Status Survey and Conservation Action Plan 2000–2004 Parrots · parrots in the wild and the...

PROMOTING EXCELLENCEIN PARROT CONSERVATIONAVICULTURE AND WELFARE

World ParrotTrust in action

psittacine (sit’ a sîn) belonging or allied to the parrots; parrot-like

Vol. 12 No. 2 May 2000

Status Survey and Conservation Action Plan 2000–2004

ParrotsEdited by Noel Snyder, Philip McGowan,

James Gilardi, and Alejandro Grajal

The World Conservation Union

St. Vincent Parrot

ABC/WPT Small Grants Programme

Tambopata Research Centre

Parrot Action Plan 2000-2004

EditorRosemary Low,P.O. Box 100,Mansfield, Notts.,United KingdomNG20 9NZ

CONTENTSHere at last! Parrot ActionPlan 2000-2004 ..............2-3

Foreword (extract) ..............4

Executive Summary (extract) ..............................5

Introduction & SpeciesAccount (extract) ............6-7

Our Hopes for the PAP ......8

WPT seeks Director ............9

ABC / WPT small grantsprogramme..................10-11

Operation ‘Palate’ ............12

St. Vincent Parrot..............13

Reports from WPT branches......................14-16

Psitta News ......................17

Tambopata Research Centre ..............................18

WPT Info Page ..................19

Parrots in the Wild ..........20

The World Parrot Trust does notnecessarily endorse any views orstatements made by contributorsto PsittaScene.It will of course consider articlesor letters from any contributors ontheir merits.All contents © World Parrot Trust

Cover PictureParrot Action Plan 2000-2004Kakapo picture from ‘Parrotsof the World’ by Forshaw andCooper. Many thanks.

Here at last!IUCN/SSC Action Plan for the

Conservation of the Parrotsby MICHAEL REYNOLDS

This issue of PsittaScene hasbeen slightly delayed while wewaited for printing and deliveryof the Action Plan for Parrots2000-2004. After almost fiveyears of work we did not wantto delay the introduction of thisvery important document to ourmembers, especially bearing inmind that the plan has beenfunded almost entirely byThe World Parrot Trust.We have spent over£20,000 ($30,000) oftrust funds to cover

the cost of the initial meeting,subsequent writing and travelexpenses etc., but virtuallyeveryone involved hascommitted themselves tosupplying information andphotographs at no cost to theproject. Additional funds of$4,000 were donated by the

German organisationI.P.F., and $1,000from our WPTBenelux branch.The World ParrotTrust was given

responsibility for acting as'progress chaser' for the project,and we are most grateful for thededication of the four authors /editors, Noel Snyder, PhilMcGowan, Jamie Gilardi andAlejandro Grajal.

So finally on May 15th wereceived our first ten copies ofthe Parrot Action Plan, hot offthe press. In these pages ofPsittaScene we hope to give aflavour of the publication, asmost readers willnot end

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2 ■ PsittaScene Volume 12, No 2, May 2000

How to order your copy:Price £15.00 / US$22.50

Postage and packing: (Add the following percentages to the totalcost of books ordered to cover postage and packing):

- 15% single, UK - (£2.25)- 20% overseas surface mail - (£3.00 / US$4.50)- 30% airmail, Europe - (£4.50 / US$6.75)- 40% airmail, rest of world - (£6.00 / US$9.00)

Pay IUCN using the following methods:

- Visa- Mastercard- American Express- Cheque- International Money Order

Send your order to:

IUCN Publications Services Unit, 219c Huntingdon Road,Cambridge CB3 0DL, UKTel: +44 1223-277894Fax: +44 1223-277175Email: [email protected]: http://www.iucn.org

up owning a copy. But if you dowant a copy, see details forordering at the end of thisarticle or contact Karen Whitleyat our UK office.

We should explain that thisaction plan for the parrots isjust one of a series published bythe Species SurvivalCommission, an arm of IUCN(International Union for theConservation of Nature andNatural Resources, also knownas the Global ConservationUnion). This is the world'ssenior conservation body, andthe World Parrot Trust is aninternational NGO member of it.Fifty two action plans have beenpublished so far, including manyof the most threatened animalssuch as elephant, tiger, panda,whale etc., and many orders orfamilies as diverse asgalliformes, carnivora, andlepidoptera. The printing anddistribution costs are met bySSC, using long-term supportfrom a variety of funders,suitably acknowledged in theParrot Action Plan (PAP). Readersshould note that a central aim ofIUCN is to create and supportthe 'sustainable use' of naturalresources, and the application ofthis principle to parrots is

carefully discussed within theaction plan. In a nutshell, youcould say that the PAP acceptsthe principle of sustainable useso far as it relates to eco-tourism involving parrots, butdoes not accept any concept ofharvesting wild parrots forcommerce.

The World Parrot Trust hasexisted since 1989 and hashelped the survival of 37species of parrot in 22countries. This is all valuablework, but there can be no doubtthat the promotion, funding,and final delivery of the ActionPlan for Parrots 2000-2004 isour crowning achievement sofar. Every member of the trustcan take pride in it, and we lookforward to even more help forthe parrots being created bythe general conservationadvice in the action plan, andin particular the individualrecommendations for the 95species listed. See ourcomments and proposals onpage 8, where we discuss theimplementation of thisaction plan. There islittle point in having aplan if it is not carriedout.

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PsittaScene Volume 12, No 2, May 2000 ■ 3

made, current harvesting levelsare threatening a number ofspecies and should beaddressed. The few countriesstill allowing "quotas" of parrotsfor export should be required toprovide appropriate scientificjustification for this.

Most governments, however,seek, in principle, to protect andpreserve their wildlife, and have

the birds that support theirwealth. If parrots are to survive,these attitudes must change.

Governments of the parrot rangecountries also need to addressthe unsustainable nature ofparrot markets operating withintheir borders. And whilst it isdifficult to propose a species forwhich a convincing scientificcase for sustainable use can be

Parrots are also exposed tohunting pressures but above allto habitat loss, alteration andfragmentation. As ecosystemsaround the world are destroyedor degraded, so the survivalprospects of the parrots decline.And yet parrots have thepotential to act as charismatic'flagship species' to highlightthe urgent need to preservehabitats. In doing so habitatprotection can be afforded to amultitude of species.

There is an urgent need tochange the attitudes of twospecial interest groups. Firstlythe many millions of ownersthat keep parrots as pet orcompanion animals, or forbreeding for the pet trade,should be urged to accept moreresponsibility for the survival ofparrots in the wild and thewelfare of existing captiveparrots. The second categorypertains to the many businessesthat are unquestionably builtupon the "parrot phenomenon":the tens of millions of parrotsbeing kept in captivity. Thesecompanies that trade parrots,their food, cages and othergoods, should be encouraged todonate a proportion of theirglobal annual income to parrotconservation. But with only oneor two commendableexceptions, few of thesecompanies donate anything to

Parrots have, for centuries, been taken into our homes because of their beauty, charm,hardiness, and supposed ability to "talk". This has created a domestic demand, involvinghundreds of thousands of birds annually on a global basis, resulting in many parrot taxahaving a high monetary value. The large charismatic mammals: whales, tigers, elephants,rhinoceroses, gorillas, and pandas have to contend with a host of threats directly relatedto their rarity and monetary value, but none of these are subject to capture for livedomestic use. No other group of birds has been subjected to more exploitation,numerically and financially, than parrots.

considerable expertise at theirdisposal. This was clearlydemonstrated when the jointcompilers of this Action Plansent out requests for updatedinformation on threatenedparrot species. The responsefrom all quarters was swift andpositive, and the result is aneffective document that willguide conservation efforts forseveral years.

Special thanks are due to theeditors, Noel Snyder, PhilMcGowan, Jamie Gilardi andAlejandro Grajal, for theirextended commitment to theproject and their determinationto achieve the higheststandards. Needless to say, the

Parrot Action Plan meeting 1995. With the help of BAAC, parrot experts and enthusiasts gathered together to talk throughthe Plan. Those present: from left to right (standing) - Noel Snyder, USA; James D. Gilardi, USA; Alejandro Grajal, Venezuela;Nigel Collar, UK; Joseph M. Forshaw, Australia; Rod Hall MBE, UK; Frank Lambert, UK; Mariano Gimenez-Dixon, Mexico;David Waugh, UK; Roland Wirth, Germany, Mike Reynolds, UK. From left to right (seated) - Phil McGowan, UK; Mike Perrin,South Africa. Not present: Colin Bibby, UK; Charles A. Munn, USA.

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ForewordExtract from PAP 2000-2004


contributions of the manyexperts around the world wereinvaluable. Thanks are also dueto Rod Hall MBE of BritishAirways Assisting Conservation(BAAC), now part of BritishAirways Environment Branch. Itwas Rod's idea to bring togetherthe world's leading parrotpeople to start this ParrotAction Plan process, and BritishAirways (BA) provided flights tobring ten key participants to theconference organised by theWorld Parrot Trust in London in1995. BA also provided flightsto Africa, and to the final reviewmeeting in New York.

There is no shortage of fieldbiologists interested in workingwith the parrots, and peopleprepared to commit themselvesto the fascinating and oftenurgent tasks at hand. Prioritiesfor many of these projectsemerge clearly from this ActionPlan. Given that the interestand expertise exist, we mustensure that the next steps,which are the provision of thenecessary funds, and thesupport of the relevantauthorities, are taken.

The sheer enthusiasm that hascarried this Action Plan tocompletion must be sustained.Readers may well be able tohelp support the many ongoingactivities discussed in this Plan,or initiate action where no workis currently under way. Theauthors and the World ParrotTrust are available to advise onand co-ordinate these efforts.

Michael ReynoldsHon. Director,World Parrot Trust

nearly two million parrots weretraded on the world market(TRAFFIC 1999). Internationaltrade also poses additionalthreats of establishment of feralparrot populations in non-nativecountries and the global spreadof exotic avian diseases. Dealingwith the problems posed by thebird trade involves addressingcomplex internal and externalregulation dilemmas within theaffected countries.

Chapters 3 through 7 concernthe threatened parrots of theworld. For convenience theworld is split into four regions:

- Australia, New Zealand and theSouth-west Pacific.

- Asia, including continentalAsia, Indonesia, and thePhilippines.

- Africa, and

- The Neotropics (Americas).

Each regional account outlinesbroad issues that affect theparrots of the region and thendiscusses potential conservationsolutions. In the first threeregions, there are also outlinesof specific projects that addressthe most threatened species andsome other regional priorities.For the Neotropical region, themajority of priority projects areincluded in the "actions" sectionof each species account. Theregional accounts are followedby individual species accountsfor all threatened species. Theyinclude information on currentstatus, distribution, threats andactions necessary to ensurecontinued survival.

General recommendations andconclusions include:

- An urgent need to obtain

Of the approximately 330 knownparrot species, 95 are listed inthis Action Plan. Half of theseoccur in the WesternHemisphere and half in theEastern Hemisphere. Themajority are found in tropicalregions. The proportion ofextant parrot species that arethreatened (28%) is one of thehighest for any major family ofbirds. Yet the number of parrotspecies that have been givencareful field study to determinethe best means of conservationremains low. Comprehensiveconservation strategies are notyet possible for many speciesbecause not enough informationis available to allow rigorousidentification of causes ofendangerment with confidence.Because of this relative dearthof information, Chapters 1 and 2of this Action Plan placesubstantial emphasis onconservation research methodsand strategies applicable toparrots in general.

Parrots face a great variety ofthreats, ranging from theimpacts of introduced predatorsand competitors to habitatdestruction and shooting forfood. For nearly 78 species ofthis Action Plan, habitatdestruction and fragmentationare the principal causes ofendangerment. Perhaps morethan any other bird group,parrots also face theconsiderable extra pressures ofthe bird trade. In this ActionPlan, 36 species are threatenedprimarily by insufficientlycontrolled and unsustainableharvest from the wild. Much ofthis harvest is fuelled by localdemand, although internationaltrade (both legal and illegal)plays a significant role for somespecies. Between 1990 and 1994


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reliable information on causesof endangerment for manyspecies that have not yet beencarefully studied. Effectiveconservation strategies shouldbe solidly based on reliablescience.

- All solutions to theconservation problems ofparrots present tradeoffs andeach particular solution mustbe tailored to the species’individual requirements andlimitations.

- Parrots often offer specialpotential to serve as flagshipspecies for the protection ofcrucial ecosystems.

- The detrimental effects of birdtrade pose major threats toparrots. Developing effectivesolutions to these threatsrepresents an especially highpriority.

- Substantial biological, social,political and economicdifficulties pose major hurdlesfor achieving sustainableharvest of wild parrotpopulations. No demonstrablesuccessful harvesting projectswith free-flying parrots havebeen established to date.

This plan is designed to aidmanagers and researchersentrusted with the conservationof parrot species to understandboth how best to evaluate thethreats faced by individualspecies and how best to designappropriate conservationstrategies to counter the threatsinvolved. It is intended as muchto be an evaluation ofconservation techniques as to bea set of specificrecommendations for individualspecies.

Executive SummaryExtract from PAP 2000-2004

Introduction to Action PlanExtract from PAP 2000-2004Parrots (Psittaciformes) are one of the most endangered groups of birdsin the world, due in part to their popularity in the bird trade. Yet thebird trade is not the only threat currently facing this group, andconservation efforts on behalf of parrots must address stress factorsthat are as complex as those found with any other wildlife group.Unfortunately, many of the most threatened parrot species have not yetreceived the comprehensive field study that would allow identificationof the most appropriate strategies for their conservation. Nevertheless,it is valuable to review the status of knowledge concerning thethreatened parrots of the world to:

1 Provide a summary of existingknowledge.

2 Identify the most pressing gapsin information.

3 Offer some generalrecommendations onconservation techniques.

4 Recommend conservationactions where appropriate.

The major goal of this Action Planis to ensure the conservation ofthe world’s parrot species. This isto be achieved by providingresearchers, managers and localgroups with practicalrecommendations for conductingconservation programs for thethreatened parrot species andpopulations endemic to theirregions of the world.The Parrot Action Plan is bydefinition action-oriented. It isbuilt upon the most up-to-dateassessments of distribution, status,and threats for endangered parrotspecies, and relates these data tothe considerable experience thatconservation biologists havegained in attempting to preventthreatened populations frombecoming extinct. The plan is notintended to be a treatise on parrotbiology. For enhancedunderstanding, it should be readin conjunction with generaltreatments of parrot biology andconservation available elsewhere(e.g., Collar and Stuart 1985,Forshaw 1989, Beissinger andSnyder 1992, Joseph 1992,Garnett 1992, Collar et al. 1992,and Juniper and Parr 1998).

Parrots and humansParrots are among the mostfamiliar of bird species to thegeneral public, and are generally

held in esteem and affection evenby people uninterested in naturalhistory or conservation. Ironically,people’s fascination with parrotsis a significant cause of theconservation challenges faced byconservationists today. Because oftheir attractive colours andabilities to imitate human speech,parrots have been kept incaptivity by many differentcultures worldwide, ranging fromthe ancient Greeks and Romans tonative tribes of the Caribbean.Captive rearing of parrots toobtain feathers for ceremonialpurposes was a widespreadactivity many centuries agoamong the native peoples ofMexico. Parrots have also beenvalued historically as objects oftrade between cultures, leading totheir distribution far beyond theboundaries of their natural rangesand the establishment ofnumerous feral exoticpopulations. Today, 90 of theapproximately 330 extant speciesof parrots worldwide areconsidered at some risk ofextinction (Collar et al. 1994).This proportion is higher than foralmost all other major groups ofbirds.Despite their familiarity as cagebirds, most parrot species havenot been the subject of detailedecological and conservationstudies. In part, this situation ofrelative neglect has resulted froman association of many specieswith remote habitats far fromcentres of learning. In part it isdue to the difficulties inconducting studies on speciesthat have large home ranges, areoften difficult to capture forindividual marking purposes, and

are often canopy dwellers intropical forests, nesting inelevated tree cavities that arechallenging to reach.Despite the difficulties involvedin their study, parrots oftenpresent major conservationopportunities. As conspicuousand attractive birds, they canoften serve as flagship species forthe preservation of threatenedecosystems, and because theirrange needs are often large, theyoften can provide importantjustifications for the saving ofquantitatively significant amountsof habitat. Their spectacularcongregations at clay licks,waterholes, and mass roosts oftenpresent important potentials forecotourism benefits for localcommunities, and for thedevelopment of conservationeducation efforts.

ThreatsThe plight of parrots is due tomany factors. Two threats standout as especially important;habitat destruction andfragmentation, and trapping forthe bird trade. Of the 95 speciesconsidered in this Plan, habitatdestruction and fragmentationendanger 78 species while tradeendangers 36 species. Diminishedinternational trade has beendwarfed by significant growth ininternal trade. For many species,the threats of habitat loss andtrade act concurrently, so that itis difficult to determine whichthreat might be most the mostsevere. For example, 29 speciesare currently threatened by acombination of habitatdestruction and intense trade, and8 species are threatened bycombined habitat destruction andintroduced predators orcompetitors. However, thesefactors are clearly not the onlycause of declining parrotpopulations. In other cases, large-scale reductions in parrotpopulations have occurred inspite of the persistence of naturalhabitats and an absence of trade.Introduced predators orcompetitors have apparentlythreatened 16 species, while

others have suffered significantlyfrom hunting for food or feathers,or to protect crops (nine species).Though not well documented, it isalso reasonably likely thatintroduced diseases have been amajor factor in the woes of somespecies, for example the extinctCarolina Parakeet (see Snyder etal. 1987). It is thought thatintroduced diseases possiblyendanger two species, and threeare possibly hybridising withrelated taxa.The principle threats varygeographically, temporally, andwith the specific characteristics ofthe species involved; introducedpredators and competitors havebeen a major threat primarily forparrot populations on oceanicislands; hunting for food is aprinciple threat for relativelylarge species; and trade has beenextremely damaging for manyhighly charismatic or colourfulspecies, especially for those thatare extraordinarily talented inimitating human speech. Whilelegal international trade has beendeclining in magnitude for thepast decade (due to CITESregulations, passage of variousnational regulations, andincreased law enforcementactivities), internal trade stillremains a major problem in manycountries. Illegal internal andinternational trade places gravethreats on certain parrot species.

Structure of theAction PlanThe second Chapter of the ActionPlan considers general aspects ofparrot conservation, while theremaining chapters providedetailed species by species statusaccounts and conservationrecommendations. Particularemphasis is placed on the needfor sound knowledge of theproblems faced by individualspecies and the potentialconservation actions required.Such information should normallybe gathered and evaluated beforespecific prescriptions areadvanced. Premature judgementsbased on incorrect informationcan waste valuable time and


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resources and greatly diminishthe prospects for effectiveconservation. This is not meant tosanction a lack of action on behalfof species that are criticallythreatened simply because allresearch answers are not yet in.For such species provisionalrecommendations should bedeveloped and followed, but notas a continuing substitute forobtaining the scientificallyrigorous data that will allowdevelopment of comprehensiveconservation strategies.Because resources forconservation are limited, it isextremely important to maximisethe efficiency of each programme.Conservation approaches willnecessarily vary among individualspecies. It is essential that everyprogramme be continuouslyevaluated for effectiveness andthat conservation actions beadaptively modified wheneversuccess remains elusive.Chapter 2 of the Action Plan alsodiscusses principles that shouldapply to the conservation of allparrot species. Subsectionsinclude determinations ofpopulation sizes, ranges, andtrends; determinations of causesof decline; and generalevaluations of conservationalternatives. The principlesinvolved are for the most part notspecific to parrots, and someexamples to illustrate principlesare drawn from other groups.Nevertheless, emphasis is placedon the unique characteristics ofparrots that pose specialproblems and opportunities in theapplication of conservationtechniques.Chapters 3 to 7 provide the mostup-to-date information availableon the status, distribution, andthreats to 103 species of parrotsthreatened worldwide. Thespecies are organised into fourmain regions: Australia, NewZealand, and the SouthwestPacific; Asia, (includingcontinental Asia, Indonesia, andthe Philippines); Africa; and theNeotropics (Americas). A generaloverview, including threats andconservation solutions, anddetailed species accounts for allthreatened taxa are provided foreach region. Priority conservationprojects are discussed as textboxes for Australia, Asia andAfrica. The majority of the

priority projects within theNeotropical section are includedin the 'actions' section of eachspecies account.Initially, the species consideredwere those listed in Birds toWatch 2: the world list ofthreatened birds (Collar et al.1994), which is also the officialIUCN list of threatened birds (seeIUCN 1996). Species included inBirds to Watch 2 are drawn fromthe list of species proposed bySibley and Monroe (1990, 1993).This list remains controversial buthas been adopted by both BirdLifeInternational and CITES. It isfollowed more in the interests ofstandardisation than out ofcomplete agreement with thespecies limits and sequenceproposed.The updated information in thisAction Plan, itself a first edition,produced several changes to theoriginal Birds to Watch 2. Thesechanges fall into five categories: i)changes in the threat category forspecies which remain threatened;ii) removals from the list whichhave been agreed with BirdLifeInternational (7 species); iii)taxonomic reappraisals thatsuggest a threatened taxon mightbe most appropriately treated as aspecies, and hence should beadded to the list (3 species); iv)species previously considerednon-threatened, which areproposed here for inclusion onthe Red List (4 species plus onegroup of populations).Classifying species as to thedegree of threat is a controversialendeavour, as it is commonlyextremely difficult to predict howlikely extinction may be,especially in cases where detailedstudies of individual species havebeen lacking. Various efforts havebeen made to base classificationson numerical criteria forpopulation sizes and trends andon range sizes. Although nonumerical scheme has yetachieved consensus support ofthe conservation community, thisAction Plan follows the IUCNCategories of Threat (IUCN, 1994).The categories utilised are Extinctin the Wild, Critically Endangered,Endangered, and Vulnerable (seeAppendix 2).For information on typicalcoverage, below we publish aspecies account:

Species Account:Hyacinth macaw,Anodorhynchus hyacinthinusContributors: JaquelineGoerck, Neiva Guedes, CharlesMunn, Carlos YamashitaConservation status:IUCN: Vulnerable (A1c,d; A2c,d).CITES: Appendix I.National protection status:Protected under Brazilian law.Distribution and status: ThePantanal population maynumber a maximum of 5,000birds (N. Guedes in litt. 1997).Recent work in the Chapada dasMangabeiras by BioBrasil hasconfirmed that a population ofbetween 1,000 and 2,500hyacinths still exists. Thispopulation exists in the cliffand dry forest regions of south-western Piauî State, south-western Maranhão State, north-western Bahia State, andextreme eastern Tocantins State,Brazil.Threats: Nest-trees are stilloften cleared to provide areasfor cattle. Illegal trappingremains a problem in someareas. The hyacinth macaw isprotected under Brazilian lawand has been listed onAppendix I of CITES since 1987,and is thus banned frominternational trade. There were

54 specimens recorded ininternational trade between1991 and 1995, with an annualmaximum of 17 in 1993 (mostlyzoo animals and pets: CITESAnnual Report database). In thePantanal, deforestation andforest burning are a seriousthreat to the supply of nestingtrees. Conservation of stands ofthe palms Schellea phalerataand Acrocomia aculeata isconsidered a keystone for theirsurvival.Actions: Accurate studies ofthe species’ current range andpopulation numbers in all partsof its range are needed.Investigations of the possibleillegal trading of the speciesthroughout its range are alsorequired. Experimentalecotourism should bedeveloped at one or two keysites. To support this work, abroad political constituencymust be built to attract donors(both from Brazil and the publicabroad) to broaden funding andto protect this species in thewild.Assessing the effectiveness ofexperimentally erected nestboxes should also continue. Of11 boxes hung in 1992, all buttwo were visited or used. Thecolonisation of artificial nestsby aggressive Africanised beesis a problem.

Hyacinth Macaw by David Johnston

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Our Hopes for theParrot Action PlanBy Michael Reynolds

As described on pages 2 and 3 of this issue, we are very pleased to now have theIUCN/SSC Parrot Action Plan available. It will be widely distributed by IUCN itself, goingautomatically to a list of several hundred appropriate bodies concerned withconservation, including universities, government departments, and NGOs (non-government organisations, like WPT). WPT (which shares copyright of the action planwith IUCN) has been able to add its own list for free distribution to try to ensure thatspecialist parrot organisations and publications receive a copy. If after the end of June2000 any group has not received a copy and feels it should have, please write to our UKadministrator Karen Whitley (address on page 19).

ImplementationThere would be little point inproducing an action plan, if nosignificant action resulted fromit. We must therefore seek toencourage good responses fromall interested in parrotconservation, especially thoseorganisations and individualswho currently make usefulcontributions in this area. These include organisationssuch as ZGAP (Germany),IPF(Germany), Kaytee AvianFoundation (USA), Loro ParqueFoundation (Spain), WildlifeConservation Society (USA),BirdLife International (UK), WWF(UK), and others. WPT willensure they receive copies ofthe action plan, and will aim tokeep in touch.

FundingImplementation can only occurwhen funds are made available.What is needed here is thedevelopment of NEW SOURCESOF FUNDING. WPT willcommunicate with foundationsand others interested in fundingwildlife conservation, and nodoubt other bodies will do thesame. The Parrot Action Planprovides a great newopportunity to bring in fundsfor parrot conservation. Thebeauty of it is that ANYONE CANJOIN IN and use the action planto raise funds.Individual World Parrot Trustmembers can also make themost of the action plan, eitherraising funds on a general basisto help WPT projects across the

board, or picking a specieslisted in the action plan, andraising money to go exclusivelyto the bird of their choice. Thisapproach may well appeal tobird clubs.

Monitoring &ReportingIt will be a major task to recordthe current work on the 95species listed in the action plan,and then add the expected newactivity. World Parrot Trust willundertake to do this, but ofcourse there are otherorganisations that may wish todo this independently.When WPT appoints its newdirector, he or she will becomeprimarily responsible forpursuing all aspects of the

One of the team inspecting an Echo nest. Kirsty Jenkin from Paradise Park, at work hand-rearing a young Echo.

A hand-reared and released Echo (‘Reef’) uses a feedhopper.

action plan and its considerablepotential to create newinitiatives for the parrots.

UpdatingAt the present time WPT intendsto issue an annual report on theParrot Action Plan and itsimplementation. It will alsoimprove the currentpresentation of the action planon its website atwww.worldparrottrust.org, andupdate it as necessary.

Input WelcomeHaving been much involved withall stages of this action planproject, the World Parrot Trustnow invites all readers to let ushave any comments orsuggestions on how to make themost of this unique opportunityto advance the cause of parrotconservation. Please send informationregarding any work carried outthat is cited in the Plan, or anyfundraising that you have doneso that we may include thisinformation. Please write to theUK address listed on page 19.


Our main hope is that the recommendations of the action plan will be funded adequately, and put into effective action as demonstrated bythese pictures from the Echo Parakeet project in Mauritius.


IntroductionThe World Parrot Trust (WPT) is anon-profit non-governmentalorganisation formed in the UnitedKingdom in 1989 as RegisteredCharity No. 800944. It now has13 international branches. Theobjectives of the trust are thesurvival of parrot species in thewild, and the welfare ofindividual birds. Funds raised topursue those aims now total$1.5m, and have helped 37species of parrot in 22 countries.The World Parrot Trust operateson a volunteer basis, withgenerous support from its 2,500members and in particular thesmall committees and groupswho organise the nationalbranches. WPT-UK has a full-timeadministrator responsible for co-ordinating international activities,a central membership list,finances, and the publication ofthe trust's quarterly'PSITTASCENE' magazine. WPT-USA has a part timeadministrator, responsible forservicing the valuable andenthusiastic US membership.From its inception in 1989 the

trust has been under the day-to-day direction (unpaid) of MikeReynolds, founder of ParadisePark in Cornwall, UK. Muchfunding and logistical supporthas been provided to the trust byParadise Park. Mike intends tohand over the task of directingWPT to a suitably qualifiedperson by the end of 2000.

The requirementsTo understand the particularthreats relating to the 330 speciesof parrot.To be able to work effectivelywith individuals andorganisations in parrot rangecountries.To design, implement, superviseand report scientifically soundconservation programmes.To work co-operatively with otherorganisations with similar aims.To initiate and bring to fruition arange of fund-raising activities.To publicise the work of WPT andits achievements.To prepare and distributeeducational material, for generalpublic consumption, and for

WPT Seeks Director owners of captive parrots.To represent WPT at all levels andon all occasions.To deal promptly and creativelywith the extensivecommunications received by thetrust.To provide expertise in responseto all media and other enquiries.To communicate with WPT'smembership, primarily through'PSITTASCENE'.

The individual chosen forthis job is likely to have thefollowing characteristicsAn appropriate scientificqualification.Extensive experience in the field,primarily in parrot rangecountries.Experience in devising andimplementing substantialconservation proposals.Experience in submittingconservation proposals topotential donors and governmentauthorities.The ability to motivate andsupervise the work of associatesand employees.Close contacts with organisationsin the conservation community.

Full command of spoken andwritten English. Some Spanish andPortuguese would be an asset.

Key tasks would beTo play a major role inimplementing the new IUCN/SSCParrot Action Plan 2000-2004.To develop the membershipsupport for WPT.To achieve substantial newsources of funds for theexpansion of WPT projects, andthe improvement of WPTstructure.To publicise the urgent needs ofthe parrots, and WPT's ability tomeet these needs.

Application and terms ofemploymentLetters of application supportedby curriculum vitae with salaryhistory and details of two refereesshould be sent by email, fax ormail to Mike Reynolds, forconsideration by the trustees,directors and committees of WPT.The priority will be to find theright person as soon as possibleduring 2000. The person chosenmust be able to spend substantialtime at WPT's base in the UK, withadditional time in the USA, and inthe field to monitor WPT projects.

Search for newparrot championTHE driving force behind oneof the world’s most influentialworld parrot conservationgroups is to stand down at theend of this year.

Mike Reynolds, founder ofthe World Parrot Trust and itshonorary director, will be 70 inearly February next year andwants to make way for a newleader after more than a decadein charge.

Also founder of ParadisePark bird gardens in Cornwall, now run by his son anddaughter Nick and Alison, Mike will still have an influenceon both concerns but with a reduced workload.

International charityMIKE formed the World Parrot Trust in 1989 in responseto a need for conservation, trade restrictions and habitatpreservation in countries with threatened parrot populations.Operating through volunteers, it gained registered charitystatus and now has 2,500 members and 13 internationalbranches. It has helped 37 species of parrot in 22 differentcountries.

Although a non-profit making organisation, it has raisedfunds totalling $1.5 million with which to work for thewelfare of parrots. Mike’s work as honorary director is ajob for which he draws no pay.

“I think as Mike is 70 next year,he deserves a bit of time off,” saidhis daughter, Alison.

“The WPT has been going forten years and after a while it takesover your life. Before that he spenta long time setting up ParadisePark and it was while doing thisthat he realised he wanted to domore for the birds in the wild.

The Park, at Hayle, was createdin 1973, before conservationamong exotic bird species became

a priority.As awareness grew of the harm being done by an unlim-

ited trade in birds and rapid habitat destruction, the need fora conservation group for wild parrots became evident.

“It was only really 15 years ago that people startedrealising that controls were needed on imports, trappingbirds and loss of habitats, and they came to understand thatwild birds do not make good pets,” said Alison.

“Mike realised early on that you can’t just go on import-ing thousands of birds without it having a damaging effect,and there has been a huge change in attitude over that time.

“With the World Parrot Trust he has done what he is bestat, which is inspiring people and setting out the ground forthe future.

“He’s not going to step away completely. but he doesthink it’s time for someone else to take on a lot of the work.”

Mike Reynolds hopesto reduce his workloadby next year.

MIKE’SFINESTHOURSMIKE is most proud of hiscontribution towards the success of the Parrot Action Plan, whichbrought together scientists indifferent countries to carryresearch work to find out whichspecies are able to benefit fromconservation.

“This has laid the basis for a lot ofwork in the future, and Mike helpedbring everyone together when it lookedlike they had drifted apart,” said Alison.

“He’s also proud of Paradise Park(recently voted Cornwall’s familyattraction of the year) and how it hassurvived all these years, as a bird gardenand as a breeding centre of rarespecies.”

The new director, who will receive a salary but will also be involved in fund-raising projects, will be based in Englandand the USA with monitoring work atproject sites abroad.

Applicants should have scientificqualifications, extensive experience inparrot countries and in conservationwork, and be able to work closely withother organisations and individualsinvolved in projects. They should also be capable of generating publicity andcommunicating through the WPT’smagazine.

Taken from Cage & Aviary Birds, May 20, 2000

10 ■ PsittaScene Volume 12, No 2, Mary 2000

ABC / WPTsmall grants programme

by MIKE PARR

successes. More information,including links to the project'sweb sites can be found on theABC website at www.abcbirds.org.We are still actively fundraisingfor the programme and donationare welcome. For information onhow to help please contact WPTUK.

The Red Bank Scarlet MacawConservation and AvitourismProject is run by Program forBelize (PFB), one of the leadingconservation organisations in thecountry. PFB has built a solidreputation through itsprogrammes of land purchase,ecotourism development andconservation management andrecently began the developmentof a bird conservation

American Bird Conservancy andWorld Parrot Trust Partnershipfor Neotropical ParrotConservation - Two Years ofCollaboration in Review.

In 1998, World Parrot Trust (WPT)teamed up with American Birdconservancy (ABC) in announcinga competitive grants programmewith the goal of stimulating andsupporting a range of parrotconservation projects in theneotropics focused aroundpriority species identified in theParrot Action Plan. In the firstyear, more than seventy proposalswere received and thanks to agenerous grant from the SanFrancisco-based Barbara DelanoFoundation and funds contributedby ABC and WPT, a total of$62,000 was allocated to thirteenprojects in ten countries/Additional support in the form ofa matching grant was madeavailable from the Washington DCbased National Fish & WildlifeFoundation for the Great GreenMacaw Honorary Warden Project,Ecuador and thanks to supportfrom the Disney WildlifeConservation Fund, two of theproject: the Red-tailed AmazonConservation Project in Brazil andProyecto Ognorhynchus inColombia, were expandedconsiderably, resulting in someexciting additional conservationaction on the ground. Thanks tothe success of the programme,WPT and ABC continued thepartnership in 1999, and arecurrently supporting four newprojects along with renewingsupport for the Great GreenMacaw project in Ecuador.Here, Mike Parr, Vice President ofProgram Development for ABC,and co-author with Tony Juniperof the award-winning guide toparrots of the world takes a lookat some of the programmeshighlights including the species,conservation issues and project

programme. The Red Bank projectis aiming to protect the lastsignificant population of thethreatened Central Americansubspecies of Scarlet Macaw inBelize through a habitatprotection, conservationeducation and ecotourismdevelopment programme. Theproject has developed acommunity outreach campaignincluding a national televisioncommercial promoting ecotourismat the site; engaged the localcommunity in the construction offire breaks and fire patrols;successfully opposed a quarrydevelopment; raised funds fromthe Global Environment Facility toconstruct a visitor lodge; andtrained tour guides. The macaw

population in the area peaksduring March and currently 150individuals are using the area,roughly 60% of the Belizepopulation of the species.

Another species of conservationconcern in Belize is the Yellow-headed Amazon. Although thespecies has a wide range, alsoextending through suitable habitatin Mexico, Honduras andGuatemala, the population hasbeen severely depleted by habitatloss and trade. It is one of themost popular pet birds in Mexico,and other parrots are sometimespainted to look like Yellow-headedAmazons there so that they fetcha higher price. Because of thesethreats, the remaining healthylocal populations in Belize are ofparticular significance. The BelizeZoo Yellow-headed Parrot Projectis an education programme whichis directly involving more than1,000 students in theconservation of the Yellow-headedAmazon through awarenessbuilding and a nest box project.Using the Amazon as aconservation symbol, the project,conducted by one of the mosteffective environmental educationgroups in Central America hasdeveloped a national conservationoutreach project which includescurriculum materials, exercisebooks, calendars, field trips and anest box monitoring programme.The programme is developingnational pride in the species andencouraging the next generationto view the Amazon as a symbolof wild habitats, rather than as apet to be captured and sold.

The Great Green Macaw is a thinlydistributed species which is inserious trouble throughout itsrange. It occurs mainly in humidlowland forest from Honduras,through parts of Nicaragua, CostaRica, Panama, Colombia andEcuador. Although habitat loss isthe species' main problem,

Scarlet Macaw

species employs a cooperativebreeding strategy in which non-pair helpers assist in raising theyoung - the only neotropicalparrot known to exhibit thisbehaviour. Thanks to additionalfunding from the Disney WildlifeConservation Fund and the LoroParque Foundation, the projecthas also: begun to work withlandowners to fence areas toprevent grazing which hamperspalm regeneration; established alocal education programme withposters and T shirts; incorporatedthe parrot into the town flag andencouraged local residents topaint a mural featuring the parrotto enhance local pride in thespecies. The project was given afurther boost with theinvolvement of the Institute ofSystematic Botany at the New YorkBotanical Gardens which supplieda painting of the Wax Palm byMichael Rothman (who addedseveral Yellow-eared Parrots to thedesign to help local outreachactivities). The Garden alsoadvised on the development of asub-project to study the ecologyof the palm itself to help habitatrestoration efforts.

The remaining lowland coastalforest and forested wetlands ofsoutheast Brazil provide the lastrefuge for the endangered Red-tailed Amazon. Rapid habitat lossthrough coastal development hascaused a steep decline in thespecies' population and furtherthreats from housingdevelopments on Ilha Compridaadd to the severity of thesituation. The illegal trade is alsoa serious problem for the speciesand some birds are still huntedfor food. The environmentaleducation programme for the Red-tailed Amazon being conducted atSuperagüo National Park, byInstituto de Pesquisas Ecológicas(IPE) provides hope that at leastone significant population of thespecies can be conserved. Theproject aims to develop localpride to help combat illegaltrapping, hunting and habitatclearance. IPE has launched anenvironmental awarenesscampaign among villagers withinthe park in one of Brazil's poorestareas. The programme aims todevelop alternative economicstrategies such as local crafts andthe promotion of new recipesamong women's groups to caterbetter to tourists. The project isalso developing local pride in theparrots through local communitytours to the roosting site and

through the engagement of localguides. The project has beengiven an additional boost thanksto funds from the Disney WildlifeConservation Fund and the LoroParque Foundation.

In addition to these excitingproject successes, WPT and ABClook forward to anotherproductive field season for ourfour new jointly supportedprojects:

Sonia Gabriela Ortiz Maciel will beworking with Ernesto C. Enkerlinto investigate habitat preferencesof the endangered Maroon-frontedParrot in the Sierra Madre Orientalof northeast Mexico. Although thespecies' key cliff nesting site at ElTaray is well protected, the birdsrove to surrounding pine foreststo feed. Following a spectacularbreeding season in 1998, thenumber of breeding pairs crashedin 1999, possibly due to theextensive fires in surroundingforest caused by the El Niño. Theproject will help provide abaseline data to determineconservation actions andmanagement priorities for thespecies.

The Yellow-shouldered Amazon isendemic to Northern Venezuelaand some offshore islands (inc.Bonaire, Netherlands Antilles). Itoccurs in dry scrub andassociated woodland and despiteits rarity is not well protected inparks or reserves. There is a lackof enforcement to block illegal(mainly local) trade and althoughthe species is locally common inparts of Falcón and Anzoátegui,the population on Isla Margarita isnow probably the most easilyprotected. PROVITA has developeda comprehensive conservationplan for the species on the islandand is also focusing efforts on theendemic Margarita island

subspecies of Blue-crownedConure, the species featured inthe movie 'Paulie'.

Lear's Macaw is one of the world'srarest parrots, surviving in just afew isolated colonies in BahiaState, Brazil. The species is a cliffnester and specialises in feedingon licuri palms, which have beencleared for agriculture throughoutmost of its range. Despiteprotection efforts, the macaw isstill vulnerable to poaching andthe BioBrasil Foundation projectsupported by WPT and ABC isproviding wardens for the nestingcliffs and is monitoring nest sitesand fledging success.

The Lilac-crowned Amazon isendemic to the tropical drydeciduous forests of southernMexico and large scale habitatclearance within its range andcapture for the pet trade haveinduced a population decline,culminating in the species beingassigned "Near-Threatened" statusby BirdLife International.Katherine Renton will beconducting an assessment of thespecies' habitat preferences toprovide a baseline forconservation recommendations.

We hope that WPT members willbe as excited to learn of theresults of our joint grantprogramme with ABC as we areand we welcome contributions tocontinue and expand on thiswork.

trapping for trade and probablyhunting for food area alsocontributing to its decline. Thefact that this macaw is nomadicmakes it especially difficult to setup conservation programmes andthe subspecies which occurs inwestern Ecuador is now on theverge of extinction. With this inmind, we selected the Great GreenMacaw Honorary Warden Projectconducted by Fundacion Pro-Bosque for support. The project isinvolving local people as honoraryreserve wardens in an area wheremacaws have traditionally beenhunted and trapped. It isespecially important that farmersin areas surrounding the CerroBlanco protected forest aresympathetic to the presence ofmacaws on their property, as thebirds often choose to nest on theperiphery of the reserve, or onsurrounding private lands. Theproject has carried out a survey oflocal attitudes toward parrotconservation and recruited fivehonorary wardens from thesurrounding area as guardians ofthe macaws. Field visits to localcommunities have been supportedby a substantial outreachcampaign with a poster, colouringbooks for children, a mobilepuppet theatre and anenvironmental play which hasbeen performed in local villagesas well as in central Guyaquil, thelargest city in Ecuador.

Proyecto Ognorhynchus run inconjunction with SociedadAntioqueña de Ornnitologa (SAO),Colombia, is an emergencyconservation programme for theYellow-eared Parrot in the centralcordillera of the ColombianAndes. The project teamdiscovered a healthy populationof the species, the only onecurrently known, and hasdeveloped a conservationprogramme aimed at conservingthe birds and expanding theavailable habitat by propagatingand re-planting their favouritefood and nesting tree, the WaxPalm. The Palm itself - Colombia'snational tree - is also anendangered species and is theworld's tallest palm reaching morethan 150 feet in height. Inaddition to discovering a critical -and possibly the only - breedingpopulation of the species, theproject has carried out the firstthorough ecological assessment ofthe Yellow-eared Parrot which notonly uncovered its almostcomplete reliance on the WaxPalm, but also discovered that the

Great Green Macaw

Yellow-eared Parrot



Once again, a leading figure inthe parrot world has been sentto jail for offences againstCITES, the internationalconvention designed to protectendangered species from illegaltrade.Readers may recall that TonySilva was convicted in the USAin 1997 on charges ofsmuggling and causing thedeaths of up to 185 HyacinthMacaws and other birds, andwas sent to jail for nearly sevenyears. His release is due in2004/2005.We publish below the officialpress release from HM Customs& Excise, describing theactivities that brought HarrySissen to his present plight. Weunderstand he is likely toappeal against the sentence,but is unable to appeal againstthe conviction itself.The future of the three Lear'sMacaws is still to be decided,but the Brazilian governmenthas asked for the birds to bereturned to Brazil. This isclearly the correct action, but ifit is accurately reported thatthe birds are intended to bereleased into the wild, thisneeds much moreconsideration. The World ParrotTrust understands that thethree Lears have a disease thatmight represent a threat toconspecifics and other birds inthe wild, and that their futurewould be better spent as partof a carefully supervisedbreeding programme.WPT would like to remind itsmembers and other readers ofPsittaScene that it deplores anyillegality in the parrot world,especially where it involves thesmuggling of endangeredspecies. Smuggling over thepast thirty years or so was badenough, but today, when we allknow of the dire consequencesof such activity, it isunforgivable.

Operation Palate - HMCustoms and Excise, PressRelease:Mr. Sissen of Cornhill Farm, EastCowton, Northallerton wascharged with 4 Customs offencesconcerning the smuggling of rareparrots, including 3 Lear’sMacaws, under the Conventionagainst the International Trade inEndangered Species (CITES).In April 1998 the premises of Mr.Sissen, a well known bird breederwere raided by Customs withsupport from local Police. A largenumber of Cites Appendix 1 birds(the most critically endangeredcategory and the category whereinternational trade is banned)were seized. Included within thisseizure were 3 Lear’s Macaws;evidence heard during the trialindicated that only 150 remain inthe wild in Brazil. Also includedin this seizure are 6 Blue-headedMacaws; these birds are the firstseen / imported into the E.C. Thevalue placed on these birds isdifficult, as the only trade seen ison the black market. However, apair of Lear’s Macaws alone, areworth in excess of £50,000The 3 Lear’s Macaws involved inthis case, code named OperationPalate, were located in Yugoslaviawith a dealer who we believeillegally obtained them from thewild in Brazil. These birds wereoffered to Mr. Sissen as long agoas 1996 and were eventuallyillegally imported into the UK in1997 and 1998. Mr. Sissentravelled by car from the UK toYugoslavia in February 1997where he obtained 2 of the 3Lear’s Macaws. He then proceededto enter Slovakia and purchasethe 6 Blue-headed Macaws fromanother dealer. These birds werethen smuggled across theAustrian border into the E.C. Fromthere they were taken viaGermany and Belgium to Calaiswhere they were smuggledthrough Dover. In the followingMarch the third Lear’s Macaw wassmuggled into the UK by a similarroute and method. At no time did

Mr. Sissen apply or receive CITEScertificates for these birds and incross examination Mr. Sissenadmitted all other importationpaperwork obtained was bogusand in effect an additional‘insurance policy’ should he beintercepted by Customs.Additionally uplifted as a result ofthe raid on Mr. Sissen’s premiseswere 2 stuffed Lear’s Macaws.During the trial evidence washeard from five witnesses that Mr.Sissen had admitted illegallyimporting these birds fromYugoslavia and Slovakia. One ofthese witnesses was the RightHonourable William Hague, theLeader of the Opposition, who wasapproached by his constituent Mr.Sissen to complain about the raid.H.M. Customs and Excise take theirresponsibility very seriously inseeking to enforce the E.U. wideimport / export controls onEndangered Species. We fullyrecognise that the UK as a signatoryof CITES has an obligation to seekto prevent the illegal exploitationof rare species worldwide.Whatever the motive involved, itis the actions of individuals likeMr. Sissen who create a demand(and high prices) for endangeredspecies and directly leads to theirillegal removal from their nativehabitats.In 1997, the E.U. sought to tightenthe import / export controls onEndangered Species. This was, inpart, intended to reflect growingconcern that numbers ofendangered species were stillentering the Community illegally.The new law made it arequirement that Member Statesmust be able to impose effectivepenalties on those who sought todeal in or move controlled speciesillegally. We believe the penaltiesavailable under C.E.M.A. of up toseven years imprisonmentprovide an effective deterrent towildlife smugglers.This Department wishes toexpress its gratitude for theassistance given during this caseby the Zoo Federation; Parrot

Society, Corporation of London;Animal Reception Centre; Mr.Andrew Greenwood, vet and otherwildlife organisations.With regards to the future of theseized birds in this case, I canconfirm that the BrazilianGovernment have formallyrequested the repatriation of the3 Lear’s Macaws. The primaryobjective after confiscation of theLear’s Macaws and other birdsseized must be to ensure thatthey can form part of a breedingprogramme aimed at preservingthese very rare species in thewild.Our investigation officers (withexpert assistance) identified anumber of other endangeredparrot species at Mr. Sissen’spremises. The birds were removedand he was subsequently asked toprove their legal origin. Mr. Sissenhas exercised his right in law tocontest our actions and a form ofcivil (condemnation) proceedingswill be held to review the legalityof our actions. At all timesCustoms have sought to providethe seized birds with the bestavailable accommodation andexpert veterinary care.1 Sissen was convicted on 4

counts of illegally importing 3Lear’s Macaws and 6 Blue-headed Macaws by a majorityverdict of 10-2.

2 Sissen was sentenced to 21/2years on each count to runconcurrently. He was alsoordered to pay £5,000 costs.

3 Confiscation proceedings wereadjourned for a later date.

4 Sissen was described by HHJGuy Whitburn as being: ‘Adevious and scheming man whoas a result of the verdicts isboth a liar and hypocrite’.

5 Highest sentence ever given in aBritish court for CITES offences.

by HM Customs and ExciseNational Investigation Service4th Floor Eastgate House10 Eastgate, Leeds, LS2 7JLTelephone: 0113 245 2937Fax: 0113 246 5911

Harry Sissen Jailed for21/2 YearsJudge describes him as '... a liar and a hypocrite.' Harry Sissen with Hyacinth Macaws.

A meeting of the Saint VincentParrot Consortium was held at theVilla Lodge Hotel Saint Vincent. Iattended this meetingrepresenting both the WorldParrot Trust and Paradise Park. After a welcome by Nigel Weekes,Chief of Forestry in Saint Vincent,the current status of both the wildand captive populations ofAmazona guildingii was discussedin detail. The biennial census ofthe wild population, which iscarried out by Forestry staff, hasshown an increase in the numberof birds between 1988 and 1994.However since 1994 no censushad been undertaken due toproblems with funding andstaffing levels. There are noknown nest sites of the SaintVincent Amazon Parrot. Althoughthe birds are apparently doingwell, field research in the form ofan up to date census andidentification and monitoring ofnest trees is required as a matterof some urgency.The problem of birds beingillegally taken from the island wasdiscussed in some detail and willprobably need to be addressedagain once a census has beenundertaken. In order to make itmore difficult to launder illegalbirds it was agreed to write to allknown holders of Amazonaguildingii outside of the island torequest DNA samples from thebirds they hold. This DNA workwill also have a secondary role asit can be used to determinerelatedness within the wholecaptive population. Recentresearch carried out by the NewYork Zoological Society onconfiscated birds entering the UShas revealed previously unknowngenetic lines within the species.Another pressure on the wildpopulation is the illegal farming

of marijuana deep in the forestwhich is encroaching upon thebirds habitat. The ForestryDepartment and the Police aredoing their best to combat thisproblem.On the positive side there haverecently been new sightings of theparrot on Soufriere, the island’svolcano, following regenerationafter the last eruption.There are currently sixty sixcaptive birds on the island withtwenty nine of these being inaviaries at the Botanical Gardensas part of Forestry’s in-situbreeding and educationprogramme, and the remainingthirty seven birds being in thehands of " custodians" -Vincentians who had had petbirds prior to the amnesty andwho have registered their birdswith the Forestry Department.The ex-situ breeding programmewas also discussed at length withreports from all consortiummembers and holders present. Itwas agreed to take all availableaction to try to encourage holdersof Amazona guildingii who werenot consortium members to atleast register their birds with the

studbook but to, in preference,participate fully within theconsortium framework.Nigel Weekes, Chief of Forestry,expressed a desire for furtherveterinary assistance with thecaptive population on the island.Five years ago consultant avianveterinarian, Andrew Greenwoodvisited the island on behalf of TheWorld Parrot Trust and with thegenerous assistance of BritishAirways Assisting Conservation.Nigel would like this type of visitrepeated on a regular basis as noequivalent veterinary expertiseexists on the island. Nigel alsocommented upon the need totrain the staff at the BotanicalGardens in best practices ofcaptive bird care. Severalcollections offered facilities totrain Forestry staff ex-situ butNigel would prefer to havesomeone come to the aviaries fortwo to three weeks in order totrain all the staff at the BotanicalGardens at the same time.The importance of the parrot andits habitat as a valuable source oftourist revenue was discussed andparallels were drawn with thesuccessful Forest Trails

Saint Vincent ParrotConsortium Meeting Reportby DAVID WOOLCOCKThe International Captive Breeding Consortium for the Saint Vincent Parrot, Amazona guildingii, wasestablished in the early 1980’s to assist the Government of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines in managing theworldwide captive population of these birds. The breeding programme is intended to maintain a managedcaptive reservoir of Amazona guildingii that could supply birds for reintroduction if needed in the future.The Consortium provides support and assistance for the management of both the captive and wild populationsof the species and its habitat on the island of Saint Vincent. The Consortium also recognises that all SaintVincent Parrots, regardless of where they reside are, and should be, the property of the Government of SaintVincent and the Grenadines.

From R to L: Yves de Soye, Loro Parque; David Woolcock, Paradise Park; Don Bruning,NYZA; Luanne Porter; Hon Jeremiah Scott, Minister; Paul Reillo, R.S.C.F.; Mrs White,Minister’s P.S; Nigel Weekes, Chief of Forestry; Fitzgerald Providence, Forestry

St. Vincent Parrots


programme in Saint Lucia. TheSaint Lucia trails provide a goodsource of revenue for the ForestryDepartment there and a largepercentage of the funds raised godirectly back into the fieldconservation work.The last part of the meeting dealtwith the functioning of theconsortium and the roles andresponsibilities of individuals.Donald F. Bruning was re-appointed as Chairman and I havebeen appointed both asConsortium Secretary andInternational Studbook keeper forAmazona guildingii.The following day we visited theaviaries at the Botanical Gardensto see at first hand the workcurrently going on in theconstruction of a largeeducational exhibit aviary whichhad been funded by the Foreign &Commonwealth Office. In additionwe had an extremely fruitfulmeeting with the Minister ofAgriculture and Labour, the Hon.Jeremiah Scott. Mr Scottreaffirmed his Government’scommitment to the consortiumand is even initiating moves toenshrine the consortium withinthe legislation of Saint Vincentand the Grenadines thus giving it,and I quote "more teeth" to act forthe benefit of the National Bird ofthe island.On the final morning of my visit Iwas fortunate enough to travel toBuccament Valley to observe agroup of fourteen or so Amazonaguildingii in the field. A trulybreathtaking sight. My sincerest thanks to BritishAirways Assisting Conservationfor providing the flights toBarbados. Thanks also to the staffat Forestry Saint Vincent for theirtime and assistance with fieldobservations.

Footnote:Since returning from the meetingfunding has been provided by theWorld Parrot Trust, New YorkZoological Society and HoustonZoo to enable the census to beundertaken. It is currentlyunderway

Franceby JACQUELINE and GABRIEL PRIN

Protection via breeding .. Dreamor reality?

in some countries, the law hinderscaptive breeding. In France, forinstance, to keep species of CITES1 or listed in what is called“Arreté de Guyane’, we must havean ‘ability certificate’ and a permitof ‘establishment opening’. All thebirds must be declared andregistered (that means adult pairs,young, and even death). Moreover,we can only sell young of suchbirds as those possessing thiscertificate.

But we are not allowed toexchange adult birds, even if theyare incompatible. This certificatetakes a long time to obtain, sothat means very few breedershave it. This ends up causing ahold up in trying to breedendangered species. Thiscertificate could be a good thing,but it concerns the laws, ratherthan the breeding itself. All theforms that have to be completedand controls that are required donot encourage those who do thaton a small scale, as a hobby.Where is the pleasure when thereare so many restraints? And onthe other side, some ‘breeders’ ordealers are ‘protected’ and willnever be controlled.

In short, conservation of speciesthanks to captive breeding is farfrom being admitted in France.

So what does become of parrotsreared in captivity? Many are‘smuggled’ into neighbouringcountries (rings are cut, so thebirds lose their identification andalso their genetic inheritance).Others are sold to an individualwho does not know the laws andthe bird becomes a pet. In bothcases, it is a loss for the species.Only a small part of young rearedin captivity are registered andkept for breeding purposes.

Present laws and large controls,with seizures and fines, are notenough.

CITES has been upheld by manycountries, including France. Butits application is very differentbetween each country, evenbetween countries in theEuropean Union. When will thislaw be the same for everyone?

Italyby CRISTIANA SENNI

Pet parrots have becomeincreasingly popular in Italy, andalthough the majority of birds forsale are still wild-caught, morecaptive bred birds are beginningto be available. The maindrawback for pet owners andbreeders is that there is virtuallyno reliable and currentinformation in Italian about thekeeping and breeding of parrots,and very few people know otherlanguages well enough to accessforeign specialised publications.Many shop keepers take advantageof the general lack of informationto sell wild-caught birds as captivebred. Through our Italian WPT website we invite people to write to usfor advice and information, andfrom the many messages receivedwe got a clear picture of how somepet stores and breeders can takeadvantage of inexperienced buyersby selling sick or behaviourallytroubled birds, lying about theirorigins, and giving terribleinformation regarding their care.However, one of the most serioussituations is the very difficultrelationship between breeders andaviculturists with the managingauthorities particularly whereAppendix I species are concerned.With the exception of a few verydedicated officers, the generalattitude towards breeders andbird owners is one of strongsuspicion.Although we urge everyone to actin full respect of the laws, it is afact that the laws which werecreated to protect and secure thewelfare of wildlife and endangeredspecies are too often applied in anintimidatory and sometimesthreatening way, generating astrong and justified feeling ofdistrust among aviculturists. Thisresults in breeders not makingbirth reports or requesting thenecessary permits or even ceasingaltogether to breed and tradeAppendix I species.Obtaining any sort ofauthorization can be a nightmare:- Permits are issued with

unacceptable and unjustifiabledelays: the wait can reach wellover one year in spite of a lawwhich sets a maximum limit of90 days for the issuing of anypublic certificate.

- Breeders can be subjected torepeated requests for DNA testson the same birds to prove theparentage.

Canadaby MIKE PEARSON

The Canadian World Parrot Trusthas expanded its funding through1999 - 2000 with continuedsupport for the Cuban Parakeetand Cuban Parrot project headedby Dr. James Wiley of GramblingState University, Louisiana, USA.The goals of this study are todetermine the Cuban Parakeet andCuban Parrot’s status anddistribution in Cuba and the Islade la Juventud.

In addition we have commenced aprogram to raise funds forresearch in the Morne DiablotinNational Park, Dominica, WestIndies. This project is being runby Dr. Paul Reillo, Rare SpeciesConservatory Foundation (RSCF),and is centred around theSisserou (Amazona imperialis),Dominica’s national bird andsymbol. We were fortunate toreceive a large donation from theHighbury Foundation, BritishColumbia, which helped in thefunding of this project. WorldParrot Trust, UK is also providingfinancial support to this program.Program details can be found inPsittaScene Vol. 12 No.1 February2000 and on the CWPT web site.

We have also started funding forthe RARE Center for TropicalConservation’s new ConservationEducation Campaign (CEC) follow-up program, focusing on target

Amazon parrot species in TheBahamas, Cayman Islands, SaintLucia, Saint Vincent, Dominica,The Bay Islands and Bonaire. Overthe past decade, RARE Center-supported Conservation EducationCampaigns (CECs) have beensuccessfully implemented in over20 countries around the world,focusing on several significantparrot species and leading toexpanded environmentalawareness and education, theestablishment of protected areas,the passage of wildlife protectionlegislation, and otherconservation benefits.

We operated booths at theWestern Canadian ParrotSymposium in May in Victoria,British Columbia and the EasternCanadian Parrot Symposium inToronto, Ontario in November1999. In addition we participatedin customer appreciation days atvarious Ontario Super Pet storesand look forward to continuingthis through 2000.

We will be attending the WesternCanadian Parrot Symposium inMay 2000 where we hope to raisefurther funds for the RSCF andRARE projects. Look for aSymposium update in the Augustissue of PsittaScene.

The Canadian World Parrot Trustweb site is currently undergoing afacelift and has been relocated at:http://www.canadianparrottrust.org

Reports fromWPT branches

Canadian WPT Booth


- Some were forced to act throughlawyers just to obtain what wastheir right.

- Most of the Forestry officers whoinspect and judge if premisesand management will be suitablefor Appendix I species, areuntrained and unqualified toexpress an opinion.

So far our government andmanaging authorities seem tohave been far more interested inpolitical issues rather than findingsolutions for the dramatic situationof confiscated animals (not justparrots) some belonging toendangered species. There are over2,000 parrots which for differentreasons have been confiscated.Since there isn't a single facility tohouse them, the majority are leftto their owner's custody.We hope for a future in whichaviculturists and the managingauthorities will be able toefficiently work together with thebird's welfare as priority over anyother issue. In which breeders willbe encouraged and helped, andnot penalized for their activities,so that they can contribute toreduce the very high number ofimported wild-caught parrots.The continued importation ofwild-caught Citron-crestedCockatoos

In the May 1999 issue ofPsittaScene Dr.Margaret Kinnairdwrote about the Citron-crestedCockatoos (Cacatua sulphureacitrinocristata) which are foundonly on Sumba, a small Indonesianisland. This subspecies is criticallyendangered, and although stillincluded in CITES Appendix II, it isprotected by the Indonesian lawwhich forbids its capture and trade.It was recently reported to us thata number of wild-caught Citron-crested Cockatoos were sold in1997 and 1998 by a largeimporting company of wild-caughtparrots in northern Italy. Aftersome research it turned out that22 birds were imported in Italy in1997 and 24 in 1998. They wereexported from Singapore with aregular export permit, howeverthey did not have the requiredIndonesian export permit.Singapore also reported theexport of 15 Citron-crestedCockatoos to the Netherlands in1997.The 1999 import data forthe European Community is notyet available and we don't know ifmore birds have been imported.It is not clear why official permitshave been issued to birds whohave been illegally exported from

Indonesia, but we have reported itto the CITES SecretariatEnforcement Unit, to CITES-Indonesia and CITES-Singapore.

BeneluxBy RUUD VONKTowards the end of last year Igave 7 lectures with slides to birdclubs, 4 in Holland and 3 inBelgium. The new WPT promotionstand was present at 8exhibitions, and was successful inselling goods and bringing in newmembers. We printed a new WPT-Benelux leaflet, which wasdistributed with the help of birdsocieties. Last Sunday 4 June we organiseda kind of mini-symposium atAssen in the North of Holland. Itwas a combined effort with twoother local bird clubs. The generalgoal was to promote WPT, andthere were three speakers.Opening with a general lectureabout WPT (organisation, projects,education) by me, then from Dr.Jan Hooimeijer about health andtraining of parrots at home,finally from Eric v. Kooten, WPTmember and studbook holder forPoicephalus parrots, about inter-action between parrot breedersand buyers. Everyone received anewly written information packincluding the new WPT Beneluxleaflet, and we look forward tosigning up some new members!On Saturday 4th November 2000we hold our 12th ParrotSymposium in Braaschaat inBelgium. We hope to have acelebrity speaker from WPT.Once again we will have a superbprinted syllabus. Moreinformation later in the year, butplease don’t hesitate to contactme or Romain Bejstrup - see ournumbers on page 19.

USAby JOANNA ECKLESIn the year that I have beenworking as the USA Administratorfor the World Parrot Trust most ofmy efforts seem to have focusedon the mundane. That is,answering the mail and messages,and sending out information,materials and correspondence. Ihave grown to love opening themail because of the generosity ofour supporters. Though we makeour share of mistakes there arerarely any complaints. Most of thenotes we receive are full of praisefor our efforts on behalf of parrotconservation worldwide. I amcontinually amazed at the

generosity of people who donatefunds, speak on our behalf atclubs and events, and pass outmaterials to spread the wordabout our programs. In the US we have had aparticularly strong showing fromvarious bird clubs. In all we havereceived over $10,000 indonations from almost 20different clubs (See PsittaSceneVolume 12, No 1 page 7) sinceJune 1999. Almost 50% of thosefunds were dedicated to theGolden Conure Fund spearheadedby WPT member Glenn Reynolds.Glenn has done an extraordinaryjob generating interest in thisstriking Brazilian species. Becauseof his and others efforts, we wererecently able to send $10,000directly to Brazil for work on theGolden Conure Survey. Inaddition, we purchased 200 legbands for the team as they beginto mark birds in the field. Afterthe great success of this fund weare excited that Glenn has agreedto work on a new dedicated fundfor the Great Green Macaw (Araambigua). We look forward toreporting the results of this newinitiative.In addition to the Golden Conuregrant, I had the pleasure ofwriting another cheque for$10,000 to the American BirdConservancy toward the jointWorld Parrot Trust/American BirdConservancy parrot conservationgrant program. This marks thesecond year that we have joinedABC in making these fundsavailable for parrot conservation.Check online at www.abcbirds.orgfor more information about thisfine organization.These two large grants aretestimony that your support reallymakes a difference directly in thefield. However, we still have ahuge untapped potential in theUnited States. Our current USmembership of approximately 600people and organizationsrepresents only a fraction of theparrot owners, breeders, andfanciers in this country. We'd loveto see greater representationamong all these facets within ourmembership.

Switzerlandby LARS LEPPERHOFF

WPT Switzerland was founded in1995 in the Swiss German part ofthis very small country with only7,000,000 inhabitants. We have afew different aviculturalorganisations but the most

important and serious one isEXOTIS. The aims of EXOTIS arealso to forbid the import of wildcaught birds and to enhance theconditions of bird keeping. In themagazine of EXOTIS they regularlywrite news about WPT and try toget new members. We try totranslate PsittaScene into Germanand add photocopies to allGerman speaking membersbecause most Swiss or Germanaviculturists do not speak English.The tremendous work oftranslating is done mainly by MrsFranziska Vogel. This voluntarywork is very much appreciated.More and more aviculturists, butalso people who are keeping justone parrot, or who generally careabout nature, become members.In October 2001 there will be aNational Bird Exhibition fromEXOTIS where we would like toenlist more members. Parrotkeeping in Switzerland is not aspopular as in other northEuropean countries. LuckilySwitzerland does not import largenumbers of parrots. There arevery few pet shops which still sellparrots. Most people who want tobuy parrots can buy them frombreeders. Today there are manyspecies which cannot be soldbecause there are too many birdsbred. There does not exist a realillegal parrot trade. Only 10 to 20birds have to be confiscated fromthe Federal Veterinary Officeevery year. Our Zoos do not keepmany parrot species.Unfortunately we do not have abird park in Switzerland. Mostbreeders are keeping their parrotsin normal indoor and outdooraviaries. There are quite a lot ofreasonable and successfulbreeders around.

Inside view of an indoor macawaviary at Voliere Hyacinthinus

Photo: Lars Lepperhoff



When I decided to travel thelong way from Bern inSwitzerland to Tambopata inPeru I did not expect that Iwould be so fortunate toobserve so many different birdspecies in such a beautifultropical rainforest. It was onlypossible because I had such agood and friendly guide. EdwinSalazar Zapata is a Peruvianbiologist and ornithologist whois extremely knowledgeableabout the wild life andparticularly about the birds ofPeru. Everything was wellorganised. Someone came topick me up at Lima-airport. Ispent one night at Lima. Thenext day I flew from Lima toPuerto Maldonado which is thecapital town of the departmentof Madre de Dios. At PuertoMaldonado Edwin came andpicked me up. Afterwards wewere sitting in a boat which wasdriving for about 2 hours up theriver to Posada Amazonas lodge.During the three days we spentthere I observed manyinteresting bird species. Ofcourse I was especiallyinterested in parrots.

As human beings we wereconfined to the grounds in theshade of the wonderfulneotropical rainforest. It wasvery exciting to hear parrot cries

but we could not see the parrotbecause life in a tropicalrainforest goes on mainly in thecanopy. Therefore it was a goodopportunity to climb up a towerwhich was built into therainforest about 30 minutesaway from the lodge. On the topof this tower, which was next toa Brasil nut tree, we couldoverlook the whole rainforestwhich was like an ocean. In thefar west I could see the Andes.From this tower (where we spentmany hours) we could observeso many birds.

Quite close there was a nest ofYellow-thighed Caiques. Thesebeautiful parrots were alwaysmy favourites and now I

observed a family of three ofthese amusing birds climbing ina tree and whistling. After someminutes they flew to their nestwhich was formed by a rottenbranch which had fallen down.All of the birds disappeared intothis nest.

I will never forget the earlymorning on this tower where themists over the trees vanishedand the sun sent its first rays oflight. Feeding flocks ofmulticoloured tanagers roamedthe tree tops. Macaws shoutedon the other side of the brownriver which was full ofsediments. In the tree tops grewepiphytic plants like Bromelias,Orchids and Tillandsias. We

TambopataResearch Center

continued for eight hours up theriver. We stopped on a lake withgiant otters, caimans, hoatzinsand whole flocks of Araararauna. The boat trip up theriver was most fascinating. Aftersome hours there were no signsof human civilisation, onlyremote neotropical rainforestwith its wild life. In the eveningwe got to Tambopata ResearchCentre.During the following two weeksEdwin and I walked manykilometres on the trails of therainforest around TRC. Weobserved the sloths, differentmonkey species like red howlermonkey (Alouatta seniculus),common squirrel monkey(Saimiri sciureus sciureus) andbrown capuchin (Cebus apella), alot of different insects like ants,spiders, tarantulas andbutterflies and reptiles likesnakes, turtles and lizards. Dailywe saw tapir and jaguar footprints on the muddy ground,different fish species in theclear water of lovely little riversand, of course parrots and otherbirds.I was very impressed with theplants. There were differentforest types: typical lowlandforests with Monstera andPhilodendron climbing up thetrees (often in symbiosis withtermite nests), palm swampswith Mauritia flexuosa palms,drier forests on soft hills,bamboo forests and Cecropiaforests on river banks whichtook over new places as pioneertrees. Around TRC and,especially every morning on theclay lick, we could observe: - White-eyed Conure (Aratingaleucopthalma)

- Dusky-headed Conure(Aratinga weddellii)

- Black-capped Conure or RockConure (Pyrrhura rupicola)

- Barrabands Parrot (Pionopsittabarrabandi)

- Blue headed Parrot (Pinousmenstruus menstruus)

- Yellow-thighed Caique (Pionitesleucogaster xanthomeria)

- Natterer’s Amazon (Amazonaochrocephala nattereri)

- Chapman’s Mealy Amazon(Amazona farinosa chapmani)

- Cobalt-winged Parakeet(Brotogeris cyanoptera)

(TRC), Madre de Dios, Peruby LARS LEPPERHOFF

It is still dark. I try to get in my humid clothes still tired. The calls of Bamboo-rats shoutinto the concert of insects. Soon we are sitting on a boat which goes up the Tambopatariver into the mists of the early morning to a river bank. Expectantly we are sitting on afallen tree trunk and are looking into the beautiful rise of the sun behind the rain forestin the east. First small Macaws appear. A flock of Chestnut-fronted Macaws and Red-bellied Macaws fly over the river bank where we are sitting. Red-bellied Macaws are easyto identify in flight because they are yellow under their wings; Chestnut-fronted Macawsare brown. Also the calls are different. More and more small Macaws fly from the EasternAndes to the famous clay lick or collpa at Tambopata. Suddenly the sun is shining on theclay lick which is now a shiny red. Soon there are large Macaws coming. Blue and Yellow,Scarlet and Green-winged Macaws are flying into the Cecropia trees on the upper riverbank. They prefer the branches on the top of the trees without leaves. I am really in aparadise, in a Macaw-land!

Part of the famous clay lick at Tambopata.

- Blue and Yellow Macaw (Araararauna)

- Scarlet Macaw (Ara macao)

- Green-winged Macaw (Arachloroptera)

- Chestnut-fronted Macaw (Arasevera) and,

- Red-bellied Macaw (Aramanilata)

- Blue-headed Macaw (Aracouloni), are sometimes in thearea but we could not observethem.

One day after several hours ofwaiting quietly we evenobserved a flock of the recentlydiscovered Amazonian Parrotlets(Nannopsittaca dachileae)

The best opportunity to observethe parrots was in the earlymornings from 5.30 to 7amwhen most species came to thecollpa (Quetchua name of claylick). Afterwards it was alwayspossible to observe somespecies in the rainforest but iswas much more difficult. Severalnesting sites of Scarlet andGreen-winged Macaws could befound around the lodge. From ablind above the collpa it waspossible to observe severalspecies quite close. I wasparticularly impressed with thelarge numbers of Blue-headedParrots in this tree. In a Mauritiaflexuosa palm swamp Blue andYellow Macaws were nesting. Wejust came at the right time whena chick flew out. It was a veryspecial environment. TheMacaws were feeding on thefruits of the Mauritia palms. Iobserved that they mostly drankthe liquid from the nuts. Alwaysat 5.30pm a flock of Cobalt-winged Parakeets disappearedinto a large termite nest whichwas on a trunk of a palm in theswamp.

The clay lick of Tambopata is inthe Tambopata-Candamo ZonaReservada. This place is theheart of the largest uninhabitedjungle in the world. It is withouthunters and about 1 millionhectares in extent and reachesup to the department of Puno atthe foot of the Andes 200kilometres away from lakeTiticaca. In the area ofTambopata there are about 600bird species living, as many asin the USA. It is known thatTambopata-Candamo is a placewith a tremendously highbiodiversity, much higher thanthe Brasilian lowland forest, forexample. It comes from therivers which carry the mineralsand nutrients from the Andesdown to Tambopata-Candamo.

Already before the ZonaReservada was founded thisplace was owned by the Mobil,Exxon, Elf oil company togetherwith a large area in the west ofthe department Madre de Dios.According to this company thereis a 12% chance that they willfind petroleum in this area. AZona Reservada does not havethe status of a national park.Therefore if they find petroleumthere, they will turn this placeinto an industrial place with allthe inevitable pollution. Thecompany will replace the landthey take for the petroleumindustry with a similar area inthe Bahuaja Sonene NationalPark. It is very important toprotect the Tambopata-CandamoZone because there are so manyendemic animal species livingthere.

Rainforest Expeditions, whichown the Tambopata ResearchCentre (TRC) is a very good andeffective Peruvian companywhich runs a beautiful touristlodge and cares for nature and

does important research on thewildlife. Most guides arebiologists who also work inprojects for TRC and doresearch on butterflies, termites,birds of the bamboo forest, claylick, macaws and other items. Itis important to support theresearch there so that more andmore people get to know aboutthis unique area. Thegovernment and the petroleumcompany might be impressedand might hesitate to start thepetroleum project. As anexample, the Macaw researchproject at Tambopata helps tospread information aboutmacaws (whose life in naturewas not well known before TRCstarted with its work). Theknowledge of the intact Macawpopulations of Tambopata willhelp other populations whichare in danger.

For people who are interested inparrots Tambopata is just aparadise. It is not only the homeof the three spectacular andbeautifully coloured largeMacaws but also for a lot ofother parrot species of whichsome are not kept in Europe.

Most of us know parrots fromaviaries and cages. It is sointeresting and it would impressanybody to see how they live inthe wild and how they fly. Itmakes us think a lot and, I amquite sure, every parrot keeperwould return home and try toimprove their aviaries. To otherparrot enthusiasts I very highlyrecommend a visit toTambopata. The best time totravel there seems to be fromApril to October. Of course youhave to be prepared for hotweather and for very highhumidity. There is always thepossibility of heavy rains. In oursummer it can be very cold(about 8 °C for some days!).

For further information ortour organisation pleasecontact directly:

Rainforest Expeditions,Arumburu 166 - 4B, Lima 18,Peru. Tel: 0051 14 21 83 47, Fax:0051 21 81 83, E-mail:[email protected],www.perunature.com

Miss Maria Esther Stagnaro is thetrip co-ordinator and she speaksEnglish very well.

The best field guide is:

- Hilty, Steven L. / Brown,William L. (1986): A guide to thebirds of Colombia, PrincetonUniversity Press, ISBN 0-691-08372-X (pbk.)

A book which should be of greatinterest for bird watchers inPeru (the first one to bepublished) will be:

Clements, James F. / Barnes,Eustace: A Guide to the birds ofPeru, Pica Press, c. 400 pages.(Not yet published)

Red-bellied Macaws and Blue-headed Pionus in flight.

A group of parrots waiting to descend onto the clay lick. A trio of Mealy Amazons.



New Lory Park,South AfricaA brand new zoo, dedicated toparrots and other birds, located inMirand, north of Johannesburg,South Africa, and is the largest birdzoo in Africa.It has been granted Zoo status bythe Department of Agriculture,Conservation and Environment,South Africa.The aviaries have all been designedto fulfil two major objectives:- The one purpose is to let the

public view the birds from closeproximity.

- And the other, is to give the birdsthe opportunity to breedsuccessfully without feelingthreatened by constantobservation.

If you want to learn more aboutthe Lory Park, South Africa,please do not hesitate tocontact:Eddy van Eck, Tel: 083 679 0584International Tel: +27 83 679 0584E-mail: [email protected]

Parrots Magazine

‘Parrots’ is a bimonthly magazinewhich covers all aspects of theParrot world, including breeding,conservation, veterinary advice andgeneral care, with a particularemphasis on promoting responsibleownership. Their articles, especiallywith reference to pet bird keeping,are extremely helpful, varied,interesting and informative.We would like to thank them forpromoting the Golden Conure WPTUSA appeal in their latest issue.

For more information orsubscription order pleasecontact:Imax Publishing Ltd, Unit B2,Dolphin Way, Shoreham-by-Sea,West Sussex BN43 6NZTelephone: 01273 464777,Fax: 01273 463999,Email [email protected]

Seram, IndonesiaSomewhere in Seram, Indonesia, atrapper pounds iron stakes into atree and hoists himself step by stepinto the canopy. Clambering along askinny limb 165 dizzying feetabove the rainforest floor, he laysout fishing line traps. Later, he willcollect a half dozen screamingcockatoos. From his isolated village,this trapper doesn’t know the fateof the endangered Seram cockatooshe collects. He knows only thattraders offer nearly US$10 a headfor these and other parrots - analluring bounty in a cash-pooreconomy. Much of this trapper’scatch probably will die inIndonesian markets or in suitcasesas the birds are smuggled overseas. PBW is a U.S. based nonprofitorganisation that helps trappersfind alternative, sustainable formsof income that eliminatedependence on the wild bird trade.With the help of PBW, Masihulan andSwai villages built a canopyplatform in Manusela National Park,near Seram’s north coast. Here, ex-bird trappers put their knowledgeto work as birding guides.Admission fees go to a localcommunity development fund.Based on the early success of thisventure, Masihulan scrapped adeveloping contract with a loggingcompany.The fledgling PBW depends ondonations and on increasedvisitation to this far-flung corner ofIndonesia. A documentary is beingcreated by Stephanie Georgia toprovide further awareness. Formore info., visit:www.tpp.org/pbw or write to PBW,c/o Jeannie White, 345 Culver Blvd.,Playa del Rey, CA 90293, USA.

Nothing to do withParrotsHaving just returned from a briefholiday I wanted to recommend asuperb cottage for rent at Loze inthe Tarn & Garonne area of SWFrance. The cottage sleeps 4, isvery well equipped, and is locatedin a medieval village in a mostbeautiful unspoilt area. Ancientstone villages and greatrestaurants, and virtually emptyroads. No parrots, but we sawhoopoes. For details contact theowners, Jackie and Allan Cowley,Tarn et Garonne, 82160 LOZE,France. Tel/Fax: (33)5 63 24 03 94.

Dear MikeI have always felt extremely comfortablecontributing to your great organisation. Ibelieve it is unique in providing asensible and balanced approach toparrot conservation and workingtogether with aviculturists (of which Imyself am not) to achieve this aim. Ihave even considered Willing my estateto your organisation (though that’s along way off - I hope).I have just read however, RosemaryLow’s article in the February Edition of‘PsittaScene’ and I am completelydismayed. I have never met Rosemarythough I have read her books and alwaysfelt that she seems a reasonable person.This article however makes me thinkotherwise. I thought that this associationthat I support personally andprofessionally might have learnt some ofthe innumerable examples of thedevastation caused by introducedspecies often when the particularproblems that they cause cannot bepredicted at the time. This article couldbe a reprint from any number ofjustifications from early Australiansettlers 200 years ago who supportedthe introduction of rabbits, foxes,camels, doves, squirrels etc..Were this article the thoughts of acontributing writer then this may havebeen easier to swallow but when itcomes from the Editor of the Trust’smagazine it concerns me greatly andcauses me to rethink my support. I couldfind this kind of ‘animal-welfare-at-the-expense-of-conservation-common-sense’nonsense in any number of AnimalRights publications which is exactly whyI joined WPT and not them. It speaksvery clearly to me like ‘lets leave thepretty birds alone. They’re not hurtinganyone.’The photo of an Asian man feedingRainbow Lorikeets (probably atCurrumbin Sanctuary) with the caption‘In Australia Rainbow Lorikeets are anexcellent tourist attraction’ is botherroneous and counter productive to theeducational aims of the trust. Whilstthey are a great tourist attraction inQueensland, is Rosemary suggesting thatthis justifies feral populations in NewZealand? Hopefully not!I rarely winge and this is the first time Ihave ready anything but great articles inPsittaScene but felt it was so out of placethat I should let my feelings be known.I hope not to see articles of this naturein my trust’s magazine again andpreferably an organisational distancingof Rosemary’s views in the next issue.Yours sincerelyTony Jupp

Dear Mr JuppThank you for your letter. I regret thatmy article has offended you to thedegree that it has negatively influencedyour opinion of the World Parrot Trust. Ishould have made clear that I wasexpressing my own opinion and not anofficial view held by directors of theTrust.You mentioned ‘the devastation causedby introduced species’, a point which Imade at the beginning of the article,mentioning the extinctions caused byrats, cats and stoats and introduced foodcompetitors. I think I made my opinionon that very clear. Nowhere do I condone

the introduction of exotic species.The point of my article was to ask whyNew Zealand’s Dept of Conservation (DOC)are spending hundreds of thousands ofdollars to eradicate the Rainbow Lorikeetyet have made no attempt to trap or killthe other introduced Australian parrotsin the area, namely the Rosella and theSulphur-crested Cockatoo. And how canthey justify such enormous expenditurewhen equivalent sums could help tosafeguard the future of an endangeredand rapidly declining species like theKaka? The fact that differentdepartments of DOC are involved isirrelevant. Surely it is a matter ofpriorities?I completely agree with your commentregarding the photograph used with myarticle describing Rainbow Lorikeets asan excellent tourist attraction. Thephotograph was used as a last minutefiller. I abhor the feeding of lorikeets asa tourist attraction or for any otherreason. In my book Encyclopedia of theLories (1998), I wrote: ‘The harmfuleffects of backyard feeding of lorikeetsare apparently unknown by mostAustralians. They offer sugared water,with or without bread, and also providesome sunflower seed. In so doing theyare causing the deaths of large numbersof lorikeets’. I went on to describe howveterinarians are being broughtincreasing numbers of lorikeets whichare unable to fly, many suffering fromparalysis of the legs, and frommalnutrition, and stated: ‘One purposeof this book is to educate people to theharm they are doing to the rainbow and,to a lesser extent, scaly-breastedlorikeets, which regularly consumeartificial food at backyard feeders’.Lorikeets should be attracted to gardensby planting shrubs which bear nectarand pollen. It never ceases to amaze methat in Australia, many parks and carparks, planted with flowering shrubs,attract dozens of Rainbow Lorikeets towhich passers by never give as much asa glance. I would much rather see peopleenjoying these birds in a naturalsituation than as a tourist attractionwhere they are fed harmful foods.I am totally against what Mr Juppdescribes as ‘animal-welfare-at-the-expense-of-conservation-common-sense’.As I stated in my article: ‘If the RainbowLorikeets had infiltrated island reservesand could thrive there, my reactionwould be that they must be eradicated atall costs, as a danger to the unique andthreatened endemic bird species. Or if,even in the suburbs, the lorikeets couldhave a serious impact on native birds bytaking over their nest sites, this could bea cause for concern.’ Are these the wordsof someone who believes that animalwelfare is more important thanconserving endemic species? I think not!Please read my article again. I stated: ‘Ideplore the liberation of non-nativespecies as their influence is rarelybeneficial so I believe it was anirresponsible act to liberate thelorikeets...’Finally, I thank you for replying. I believethat our opinions do not differ so much.I hope that you will continue to be amember of the Trust for many moreyears.Yours sincerelyRosemary Low

Rainbow Lorikeet - LettersTo Mike Reynolds from Tony Jupp, Perth, Australia

WPT NATIONAL CONTACTSUnited KingdomKaren Whitley, Administrator,Glanmor House, Hayle, Cornwall TR27 4HBTel: (44) 01736 751026 Fax: (44) 01736 751028email: [email protected] Reynolds email: [email protected]

USAJoanna Eckles, PO Box 50733, St. Paul, MN 55150New Nos: Tel: 651 275 1877 Fax: 651 275 1891Email: [email protected]

BeneluxPeter de Vries (Membership Sec.), Jagershof 91,7064 DG Silvolde, NetherlandsTel: (31) 315327418 email: [email protected] enquiries: Romain Bejstrup (32) 32526773Netherlands enquiries: Ruud Vonk (31) 168472715

CanadaMike Pearson, PO Box 29, Mount Hope,Ontario L0R 1W0Tel: (1) 905 385 9500 Fax: (1) 905 385 7374email: [email protected]

Denmark (Scandinavia)Michael Iversen, Hyldevang 4 – Buresoe,3550 Slangerupemail: [email protected]

FranceJ. & G. Prin, 55 Rue de la Fassiere, 45140, Ingre.Tel: (33) 2 38 43 62 87 Fax: (33) 2 38 43 97 18

SwitzerlandLars Lepperhoff, Lutschenstrasse 15, 3063 IttigenTel: (41) 31 922 3902

GermanyRepresentative needed –Call WPT-UK

ItalyCristiana Senni, email: [email protected] Virili, via Matarus 10, 33045 Nimis, Udine.

AustraliaMike Owen, 7 Monteray St., Mooloolaba,Queensland 4557.Tel: (61) 7 54780454 email: [email protected]

AfricaV. Dennison, PO Box 1758, Link Hills,Natal 3652, S. AfricaTel: (27) 31 763 4054 Fax: (27) 31 763 3811

SpainAndrés Marin and Ana Matesanz,C/Cambados No1, 2°Dcha,28925 Alcorcon (Madrid), SpainNew Nos: (34) 91 6425130 email: [email protected]

WPT Web Sites:Central: http://www.worldparrottrust.orgCanada: http://[email protected]: http://www.mediavillage.it/wptDenmark: http://www.image.dk/fpewpt

Working for ParrotConservation andWelfare Worldwide

The World Parrot Trust was founded in 1989 as UK Registered CharityNo. 800944. International expansion has been rapid and the Trust nowhas linked charities and support groups in Africa, Australia, Belgium,Canada, France, Germany, Holland, Italy, Scandinavia, Spain, Switzerlandand the USA.

Funds raised for the parrots have now reached £1,000,000 ($1.6M) andhave been used to initiate and support conservation and welfareprojects in 20 countries for 37 species of parrot. Despite this wide-ranging activity, the Trust is run on a volunteer basis, with only two parttime administrators worldwide. This uniquely cost-effective approach ismade possible by substantial financial and logistical support donated byParadise Park, the UK home base of the World Parrot Trust.

The objective of the Trust is to promote the survival of all parrot speciesand the welfare of individual birds. It pursues these aims by fundingfield conservation work, research projects and educational programmes.The Trust seeks to promote the concept of ‘responsible aviculture’ wherethe interests of the parrots themselves are given priority overcommercial, political, career or other human concerns. The World ParrotTrust and its members wish to be recognised as the ‘True Friends of the

Parrots’, and to win over the majority of aviculturists, pet owners andscientists to its point of view. The task is huge – our resources arelimited. We need the commitment of everyone in the ‘parrot community’:those who keep, breed, study and protect the parrots. Beyond thosespecial interests, we look for support from everyone who understandsthe crisis facing the world through the loss of biodiversity. We aim tocontinue using the special charm of the parrots to win the hearts andminds of thoughtful people everywhere.Michael ReynoldsFounder and Hon. DirectorWorld Parrot Trust

Mike Reynolds meets ‘Pablo’,a hand-reared Echo Parakeetreleased to join criticallyendangered wild Echoes inMauritius.

Join usIf not already a member, please join. Receive our PsittaScenenewsletter, know that you are actively contributing towards ouraims and projects.

Help fund our ProjectsWe are currently supporting parrot conservation, education andwelfare projects in 20 countries. Your generosity towards theparrots could help us expand current schemes and start newones.

Aims of the TrustThe survival of parrot species in the wild, and the welfare ofcaptive birds.These aims are pursued by:Educating the public on the threats to parrots.Opposing trade in wild-caught parrots.Preserving and restoring parrot habitat.Studying the status of parrot populations.Encouraging the production of aviary-bred birds.Creating links between aviculture and conservation.Promoting high standards in the keeping of parrots.Supporting research into veterinary care of parrots.

YES, I WANT TO HELP SAVE THEPARROTS OF THE WORLDSUBSCRIPTION RATES (please tick)

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Fellow (Life Member) £250/US$400Corporate (Annual)

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Parrotsin the Wild

Printed by Brewers of Helston Ltd. Tel: 01326 558000

This photograph was sent tous by Carlos Yamashita,Brazil’s leading parrot expertand conservationist.

Together with an Orange-winged Amazon (centre)these young parrots are onlyjust ‘in the wild’.

They were taken asfledglings by Indians.

White-cheeked AmazonAmazona kawalli

Status Survey and Conservation Action Plan 2000–2004 Parrots · parrots in the wild and the...

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Transcript of Status Survey and Conservation Action Plan 2000–2004 Parrots · parrots in the wild and the...