved 17 species are listed as being critically surviving habitat or numbers. The delicate very difficult to breed. This is not altogether endangered. The plight of some of these political situation on the island makes it unexpected with island endemics which have a species, such as Spix's Macaw, Imperial impossible for ornithologists to visit Ouvea. Its very small range and are probably highly in-bred. and Puerto Rican Amazons and Kakapo suggested population of 200 birds is not based This striking parakeet measures about 32cm are very well known. Many, perhaps on recent study. This may be an over-estimate. (12 1/2in). In plumage male and female are alike, In the late 1930s when forests extended over although the female may be slightly smaller. Like most, people will not be familiar with most of the island its numbers were believed to the names of some of the others on the the closelyrelated Kakarikis(Cyanoramphus) be in the region of 1,000. they are highly active, agile birds, swift in flight. list. The names of others are known but A long-standing threat to its survival has The long feathers which form the crest are used the fact that they are very seriously been the fact that local people take chicks in the courtship display. They bow their heads endangered is not. In the coming issues whenever they find nests, as the beauty of this and the crest feathers fall forward. The Uvaean we will present a series of short items parakeet makes it a popular cage-bird on the and the Horned are the world's only crested to highlight these birds. island. The number of Uvean Parakeets which parakeets. Highly distinctive and extremely have been exported from the Pacific is very beautiful, the Uvaean is considered to be small, thus the species is virtually unknown in critically endangered. Unlike most other species To which parrot does the doubtful distinction captivity. However, in 1980 permission was given in this category, nothing has yet been done to aid belong of having the smallest range? It is to export three pairs which were bred on the its survival. It has been suggested that captive difficult to answer this question with absolute neighbouring island of New Caledonia. Probably breeding should be carried out at the Parc certainty but one of the close contenders is the a few wild-caught birds have left the island Forestiere on New Caledonia, where the Kagou (a Uvaean Parakeet. It is found only on the island of illegally. large ground-dwelling bird, also critically Ouvea in the South-west Pacific, which measure A very small number of Uvean Parakeets endangered) is being bred for conservation about ISkm in length. Most of its forest has been survive in Western Europe (and probably purposes.

13 .LETTEKS TO TUE E D ITO K Members write

Springfields therefore prevent the skewing of a killer attack is imminent. These release and would be grateful if Colemans Hatch the surviving captive population possibilities don't preclude the you could let me have the relevant Nr Hartfield that Or Birt comtemplates. possibility of other factors at work person to write to. I also enclose Sussex TN7 4HG Specifically, the mate killing here, but close observation and herewith a cheque for £25.00 behaviour of male cockatoos needs attention to the health status of which I would like to go towards Dear Mr Reynolds closer study and evaluation. We the female cockatoo should be at the funding of the Status need to know what stimulated the least considered. Assessment of the Goffin's I very much enjoy your newsletter. male to attack its mate in the first Whatever the case, observations of Cockatoo on Tanimbar. Could you put a "Stop Press" in the place ahd whether there is specific the preceding kinds have to take next ref UK WRY GROUP. behaviour that precedes the attack. place by aviculturists before Thank you for your help. Good observation may be one solutions to male aggression in "UK LORY GROUP- Please note method for determining what is cockatoos; it is time to document Yours faithfully T P Calvert-Lee contacts for this Group are:- occuring with these captive birds. the particulars and analyze these. Meetin!!s and General Enauiries For example, Luther Deans, a Skewing of the captive population friend of mine and an aviculturist in favour of male cockatoos Alison Ruggles 0342 822 373. Stud Books Trevor Buckell 0980 who breeds many Cockatoos because of this destructive 622573 (and not now via Simon confided to me recently that he behaviour, would not occur if, as Captive Breeding Specialist Group had never lost a female cockatoo 12101 Johnny Cake RidgeRoad Joshua who through a change of Or Birt asserts, aviculturists plan career direction is neither now at to an aggressive male; he had for the future. Such a plan should Apple Valley however, discovered a male that have at least two aspects; the MN 55124 USA University, nor administrator for Tel: 612 4319325 the Group's Stud Books.)" was not allowing his mate to feed, retention of offspring as thus she was becoming weakened replacements for currently Yours sincerely and perhaps, vulnerable to the breeding birds - with the emphasis Dear Mr Reynolds of keeping females, in the case of Alison Ruggles bullying of an aggressive mate. I am writing to express my Luther's solution was to remove cockatoo murder, and, I believe, personal thanks to you and to the the female which he accomplished encouraging parent birds to rear World Parrot Trust for the before an attack could be triggered their own babies to independence. contribution of $500 to the CBSG. Then in concert with other Pionus Breeders Association in the male. We are deeply grateful for your PO Box 540 Similarly, my one pair of red- aviculturists breeding the same efforts to support our mission Johnson City vented cockatoos began behaving species, the exchange of offspring work. strangely as this season's breeding for future breeding attempts Texas 78636 The series of workshops that we cycle grew closer. I detected should be practiced. This plan of have undertaken continues to Dear Rosemary aggressive behaviour in the male's action should begin to give an flourish.. We have now held 20 interaction towards the female and insight into what goes wrong with Conservation Assessment and I wish to respond to a couple of noticed him "hogging" the food captive cockatoo pairs, and initiate items eJoqJressedby your readers in dish. Mindful of Mr Deans's a contingency plan for a time when Management Plan (CAMP) the latest edition of PsittaScene. Or workshops and more than 50 eJ..'Perience,I furnished an something does happen to a Tim Birt's tragic story about the additional food dish and the breeding pair. Looking for clues PHVA workshops for nearly 60 species. In June we held a PHVA killing of his prized female aggressive behaviour flagged into a for bad behaviour now and having cockatoo and his lamentations for the Chinese River dolphin in successful breeding season with a plan to deal with such an event China, and another PHVA about long term dangers this should go a long way towards onzebra the production of three fertile in South Africa. We are now behaviour means for captive eggs. This behaviour was repeated preventing Or Birt's fear from populations of cockatoos hint at after the first clutch was laid, I becoming reality. focusing on preparations for the weakness in strategic aviculture CBSGAnnual Meetingin Antwerp. again provided an additional food / thinking. It is horrible that male dish, and another clutch of eggs Sincerely I am pleased to tell you that Dr cockatoos kill their mates in . was produced. I believe that the Onnie Byers has just joined our captivity with something behaviour exhibited by the male- Bill Arbon, President staff as part-time Program Officer, resembling regularity, but it is also red-vented cockatoo may signal Pionus Breeders Association with specific focus on writing up true that this fact is neglected in onset of the forthcoming workshop reports. Our activities - long range avicultural planning. murderous behaviour, although past, present, and future -are Why should the death of a more observation and possible and successful only breeding female bird put a captive documentation of possible initial Thomas P Calvert-Lee because of your financial support breeding programme in jeopardy behaviour by other breeders is Northampton we have received from institutions or ultimately skew the sexual needed in order to verify this. like the World Parrot Trust. With composition of a captive Another clue to the potential Dear Sirs your help, we will continue to grow population? As Dr Birt suggests, it in our role in international aggression of a male cockatoo I was very pleased to read that the shouldn't if proper planning that towards his mate may be her conservation in the years to come. takes this destructive behaviour Goffin's Cockatoo kept in general state of health. If she is Tanimbar have been released. I into account is implemented by suffering through a mild bacterial understand your concerns Thank you again for your support! breeders keeping these birds or viral infection, her current around the world.. regarding the unscientific nature health status may trigger her of the release, but I was shocked to Sincerely I wouldlike to make a couple of mate's aggressive behaviour. He see the cages the birds were kept Ulysses S Seal, Chairman suggestions that many postpone may be ridding himself of an in and feel that it is preferable that the development of such a dire "unfit" partner. Blood samples, they should "take their chances" in prediction. I propose that by bacterial cultures, and other the wild rather than suffer a anticipating male cockatoo diagnostic tests may reveal that aggression and undertaking prolonged and ultimately fatal depressed health of the female period of captivity. certain diagnostic and preventive cockatoo initiates the male's I would like to write to thank the steps it may be possible to aggressive attacks. A pre-breeding Government of the Republic of mitigate the killing of female check up of the female may give Indonesia for authorising the cockatoos by their mates and ample warning to the breeder that

14 AIMS OF THE WORLD PARROT TRUST The objective of the trust is to promote the survival of all parrot species and the welfare of individual birds. 1 By educating the general public worldwide about the threat to 5 By encouraging co-operation in the breeding of parrots by parrot survival. and seeking their interest. concern and aviculturists and zoological institutions, and better liaison support. between the captive breeding community and conservation 2 By action to protect and preserve the natural habitats of bodies, with the aim of creating self-sustaining populations of parrots worldwide. endangered species. . 3 By gathering and disseminating information on the status of 6 By promoting high standards in the keeping of parrots as pets. parrot populations in the wild and in captivity. 7 By encouraging research projects, Le.: the veterinary care of 4 By advocating effective controls on the international trade in parrots, and the preservation of genetic diversity. wild-caught parrots. and its replacement by captive-bred birds. 8 By any other means that may be appropriate.

THE WORK OF THE TRUST: A BRIEF REVIEW

Hyacinth Fund Black Cockatoos in Australia This special fund. launched in 1990. has provided The Trust provides half the cost of a four year over £13.500to help conservation measures for programme to assist the survival of an endangered both the Hyacinth and Lear's Macaw. Current work sub-species of this spectacular cockatoo in focusses on our 'Palm for a Parrot' campaign. Victoria. Cost: £8000

Caribbean Buses Echo Parakeet The 'Jacquot Express' was sent to St. Lucia in 1991, This is the world's rarest parrot, as only about 17 the 'Sisserou Express' was sent to Dominica in still exist on Mauritius. The Trust has provided 1992. We are now about to send the 'Vincie continuous support for this species, .including Express' to St. Vincent. This unique 'conservation supplying a four wheel drive vehicle, a computer bus' scheme is remarkable value for money. and other equipment, and helping with training and Each bus costs around £25000. diets. Our total investment is over £20000.

Indonesian PalTots Other Activities Many Indonesian parrots are under threat, and The Trust has supported and attended parrot with the particular help of our Benelux Chapter we conservation workshops and conventions in Brazil, are doing all we can. We have achieved the release of over 500 Goffin's Cockatoos held by traders, and '2_~ and the USA.It has contributed towards hurricane we are supporting an ICBPsurvey of Yamdena. N Paraguay, Honduras, Mexico, Holland, , UK ~~~ (,\9' relief for aviculturists in South Florida.It is - researching ways to improve the conditions in ~ Amazons in Brazil which pet parrots are kept. Through its 'Parrot Bureau' it seeks to informthe The Trust has been invited by the Brazilian public about parrot conservation and welfare.Principallythrough this government to help with the conservation of all its publication, 'PsittaScene', it sets out to informparrot aviculturists and parrot species. We have recently contributed others about developments in conservation. The WorldParrot Trust aims towards a new survey to establish the status in the to represent the interests of enlightened, responsible aviculture in its wild of two Amazon parrots: A. pretrei and A. contacts with national and international bodies and authorities. Inall its vinacea. work, the interests of the parrots themselves come first. ,------1 1 1 1 1 1 UELP SAVE TUE PARROTS OF TUE WORLD 1 I I I Please join the Trust, or encourage friends to join I I The WorldParrot Trust I SUBSCRIPTIONRATES IName I 1 (please tick) Glanmor House, Hayle, Cornwall 1 Address I TR27 4HY, U.K. I I I Regd. UKCharity No. 800944 I D UKand Europe (Single) £ 15 I Tel: (0736) 753365 Fax: (0736) 756438 1 Postcode I I I D UKand Europe (Family) £20 I I Please charge my Access/Visa Ac/No. I I I D Fellow (Life Member) £250/US $400 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I 1 D Overseas Airmail £20/US $30 Expiry date Amount £ I I I OR: 1 I Overseas Surface Mail £ 15/US $25 I D I enclose cheque payable to World Parrot Trust I I I 1 I D Additional donation of £ Signature I I I 15 1 If using this form we suggest you make a photocopy. I I BLUE.TUROATBDMACAW Ara glaucogularis This remarkable flash exposure of this very rare macawwas taken by Eduardo Nycander and Charles Munn. Latest reports indicate that only one very small population remains in Bolivia.

Weintendto continuethis seriesof 'Parrotsin the Wild', . and if any reader can offer us a high quality shot that might be suitable, please get in touch.

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