Magazine of the

Summer 2019 Summer 2019 CONTENTS

30TH ANNIVERSARY SINCE 1989 Message from the Operations Director 4 Steve Milpacher Glanmor House, Hayle Cornwall TR27 4HB UK info@.org +44 (0)1736 751026 14 years on from the EU Trade Ban: www.parrots.org Millions of birds flying free 5

ABOUT THE WPT Confiscation is the First Step: Capture for the live-bird trade, 8 Returning trapped parrots to the wilds of Indonesia habitat loss and other factors put wild parrots at risk. One in three species are currently threatened in the wild. To See Wild Parrots: A personal trek to Tambopata As an international leader in parrot 11 conservation and welfare, the World Parrot Trust works with researchers, in-country 11 Red-fronted Macaws: organisations, communities and governments to encourage 14 Working together to bring them back from the edge effective solutions that save parrots.

Since 1989 the WPT has grown to PsittaNews become a global force that moves quickly to address urgent issues 18 Parrot News and Updates and support long-term projects. 14 WPT Contacts Over that time WPT has led or aided conservation and welfare projects in 43 countries for more than 70 species of parrot. Parrots in the Wild 20 Sulphur-winged Conure CHARITY INFORMATION 5 United Kingdom: # 800944 United States: EIN 62-1561595 Canada: BN 89004 1171 RR0001

Printed on post-consumer recycled paper. ON THE COVER

Endemic to Bolivia’s rugged inter-Andean valleys ecosystem, the Red-fronted Macaw suffered a devastating population decline linked to trapping for the pet trade, and as a result of conflict with farmers.

Editor: Desi Milpacher Learn more about the work being done to protect this Layout, Design & Production: Michelle Kooistra species on Page 15: Red-fronted Macaws - Working Fulfillment: Karen Whitley & Charlotte Foxhall together to bring them back from the edge. The World Parrot Trust does not necessarily endorse any views or statements made by contributors to PsittaScene, and will consider articles or letters from Photo © National Geographic Image Collection 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 WPT and the author/photographer(s) and must state that it was copied from PsittaScene. All contents © World Parrot Trust Summer 2019 PsittaScene.org 3 | Editorial

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LEGACY © Elaine Henley Parrot Grey 14 years on from the eu trade ban: for parrots A message from... Millions of birds Flying Free by Rowan Martin, PhD Steve’s desk © Corey Raffel Macaws Red-and-green WPT Program Director As we head into mid-year we are reminded that a central issue still affecting wild parrots is the wildlife trade. In ‘Confiscation is the First Step…’ by Indonesia Program Manager Mehd Halaouate, we learn that poaching is a major factor affecting parrot populations in one of the most widespread and complex countries on Earth.

Elsewhere in this issue we learn that persecution and habitat loss have all but wiped out wild Red-fronted Macaws in Bolivia. And although these issues persist, WPT is working hard to address these challenges, collaborating with local communities to change perspectives and outcomes.

On more positive notes, Dr. Rowan Martin takes a look back at a seminal event for parrots from over a decade ago, the European Union trade ban in wild-caught birds, and how it’s affected wildlife trade and wild populations since its inception. And finally, WPT supporter Cheryl Rutherford takes us on a journey of a lifetime to see wild parrots at clay licks in Peru. Blue-fronted Amazon caught in a mist net. © World Parrot Trust We invite you to reflect on and enjoy the stories featured in this issue. In October of 2005 the European Union (EU) moved to end the What will be importation of wild birds – Steve Milpacher your legacy? a decision which had the Operations Director By including the World Parrot Trust in your potential to save millions Will, trust or beneficiary designation, you are creating a personal legacy that will have a of birds each year. lasting impact for parrots.

Visit parrots.org/legacy or contact the branch nearest you for more details (page 19.)

4 PsittaScene.org Summer 2019 Summer 2019 PsittaScene.org 5 What is CITES?

The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna of wild birds imported), it sharply As a result, wild populations of Monk and Flora is an international agreement decreased in the years following the Parakeets have become established all between governments. Its aim is to ensure ban. Interestingly, the diversity of bird over Mexico and continue to spread. that worldwide trade in species of wild animals and plants does not threaten species available at pet markets did not their survival. decrease significantly after the ban, The rise in imports coincided with the but there was a dramatic switch away mid 2000s, leading some to conclude Parties to CITES are required to annually from the sales of wild-sourced birds that the EU ban was responsible for submit data on numbers of ‘specimens’ towards those bred in captivity. This redirecting trade to Mexico. However, of all species listed on the conventions again supports the idea that far from the scale of trade into Mexico after the appendices. These include all parrot stimulating a thriving black market EU ban dwarfed the number of Monk species with the exception of Budgerigars (Melopsittacus undulatus), Cockatiels in wild birds, the ban was effective at Parakeets that were previously being (Nymphicus hollandicus), Ringneck reducing the numbers of wild birds imported into the EU, suggesting that Parakeets (Psittacula krameri) and entering the EU. other factors were at play. Peach-faced Lovebirds (Agapornis roseicollis). Patagonian Conures caged for shipment (circa 2005). Photos like However, disentangling the Prior to the ban A recent examination this and video evidence collected by the World Parrot Trust were impact of the ban versus of the latest drivers Further Reading instrumental in helping achieve the EU wild bird import ban. on wild bird other factors is not always of the Monk Parakeet easy. Around the same trade conducted by This article is based on the following imports made peer-reviewed research papers and time as the ban there were conservation groups in reports. Those marked with an asterisk many other changes taking final in 2007, Mexico concluded that are available open access.

place around the world the EU ban was not to Cantu-Guzmán, J.C. and M. E. which also affected global the EU allowed blame, pointing to the Sánchez-Saldaña. (2018) Mexico’s The World Parrot Trust was at the centre of efforts to end the trade. For instance, in 2006 fact that Mexico was massive imports of the importation Monk Parakeets: Debunking a myth. CITES made a number of already a major importer Defenders of Wildlife and Teyeliz A.C. trade, spearheading a campaign eventually supported by 230 recommendations affecting of parrots prior to of over 2 million Cardador, L., Lattuada, M., Strubbe, organisations urging the EU to end imports of all wild birds. the trade in African Grey the ban, and that the D., Tella, J. L., Reino, L., Figueira, R., Parrots(Psittacus erithacus), birds annually. increase in trade in Monk & Carrete, M. (2017) Regional Bans on Wild-Bird Trade Modify Invasion which at that time were Parakeets was mirrored Risks at a Global Scale. Conservation among the most traded of by a burgeoning trade in Letters, 10(6), 717–725.* he initial ban was a temporary T While the ban was certain to have a it on their own.” The study also found all wild birds. These recommendations other exotic pets, including reptiles and Cardador, L., Tella, J. L., Anadón, J. measure aimed at preventing the huge impact on legal imports into that the international bird trade was a included suspensions on exports and ornamental fish. Instead the rise in trade D., Abellán, P., & Carrete, M. (2019) spread of avian flu, but based on the Europe, there was uncertainty as to main cause of exotic birds spreading the use of ‘conservative’ export quotas was attributed to economic factors and The European trade ban on wild birds reduced invasion risks. Conservation EU’s own risk assessment, the ban was how things would play out. Would the around the world, and that the EU from several exporting countries in west opportunism by a handful of importers. Letters, 20, e12631–7.* made permanent in 2007 with a focus ban simply drive trade underground? trade ban strongly reduced the risk and central Africa, around the same time Hobson, E. A., Smith-Vidaurre, G., & broadened to include both biosecurity Would trade be directed to new of introducing invasive species across populations in the wild were collapsing. It’s now clear that the EU trade ban Salinas-Melgoza, A. (2017) History of and animal welfare. regions? Or worse, could a ban even most of the globe. Between the early 1990s and early 2010s has had a positive impact on the global non-native Monk Parakeets in Mexico. PLoS ONE, 12(9), e0184771–17.* stimulate wildlife trade as some feared? African Grey populations in Ghana, trade in wild birds. Millions have been According to official CITES statistics, A number of recent studies have begun Another recent study approached the which had been one of the leading spared unnecessary suffering, the spread Martin, R. O. (2018) Grey areas: temporal and geographical dynamics in the 1990s and early 2000s the EU to answer these questions. In 2017, a subject from a different angle, but coming exporters of wild Greys, declined by of exotic species and infectious diseases of international trade of Grey and dominated the trade in wild parrots study published in the leading journal to similar conclusions. In this study, between 90-99%. curtailed, and wild bird populations Timneh Parrots (Psittacus erithacus and P. timneh) under CITES. Emu - and other birds, importing 2,278,000 Science Advances analysed official a team led by Dr. Laura Cardador of protected. The biggest questions Austral Ornithology, 118: 113-125. wild parrots between 1995 and 2005. Prior CITES figures and found that global University College London focused on A similar challenge of attribution lies remaining are why did this not happen to 2005 , , the , trade had dropped by 90% following the impact in just two EU countries - with the drivers of imports of wild sooner, and why do some countries Martin, R. O. (2018) The wild bird trade and African parrots: past, present and Portugal and accounted for the the ban. Spain and Portugal. They explored in Monk Parakeets (Myiopsitta monachus) still allow this practice to continue? future challenges. Ostrich-Journal of import of two-thirds of the 1.3 million detail changes in parrots for sale in pet into Mexico. This trade has dominated Meanwhile, we’re making progress, but African Ornithology. 89: 139-143. wild birds sold annually on the global Prof. Diederick Strubbe explained, markets and the introduction of exotic the global trade in wild parrots in there remains much work to be done. Reino, L., Figueira, R., Beja, P., Araújo, market. Many of the birds in trade “There is some redirection of trade to birds before and after the ban. While recent years with over half a million The World Parrot Trust will continue M., Capinha, C., & Strubbe, D. (2017) Networks of global bird invasion came from West Africa, with 70% other areas and some may have gone the number of newly introduced exotic wild Monk Parakeets imported into to lead the way, advocating for sensible altered by regional trade ban. Vol. 3 of all exported birds coming from underground, but the global drop is so species per year increased exponentially Mexico between 2000 and 2015; ninety evidence-based policy to end the trade (11), e1700783.* Guinea, Mali and Senegal. massive that those cannot account for until 2005 (in parallel with the volume percent of which occurred after 2008. in wild birds.

6 PsittaScene.org Summer 2019 Summer 2019 PsittaScene.org 7 process, and what happens to the where Nature Conservation animals afterward is uncertain at Agency Indonesia (BKSDA) is best. Because of this, all of us now building a new centre to who work to stop trade must make temporarily house large numbers sure that confiscated animals are of confiscated wildlife, especially rehabilitated as quickly as possible parrots. The new facility at Tobelo so they can return to the wild has the space to grow some of without major issues. The longer the foods the rescued birds need. they stay in captivity with no clear This is important, as supplies are plans for their future, the less likely expensive to buy in the region.

Confiscated White Cockatoos await transport to a rescue facility they are to survive. Tobelo, a town in the province of North Maluku, and Morotai Island, Positive actions can equal north of Maluku, are smuggling positive outcomes hotspots so having a centre there will not only help wildlife in need, By necessity, there are many it will also enhance and increase actions to be taken to ensure that the presence of the Forestry these birds have the health and department in the region. Confiscation is the First Step: skills necessary to survive once Returning trapped parrots to the wilds of Indonesia they are released. WPT, along Gathering data on parrot sales at with our partners in Indonesia, markets in the region Photos and article © Mehd Halaouate, is actively addressing these steps Above: A Chattering Lory languishes WPT Indonesia Program Manager on different islands in the region, One of the more important aspects in a makeshift cage Below: White Cockatoos show signs providing training for forestry of our work to stop the parrot of rough handling by people We at the WPT have been actively fighting new pet shops have been springing up unchecked. staff in emergency management trade in Indonesia is gathering the illegal trade in parrots in the Moluccas and in Indonesia is a major supplier and exporter of and care and also giving funding data from the large and bustling Sulawesi, Indonesia for a few years now. Results captive-raised species like lovebirds and budgerigars, for housing, food and medicine bird markets on the islands of Java have been mixed, since these actions are new in but these birds aren’t what collectors are looking so that the birds can be well cared and Bali. It is vital to document the region and the rest of the country. Part of the for. They’re after the most exotic of wild parrot for. We have been instructing these trends, as these places are issue is that trapping and trading in wildlife has species, and trappers are supplying them in ever- staff at local rescues on the birds’ major hubs of commerce where long been common and acceptable here. It is only greater numbers. rehabilitation, and for following the trafficking is concerned. With this now, and after pressure from the international right procedures when planning information we can fairly predict conservation community, that Indonesian officials Why confiscating illegally trapped and conducting releases. which species could be soon added have started enforcing the laws involving illegal wildlife is only a first step to the endangered list. We have wildlife trade and making plans on how to Another step in the process is to been raising flags for a number of manage increasing numbers of animals trapped Placing all of the parrot species in the region on build more capacity to manage the species after compiling the market for this purpose. the Indonesian protected list in 2018 was a major increasing amounts of confiscated data; parrots like Ornate and step forward. It is also a great achievement that wild parrots. This is not to Forsten’s Lorikeets (Trichoglossus The trade in wildlife from the Philippines and officials manage to stop birds from leaving the ‘warehouse’ birds indefinitely, ornatus and T. forsteni), Chattering Indonesia is escalating rapidly as the hobby of islands where they come from. There is still a lot but to see these rescued birds Lories (Lorius garrulus), Eclectus keeping wild birds is becoming more popular in of work to do however; when dealing with illegal through each step of rehabilitation, Parrots (Eclectus roratus), and White both countries. WPT learned of no fewer than four wildlife trade, government and enforcement officials recovery and release. One example Cockatoos (Cacatua alba) are seen major confiscations in April 2019 alone. In Bali, in the country seem to stop at the confiscation is on North Maluku (Moluccas), frequently in trade.

8 PsittaScene.org Summer 2019 Summer 2019 PsittaScene.org 9 TO SEE WILD PARROTS: a personal trek to Tambopata, Peru photos and article © Cheryl Rutherford

It was at least 10 years ago when my interest in parrots grew from having them as pets to include conservation and environmental issues. In my research, I learned of the Tambopata National Reserve in the Amazon Jungle and its population of wild macaws and parrots. Even the word “Tambopata” sounded magical to me; it was like a talisman or touchstone to what was important.

Over the years, I’d think of it and tell myself, “One day, I’ll visit Tambopata. Confiscated parrots feed on local foods while waiting for transport to larger enclosures One day, I will see parrots living in their natural habitat, flying freely against the blue sky. One day, I’ll hear their wild voices calling across In order to get a complete picture to become accustomed to the the tree tops.” of the effects of trapping we also surrounding area, its food sources conduct fieldwork in the regions and possible dangers) and some where these species are found. logistical guidance. Twenty-seven Then, finally, “one day” became “today”. We can see clearly, both in Sulawesi White Cockatoos, ten Eclectus (where Ornates are seen) and Parrots and fourteen Chattering Sumbawa (where Forsten’s are found), Lories flew back to freedom that that numbers of these lorikeets have day, a triumph for the birds and August 25, 2018 began at 4:30 in the morning. burned to make way for civilization), a river boat ride seen a major decline in the wild. for all of the agencies involved. I felt my husband’s hand on my arm, ensuring I was past illegal gold mining operations, and then finally The situation is the same for awake. I opened my eyes to the dark and listened to up some steps carved into the side of the river bank Chattering Lories and White Returning healthy birds to the wild the sounds of the jungle - even then, life was calling and through a short, forested path to our lodge. This Cockatoos. This is mostly due to is the best statement to show that all around. We heard our neighbours’ alarm gently go was to be our home for the next 5 days. these amazing creatures are better off and their quiet voices in the cabin next to us. trapping for the pet trade. While all the guides we met at the lodge were kept wild and free. There are After a chilly night in the jungle, I quickly jumped friendly, experienced and well-versed in local flora We are beginning to see positive plenty of captive-bred parrots to out of bed, rinsed my face with cold water and and fauna (one broke out into a grin after telling me results, however, from our satisfy the demand for companion grabbed my camera gear. I could barely contain my he much preferred showing tourists the birds and collaborations with local officials animals, and there are no practical excitement. Today I was going to the Chuncho clay animals rather than hunting and poaching them as and wildlife carers: on the 19th of or moral reasons to trap wild ones. lick in the Tambopata National Reserve to witness he’d had to do in his youth), we were particularly July 2018 our local partner Nature All of us who keep and admire wild macaws and parrots and parakeets in their fortunate to have a local birder – Jesus Cieza from South Birding Peru – as ours. Conservation Agency Indonesia parrots as companions have a role natural habitat first-hand. conducted a release of rehabilitated to play in fighting the extinction As I made my way to the main lodge, I reflected After I told him I was “here for the birds”, he obliged parrots on Bacan Island in North of these species, and not just on the past few days. We arrived at the Collpas me by pointing out various feathered species during Maluku. WPT had given funds to where parrots are found. We can Tambopata Lodge in the Amazon rainforest (located our hikes in addition to the land-bound mammals build temporary enclosures (for do this from wherever we live, by on the Madre de Dios River in southeastern Peru) and rainforest plants. A colony of Russet-backed housing birds prior to a ‘soft release’ making the compassionate choice after a plane ride from Lima to Puerto Maldonado, Oropendolas maintained a dozen long, pendulous A male Eclectus Parrot recovers a taxi ride to a small community on the outskirts of nests in the center of the lodge’s grounds while – one that allows for the parrots of not buying wild-caught birds. after confiscation the rainforest, a 4X4 ride to the river over a bumpy, Blue-grey and Silver-beaked Tanagers flitted about roughly hewn road (past sections of jungle being the bushes.

10 PsittaScene.org Summer 2019 Summer 2019 PsittaScene.org 11 We spotted Capybaras and Columbian on our way. While we boated down the Periwinkle heads bobbed next to sage the previous day. Everywhere we looked, at the multi-coloured spectacle before Red Howler and Black-capped Squirrel river, Jesus pointed out animals (Caiman, and slate. Scarlet Macaws, Blue-and- macaws were eating, parrots were me with my feet in the dirt and my heart Monkeys. I watched a Kalinowski Black Hawk, Snowy Egret, Neotropic yellow Macaws, Red-and-green Macaws, boisterously playing, birds were sitting in soaring with the birds. Marveling at how Agouti (a type of rodent) forage for Cormorant, Ninja Turtles) and I eagerly Mealy Amazons, Dusky-headed Parrots, trees preening and getting ready for the exceptional this experience was, I was wild bananas mere feet from me one scanned the skies for parrots. Blue-headed Parrots: they were all there. day. Wings were being stretched and tails filled with gratitude. morning. I even psyched up the courage Dozens upon dozens of birds, each spread; avian alliances forged and bonds to go and look at some tarantula babies When we arrived at our destination, taking their turn digging into the clay or renewed. It was, in a word, spectacular. We Later, after we’d eaten some breakfast quietly resting outside their burrow near other boats were already there. We flocking in the surrounding trees. I stood were told that the clay lick serves three surrounded by the sight and sound of our cabin. We met the resident Scarlet were told to be quiet, respectful and gobsmacked, gazing at their antics with important functions for the parrots in that birds eating theirs, we carried out all For more information on Macaw, Cheska (“Star”), and Amazons stick to our part of the viewing station. my mouth agape and my eyes filling part of the Amazon: that we’d brought in, loaded up the sourcing responsible travel: Poly and Pepe (all rescued birds who As we walked through the jungle, I with tears. boat and set off back to the lodge and could not be released) and shared could already hear the birds. They were 1. It provides minerals (sodium) that onto our next adventure. Sitting on the The International Ecotourism delicious meals with them. raucous and chatty and the clamorous After we watched for a while, Jesus are otherwise lacking in their diet; bench, the boat’s motor humming in Society (TIES) is a global network sound brought a huge smile to my face. informed us that today was very special. my ears, I grinned up at the sky, my heart of professionals, institutions 2. The clay neutralizes toxins found But these new experiences were just We broke through the trees and looked Obviously, you can’t make appointments near to bursting. I could still hear the and individuals helping to put in some fruit/seeds they eat; a prelude to the main reason we had across the ravine. with animals, so it’s always a toss-up birds chatting in my head, the air alive environmental and socially accountable principles into practice traveled all this way. It was now 5:30 as to how many – if any – you will see 3. It is a social gathering place and with colour. As we moved up the river, within the ecotourism industry. am and dawn was just beginning to Finally, there they were. at a particular location. But on this “dating site” where the birds can I spotted a large flock of macaws break. Our small group gathered in the morning, we had hit the jackpot of days: get together, socialize, and find sailing up over the tops of the trees, Links to TIES, Wild Parrots Up Close, communal dining area, grabbed our It was as if Nature had opened her a gorgeous blue sky and 500–600 birds potential mates. in constant communication as they Parrot Lovers Cruise, Grey Parrot locally sourced breakfast supplies and paintbox and splashed strokes of vibrant all partaking in the social event known flew above the canopy. Excursions-Uganda and others can got into the river boat for the 45 minute kelly green, rich lapis lazuli and deep as the clay lick. The guides remarked to I took photo after photo until finally my be found on the WPT website at: parrots.org >take action > ecotourism journey to the clay lick. We stopped at ruby red on a canvas of leaves. I stared each other about how rare a morning husband (lovingly) told me it was time to They were getting on with their day, too – the Ranger Station to announce our as bright flashes of crimson, cobalt, it was, hypothesizing it was perhaps put down the camera and just soak it in. and it was a joy to see. ingress into the reserve, and then carried ochre and jade careened through the air. due to the heavy rain we’d experienced So I did. He was right. I stood there gazing

12 PsittaScene.org Summer 2019 Summer 2019 PsittaScene.org 13 It’s 4 in the morning and it’s time to leave. The objective is to arrive at We have traveled 67 km in 6 days walking among the paths of cows and dawn to see them leave their roosts. They leave as couples, in groups, goats to reach the historic sites where the macaw nests. We counted and go to different destinations where they spend the day looking for food. 301 macaws, of which 11 are juveniles, giving hope to the species.

RED-FRONTED MACAWS: Working together to bring them back from the edge

By Jhony Salguero Colque, Christian Orgaz and José Antonio Díaz Luque All photos © Parrot Conservation Bolivia (CLB)

The dry air rings with short suffered a devastating population extinction. Is it too late to save squawks: some are harsh, others decline linked to trapping for the species? Past experience says musical. The medium-sized, all- international trade, where not necessarily: the Blue-throated green macaws with the bright red thousands of individuals were Macaw (Ara glaucogularis), whose accents are very busy during the taken to eventually end up as wild population numbered only day flying to and from feeding pets, mainly in North America a hundred individuals at the time areas, foraging, preening, and scientists discovered the species, socialising. A pair wings its way has so far been spared the terrible around the valley with its juvenile fate of extinction because of a chick in tow, the fledgling concentrated effort by the World sporting a black forehead Parrot Trust (WPT) and local instead of the brilliant and partner organisations. scarlet of his parents. Once the day is done they all Based on that success, in 2017, gather at roosts in cliffs or initial work began in the Red- the few remaining large trees fronted Macaw’s range in the to rest for the night. communities of Anamal and Las Juntas in the Jardín de Cactáceas The Red-fronted Macaw (Ara Municipal Protected Area, to rubrogenys) is considered by determine the main threats to the International Union of the and Europe. In addition, birds and find solutions that can Conservation of Nature (IUCN) trapping chicks for use as pets help both macaws and people to be one of three species of locally and the killing of adults coexist. macaw most threatened with and juveniles as a result of extinction worldwide. Endemic conflict with farmers are the A draft work plan has been to Bolivia’s rugged inter-Andean main threats that are bringing completed, one that places valleys ecosystem, the species the species to the precipice of an emphasis on community

14 PsittaScene.org Summer 2019 Summer 2019 PsittaScene.org 15 involvement and leadership similar Engaging communities to the effects of poverty and leads to communities to discuss challenges and all wild animals in the country and to an initiative for the Blue-throated learn about and participate in conflict with the macaws. The Red- possible improvements. citizens are not permitted to keep them. Macaw and the Gran Mojos Municipal conservation fronted team now has some practical However, under the program, a person Protected Area (see PsittaScene Winter solutions: work has begun with the Out in the field working who currently keeps a companion 2016/17, Bolivian Community Creates Forming a network of local and communities of Anamal and Las with the macaws bird, can prove it is in good condition, Vast Reserve.) international alliances is a necessity for Juntas, together with the Municipality and will learn more about its care, achieving a long-lasting and consequential of Comarapa, to begin planning for a For populations this small, maximising will become a ‘legal guardian’ of that It has become clear from the Blue- impact in the conservation of the Red- Breeding Colony Guardian program the breeding output of wild pairs bird. This method averts a systematic Red-fronted Macaw throated Macaw effort that the true fronted Macaw. One way to work together (Guardianes de Colonias), which will wherever possible can help ensure that government roundup of illegally held (Ara rubrogenys) conservationists and beneficiaries with people is by offering environmental support local communities under a the population can stabilise and then animals, preventing them from being World population: from the protection of the macaws outreach programs, where hundreds of model of sustainable development in grow. While there is an estimate of warehoused indefinitely in rescues. < 800, decreasing. should be the people who live their children (and some of their parents) will the most important breeding areas for the population (600-800 individuals), Where found: day-to-day lives with them, and with gain information about the wildlife in the species. true numbers are not currently known, The team will also support the Restricted to small area on the this in mind, the Red-fronted Macaw their area. east Andean slope of central making it critically important to protect coordination of the government and southern Bolivia. Program was born. In two of the Protected Areas adults, their nests and their chicks. institutions responsible for the control Communities where the macaws are there are a total of 209 macaws, In addition, staff, researchers, and of and prosecution against wildlife Threat Summary: Once the data from the initial research found participate in yearly events Threatened by severe habitat and the villagers in these areas will community members will carry out trafficking, and will help strengthen loss, trapping for trade, and has been analysed, the resulting model such as the Saint’s Day’s festivals, be in charge of them and the land, a range-wide count to find out their park officers’ ability to enforce increasing persecution as a can then be used in surrounding which program staff will attend to protecting it and utilising it sustainably current status. The census will identify anti-trapping laws with equipment crop pest. communities which have high-density spread awareness about the birds. with ecotourism and other activities the most important breeding areas that and training so that they can more breeding cliffs and/or where crop Local people will also participate in backed by the WPT and its local may be at risk, so that the Breeding effectively do their jobs. Encouraging depredation by the birds is severe. community-led activities that bring partners. Among the commitments Colony Guardian program can be the wide publication in the press of About the Authors The relationship of each community income to desperately poor families. assumed by the communities will be begun in those places. confiscations and subsequent legal with its resident Red-fronted Macaws For many, help is urgently needed: fighting against wildlife trafficking, actions will send a message to would- Jhony Salguero Colque is is unique and requires special farmers in the region encounter restoring habitat, rebuilding degraded Reduce or stop trapping be trappers that their activities are not Operations Director of Parrot Conservation Bolivia (CLB). consideration, accordingly, the team trouble with macaws predating their riverbanks, and protecting the of wild birds permitted. will work with the villages individually peanut and corn crops, taken when macaws’ breeding sites. Following the Christian Orgaz is Programs to meet the needs of both people natural foods become scarce during breeding season, the team will host an Coordinator of Parrot Lastly, reducing or stopping trapping These actions are coming not a Conservation Bolivia (CLB). and birds. the dry season. This compounds exchange between the participating altogether is crucial; chicks are still moment too soon, as the Red-fronted being taken from their cliff nests. José Antonio Díaz Luque is Macaw is disappearing and prompt Executive Director of Parrot The team will find out how many action is needed to save them. With the Conservation Bolivia (CLB) and Left: WPT staff and team members Conservation Programs Facilitator tour the Protected Area. companion parrots are currently being help of local, regional and international for WPT-Bolivia. held in the Breeding Colony Guardian organisations and a plan of action put Right: In the communities of program communities; in Bolivia the in place, the macaws’ survival in the Anamal and Las Juntas, primary school students learn to be government retains ownership of wild just may be possible. guardians in their areas where the macaws live.

Left: Red-fronted Macaws often raid farmers’ corn fields during the dry season when natural food sources are scarce.

Right: Evangelina Quispe, from Torotoro village, is a representative of the Bartolines, a Bolivian women’s group interested in creating administrative legal protection for their community’s land. Left: Sixto Aguilar, a Cactaceae Garden Protected Area forest ranger, teaches children to identify and protect wildlife. Right: Wild Red-fronted Macaws rest in the valley.

16 PsittaScene.org Summer 2019 Summer 2019 PsittaScene.org 17 Psitta| News WPT CONTACTS News ONLINE

Escaped companion parrots are now naturalised Mesoamerican Parrot Census Network Non-profit org Echo promotes reforestation parrots.org in 23 US states, study finds New citizen science effort launches on Dutch Caribbean island facebook.com/WorldParrotTrust twitter.com/parrottrust WPT partner Echo recently began instagram.com/world_parrot_trust Stephen Pruett-Jones, PhD, an Yellow-naped a new campaign, My Bonaire Tree, ecologist from the University Amazon (Amazona to raise awareness and funding of Chicago who usually studies auropalliata) for the reforestation of Bonaire’s wild birds in Australia, noticed a numbers are MAIN BRANCHES disappearing forest biome. Over large group of Monk Parakeets declining rapidly the last two and a half centuries, (Myiopsitta monachus) on his due to trapping and UNITED KINGDOM (Main Office) Bonaire’s unique dry forest habitat daily commute past Hyde Park. forest habitat loss. Karen Whitley, Administrator has been dramatically altered, Glanmor House, Hayle, After sending his students out to The newly-launched causing devastating effects for Cornwall, TR27 4HB study the birds and organising an Mesoamerican Parrot Tel: (44) 01736 751026 native animals and people. By annual lab project to count them, Census Network is looking for qualified Fax: (44) 01736 751028 Adopting a Tree, supporters are [email protected] he embarked on a larger study of volunteers to help locate and count Yellow- helping to ensure the survival of feral parrots in the US. naped Amazons at their roosts, allowing UNITED STATES species, such as the vulnerable © Nadine Trief researchers to gain knowledge of the birds’ Lauren Schmaltz, Administrator Pruett-Jones teamed up with Yellow-shouldered Amazon P.O. Box 985, Travelers Rest, SC 29690 population size and distribution throughout a pair of other researchers to review data from the Audubon Society’s (Amazona barbadensis), that rely Tel: (1) 864 610 2129 Christmas Bird Count and Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s eBird on bird their range in Central America. [email protected] on the forests. sightings from 2002 to 2016. They found that there were 56 different parrot CANADA The new group welcomes comments and species spotted in the wild in 43 states, many escaped companion birds. Of Learn more and adopt your tree: Michelle Kooistra, Administrator questions about the network on their 4377 Gordon Dr., Kelowna, BC, V1W 1S7 these, 25 species are now breeding in 23 different states. The most common mybonairetree.org Facebook page, and encourages others to Tel: (1) 250 766 7828 species reported were Monk Parakeets, Green-cheeked Amazons (Amazona [email protected] viridigenalis), and Nanday Parakeets (Aratinga nenday). Pruett-Jones says share photos, stories and thoughts on wild there are now more Green-cheeked Amazons living in California than there parrots. are in their original habitat in Mexico. Book Review Website: parrotcensus.com ADDITIONAL BRANCHES Facebook: fb.com/parrotcensus Learn more: The Purple-Bellied Parrot tinyurl.com/y2l57ty8 Author: William Fagus Africa Rowan Martin [email protected] Page count: 358 | ISBN: 978-1791993603 Australia Nicholas Bishop A delightful read for all ages – this book leads you [email protected] on a journey of discovery and adventure as the Benelux Ruud Vonk Purple-Bellied Parrot tries to find out what his life [email protected] should be like. The book begins with the Purple- Bellied Parrot living in a cage within a city apartment, Belgium Ronald Coens 2020 Parrot Calendars – [email protected] unable to fly and not knowing life before the cage. on sale now! After befriending some local sparrows, he escapes Brazil André Saidenberg the apartment and embarks on a journey to discover [email protected] who he is…meeting many unforgettable characters Sale proceeds support India Avin Deen parrot conservation. along the way. [email protected]

A wonderful book, which encapsulates friendship Indonesia Oka Dwi Prihatmoko Get your copy online at: and finding a way home, interspersed with some hilarious footnotes by the [email protected] parrots.org/shop author. A moving, spellbinding and witty story which will stay with you for a Italy Cristiana Senni long time after reading. [email protected]

Japan TSUBASA Get your copy from the author’s website: [email protected] williamfagus.com Netherlands Ria Vonk [email protected]

Latin America Rosa Elena Zegarra Access Past Issues at: Psittascene.org [email protected] English, Dutch, German, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish and Swedish Sweden Maria Rogstadius [email protected] 18 PsittaScene.org Summer 2019 PARROTS IN THE WILD: Sulphur-winged Conure (Pyrrhura hoffmanni) These striking little parakeets are equally happy feasting on the occasional apple as they are on native fruits and figs. They are found in Costa Rica and Panama in Central America.

Photo © Corey Raffel