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Echo Parakeet Conservation – World’s Rarest Parrot, Back from the Brink

findiviglio — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 19:30:01 +0000

Hello, Frank Indiviglio here. The Echo or Mauritius Parakeet (Psittacula eques) population was reduced to 10-12 individuals by the late 1970’s, and remained at similar levels into the next decade. Thus, it had the dubious distinction of being the world’s rarest parrot. Thanks to the efforts of the Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust, the World Parrot Trust, and the Mauritian Wildlife Foundation, its future is now somewhat brighter. However, the Echo Parakeet is still one of, if not the, most endangered parrots on the planet, yet receives little of the attention granted the Kea and other better-known species.

Former Home of the Dodo

The birds of Mauritius, a small island nation in the Indian Ocean, southeast of southern Africa, have a troubled history. The infamous and now extinct Dodo lived there, and the Pink Pigeon, Mauritius Kestrel and other endemics (species found nowhere else) are barely holding on.

Legendary conservationist Gerard Durrell became interested in their plight decades ago, and the organization he founded continues his work today. Mr. Durrell’s work has influenced me greatly (in fact, his efforts to conserve Pink Pigeons are partly responsible for my being hired by the Bronx Zoo…but more on that in the future), so it is with cautious optimism that I read of some recent progress on the Mauritius.

An Overlooked Species Rebounds

As Echo Parakeet numbers continued to decline, most major conservation groups concentrated their efforts on Keas, Black Palm Cockatoos, Kakapos, the parrot trade, and other popular species and causes. Confined to a nation that drew little international attention, the Echo Parakeet seemed doomed to extinction. But the Durrell Trust persisted and, aided by the aforementioned groups, has pulled the species back from the brink.

As of February, 2011, there were approximately 550 Echo Parakeets on Mauritius, prompting the IUCN to down-list the species from Critically Endangered to Endangered. The release of captive-bred individuals, supplemental feeding and nest site creation slowly but surely turned the tide.

Introduced Parrots and other Threats

Unfortunately, however, the Echo Parakeet’s future is far from secure. Only one percent of its original habitat remains, and some of the threats to its survival are difficult to erase.

In a sad coincidence, one of the most serious problems is posed by its close relative, the Rose-Ringed Parakeet (Psittacula krameri). Introduced to Mauritius some time ago, Rose-Ringed Parakeets are aggressive colonizers that even manage to survive in “the wild” in NYC (please see article below). They out-compete the Echo Parakeet for nesting sites (tree hollows) and food. They may also interbreed, and so in time will overwhelm the Echo Parakeet’s gene pool. Introduced Honeybees also displace the birds from nest sites, which even in intact habitats are always in short supply.

Other threats include egg and chick predation by Black Rats, which are highly arboreal (as their alternate name, Roof Rat, suggests), agricultural development, and habitat alteration caused by pigs and other domestic animals.

Disease Outbreak Sparks New Concerns

A recent outbreak of Psittacine Beak and Feather Disease is of great concern. While stable populations can endure natural disease cycles, Echo Parakeet numbers are very low, and the entire population dwells within a single, tiny habitat. One major disease event could, in theory, kill every remaining bird. Likewise, the effects of typhoons and fires will be magnified.

Researchers continue to battle the disease, drawing from lessons learned when working with other endangered parrots. The Cape Parrot, Africa’s rarest, has also been hit by Psittacine Beak and Feather Disease. Please see this article to learn what is being done to prevent this species, and the Echo Parakeet, from going the way of that other Mauritius endemic, the Dodo.

Please check out my posts on Twitter and Facebook. Each day, I highlight breaking research, conservation news and interesting stories concerning just about every type of animal imaginable. I look forward to hearing about your interests and experiences as well, and will use them in articles when possible.

Please also post your questions and comments below…I’ll be sure to respond quickly.

Thanks, until next time,

Frank Indiviglio

Conserving the Gouldian Finch – How One Man’s Efforts are Making a Difference

findiviglio — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 16:17:17 +0000

Hello, Frank Indiviglio here. The brilliantly-colored Gouldian Finch is something of an avian anomaly. One of the most sought-after of all cage birds, it is bred in huge numbers by aviculturists worldwide. Wild populations, however, are in serious decline, and have been so for over 30 years. But, in conjunction with governmental and private groups, one dedicated conservationist is helping to brighten the species’ prospects.

Taking Action

Self-made millionaire Michael Fidler was first captivated by Gouldian Finches over 40 years ago, when he chanced upon a group in a store in Manchester, England. From that point on, he has been concerned for their future. And while few people can afford to follow in his footsteps, his efforts illustrate the importance of doing whatever is within one’s abilities on behalf of conservation. Be it through money, ideas, teaching or a new observation, we all have some potential to help.

Fire Management Changes a Unique Habitat

The Gouldian Finch is limited in distribution to Australia’s tropical north (please see map), where its lifestyle and feeding habits are uniquely influenced by rain and fire. Having evolved in a harsh, ever-changing habitat, the Gouldian Finch is, in many ways, highly specialized.

For millions of years, fires and varying rain cycles necessitated a diet comprised largely of grass seeds for one part of the year, and insects for another. Researchers believe that modern fire management practices are the most important reason for the 30-year-long decline in Gouldian Finch numbers…and despite 20 years’ worth of conservation programs, the downward trend continues.

Cattle Ranching

Gouldian Finches first began having problems in Queensland, on the eastern edge of their range. Studies indicate that the population declines progressed westward…just as did the change in fire management practices and the growth of cattle ranching.

Cattle consume grasses upon which the finches depend, and the manner in which they feed stifles re-growth and encourages the establishment of non-native plants. The spread of cattle ranching has also been implicated in the recent scarcity of other animals, including the Carpentarian Rock Rat and the Partridge Pigeon.

Eco-Tourism and Release Programs

Conservationists believe that many species will benefit if birding is encouraged as a form of eco-tourism on cattle ranches, but progress has been limited. Captive-bred Gouldian Finches are easy to come by, but when released into the wild most are quickly captured by kites, hawks and other avian predators.

Noble Efforts

Mr. Fidler relocated from his native UK to New South Wales, Australia, and now lives close to prime Gouldian Finch habitat. Over the past 20 years, he has donated vast sums to Gouldian Finch conservation programs and personally participated in captive and field research. One gift of $600,000 has helped to insure the survival of central Kimberley’s Gouldian Finches, one of the largest remaining populations.

Mr. Fidler also funds researchers at the University of New South Wales, and allows them access to his huge private aviary, home to several hundred birds…hats off!

Please also post your questions and comments below…I’ll be sure to respond quickly.

Thanks, until next time,

Frank Indiviglio

The WorldBirds Data Base – an Exciting Conservation Tool Open to all Birders

findiviglio — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 18:31:29 +0000

Hello, Frank Indiviglio here. Established in 2003 by Birdlife International, the WorldBirds Birdwatcher’s Data Base now has 16,000 regular users and over 3 million recorded observations. Unlike many professionally-organized efforts, WorldBirds is open to ornithologists and casual and serious birders alike. It is an excellent, enjoyable way to contribute to worldwide conservation projects and communicate with others who share your passion.

Your Observations Count

Research fund availability and the sheer scope of what needs to be done places severe limits on conservationists…paid professionals can not handle everything. Even when I worked for the Bronx Zoo and other well-funded organizations, I relied heavily upon volunteers. Much of the data that later found its way into professional publications was generated by them, not I.

Fortunately, birders tend to write things down – not only life lists, but also details concerning habitat, weather and so on. This information can be invaluable to those working on projects ranging from single-species protection to international migration flyway monitoring. Observations of even very common birds may be very useful pieces of larger conservation puzzles.

Using the WorldBirds Data Base

Anyone can record their observations on WorldBirds (please see link below) or use it to learn such things as where to find specific birds or what sightings might be expected in various places. Other useful features include news updates, assistance with planning birding trips and species checklists for many regions.

And, of course, you’ll have the satisfaction of knowing that your observations may be used to advance important conservation efforts for rare birds and threatened habitats. Children are encouraged to participate and to view their contributions as valuable. From Red Shining Parrots to Snail Kites and mangrove swamp preservation (please see photos), you can learn and participate on some level via WorldBirds.

Related and Independent Efforts

WorldBirds currently has a presence in 160 countries, and is managed in the USA by the National Audubon Society. When all the data bases that link to it are considered, the number of recorded observations far exceeds the 3 million+ registered on the main website. In Portugal, a whale and dolphin monitoring function is being added.

Observations recorded by birders have proven useful in the management of several Important Bird Areas and to the functioning of the Wintering Bird Atlas, Breeding Bird Atlas, Common Bird Monitoring Project and other efforts sponsored Birdlife International.

Several important projects based in the USA also rely upon the efforts of “everyday” birders, and all are easy to become involved with, and quite enjoyable. One of the most ambitious, the Christmas Bird Count, is right around the corner! Please see the articles linked below for details.

Please also post your questions and comments below…I’ll be sure to respond quickly.

Thanks, until next time,

Frank Indiviglio

Further Reading

WorldBirds Website and participant information

US Initiatives: Project FeederWatch, Christmas Bird Count

Seabird Foraging Database

Red Shining Parrot image referenced from wikipedia and originally posted by Duncan Wright
Snail Kite image referenced from wikipedia and originally posted by Dario Sanches

Post from: That Bird Blog

The WorldBirds Data Base – an Exciting Conservation Tool Open to all Birders

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How Birders Can Contribute to Conservation: The Audubon Society’s Christmas Bird Count

Unique Bird Behavior – Ravens Use Beaks to “Show” Objects to Mates

findiviglio — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 18:28:55 +0000

Hello, Frank Indiviglio here. The act of holding up or pointing to an object, in order to draw another’s attention, has been observed only among ourselves and Great Apes. Known as deictic gesturing, this behavior is considered critical to the development of language, and a sign of great intelligence (you parents will likely recall the first time your toddler did something similar!). Along with parrots, crows, and magpies, Common Ravens, Corvus corax, have proven themselves among the brightest of the world’s birds. Recently, they have been observed to utilize deictic gestures, and are the only birds known to do so.

“Hey…look at this if you care about me”!

Researchers at the Max Planck Institute for Ornithology and the University of Vienna have reported that Ravens pick up objects such as stones, branches and moss and show them to other Ravens. In most cases, the bird being solicited is the other’s mate. Once his or her attention is drawn, the pair usually jointly manipulates the object for a time.

Pair formation in Ravens is a long, complicated process, and mated birds are known to engage in complex tasks that require a high level of cooperation. This, and their intelligence, was long ago recognized by people living within their range. In the northern reaches of North American and Asia, Ravens featured prominently in mythology and folklore. Ornithologists believe that showing and jointly “handling” objects may be used to test the suitability or interest of a potential mate, and to strengthen the bond once the birds have paired up.

Parrots and Crows Ace Tests

Several other interesting studies concerning avian intelligence have been published recently. Most have focused on Parrots and Corvids (Crows, Magpies, and Ravens). Believed to be the most intelligent of all birds, the learning abilities of both groups have shocked researchers. In some test situations, New Caledonian Crows have scored on par with Chimpanzees and other Great Apes.

The articles linked below describe some of what these brilliant avian test-takers have accomplished recently – Keas that learn and build upon problem solving skills and discard them when need be, Japanese Crows that take advantage of both traffic and traffic signals when feeding, African Gray Parrots that pick and choose human words to fit specific situations, and more…

Please also post your questions and comments below…I’ll be sure to respond quickly.

Thanks, until next time,

Frank Indiviglio

Conserving and Observing Finches in Uganda’s Impenetrable Forest

findiviglio — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 16:26:05 +0000

Hello, Frank Indiviglio here. Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is best known as the last stronghold of the Mountain Gorilla. However, this troubled African wildlife paradise is also home to at least 43 finch species, many of which face a future as uncertain as that of the Mountain Gorilla. While most bird enthusiasts are aware of the problems facing Africa’s parrots (please see this article), the plight of the continent’s finches receives far less attention. Through birding trips and hands-on projects, the Rare Finch Conservation Group is working to change that situation, but it’s been a long, uphill battle.

Troubles and Opportunities

The Rare Finch Conservation Group (RFCG) was formed in 2005, but has already made significant progress in addressing the problems that face Uganda’s finches. Mountain Gorillas act as “umbrella species” for the region’s wildlife – concern for them indirectly benefits many animals – but the RFCG believes that finches and other small birds deserve more direct conservation action. The organization is currently formulating a plan to study the needs of a locally-endangered bird, Shelly’s Crimsonwing.

The national park is located in Uganda, but the Impenetrable Forest extends into the Democratic Republic of Congo. The forest’s location on the edge of the Great Rift Valley, and adjacent to Virunga National Park, renders it one of the world’s most biologically diverse and unique regions. Unfortunately, armed conflicts, poverty, and political instability have long been a fact of life there, although there are now some bright spots.

A Finch Diversity Hotspot

An astounding 43 finch species have been observed in the park, and others likely await discovery. Among them, birders and finch breeders will recognize both pet trade and rarely-seen species, including the Yellow Bishop, Grosbeak Weaver, Pin-Tailed Whydah, Black-Headed Waxbill, Green-Backed Twinspot, Bronze Manikin, Oriole Finch, Quail Finch and Golden Breasted Bunting. The area may, in fact, host more finches than anywhere else on earth.

While finches are the highlight of the RFCG’s birding trips, broadbills, hornbills, turacos and over 350 other species are also present. Expedition participants may also be treated to such rare finds as Giant Forest Hogs, African Golden Cats or any of over 120 other mammals.

Traditional Medicine and Witchcraft

I was glad to see that the RFCG’s excursions went beyond birding and offered options to visit local bird breeders and traditional medicine markets. Both affect finch conservation, and direct contact with them may give visitors a deeper understanding of the many complex issues involved.

For example, reliance upon wildlife as food and medicine, and the use of witchcraft, continue to be important factors even in large cities such as Johannesburg. Seeing this first hand would seem an useful means of helping people from outside the region to think of conservation in practical, rather than ideal, terms.

Please check out my posts on Twitter and Facebook . Each day, I highlight breaking research, conservation news and interesting stories concerning just about every type of animal imaginable. I look forward to hearing about your interests and experiences as well, and will use them in articles when possible.

Please also post your questions and comments below…I’ll be sure to respond quickly.

Thanks, until next time,

Frank Indiviglio

Blue-Throated Macaws Cling to Survival in a Single Bolivian Reserve

findiviglio — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 16:59:21 +0000

Hello, Frank Indiviglio here. Parrot conservation news has been somewhat dismal lately (please see here for some examples), so today I’d like to highlight a bright spot. Surveys have shown that Bolivia’s Barba Azul Reserve supports a breeding population of Blue-Throated Macaws (Ara glaucogularis), a species so rare that it was believed extinct until its “re-discovery” in 1992. Maned Wolves, Orinoco Geese, Bush Dogs, Pampas Deer and other rare animals are also making themselves at home in the reserve’s 12,300 acres.

Wildlife Oasis amid Ranches

Managed by the World Land Trust, Barba Azul Reserve is comprised of tropical savannas, “forest islands” and marshes. I had the good fortune to work in a similar area inVenezuela, and can attest to the incredible diversity of wildlife that such habitats support. As was true for protected areas in Venezuela, Barba Azul is surrounded by huge cattle ranches.

While ranch owners often protect wildlife (I and colleagues marked over 500 Green Anacondas on a single ranch inVenezuela!), water management practices and fires lit to burn off dead grass threaten the animals that congregate in nearby reserves. At Bara Azul, extensive firebreaks have been constructed to protect the area.

One of the World’s Rarest Parrots

Clad in brilliant turquoise and yellow, the huge Blue-Throated Macaw is found only in northern Bolivia. Believed extinct until 1992, it is classified as Critically Endangered by the IUCN and listed on CITES Appendix I.

Up to 110 individuals occupy or use Barba Azul Reserve, the only such concentration known to exist. At least 7 pairs are raising chicks. Outside of the reserve, Blue-Throated Macaw sightings are limited to pairs or single birds that occupy cattle ranches separated from one another by hundreds of miles. In such circumstances, viable breeding populations will not likely become established.

Other Notable Reserve Residents

A number of other creatures that are uncommon in the surrounding area, including Giant Anteaters and Marsh Deer, have established themselves at Barba Azul reserve. The presence of a wide variety of predators, including Maned Wolves, Jaguar, Jaguarundi, Bush Dogs (see photo) and Puma indicates that a complex, functioning ecosystem is in place.

This bodes well for the Blue-Throated Macaw’s future, although species that survive in one location only are considered to be extinction-prone. Other rare birds that have been documented breeding within the reserve include Orinoco Geese, Black-Masked Finches and Short-Tailed Tyrants.

Please check out my posts on Twitter and Facebook . Each day, I highlight breaking research, conservation news and interesting stories concerning just about every type of animal imaginable. I look forward to hearing about your interests and experiences as well, and will use them in articles when possible.

Please also post your questions and comments below…I’ll be sure to respond quickly.

Thanks, until next time,

Frank Indiviglio

Is a Macaw the Right Pet for You – a Species-by-Species Review

findiviglio — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 16:23:15 +0000

Hello, Frank Indiviglio here. Many parrot enthusiasts view macaws as the ultimate avian pets. Huge, personable, gorgeous and enormously intelligent, macaws seem to embody all that is desirable in a pet parrot. However, macaw ownership is not to be undertaken lightly…while the rewards are great, there are many responsibilities and “downsides” to consider as well.

General Considerations

If you’ve ever been surprised by the volume of noise a budgie or lovebird can generate, consider what their massive relatives can do! Macaw vocalizations must be heard to be believed. I’ve observed Scarlet Macaws and others on Venezuela’s wide open grasslands, and have worked with them in huge zoo exhibits – even in these habitats, their calls were often deafening. Highly social, it is in their nature to vocalize almost continually.

Innate sociability drives macaws to bond with people, but many owners underestimate what this means. An hour or 2 spent with your bird before and after work is rarely enough to meet its needs. Wild macaws are never out of contact with mates and flock members for long…pets, especially those housed alone, demand more attention than most owners can provide. And even with a great deal of close contact, the relationship can be rocky. While macaws can be among the sweetest of all pets, most have very strong personalities and will test you on a regular basis. Large, powerful beaks and brains render them as birds to be taken seriously.

All parrots, even the tiniest, need lots of space. This fact of parrot life takes on greater importance when your pet is a 30-40 inch long, highly active macaw. Close confinement is torturous for macaws, and will lead to a host of often irreversible problems.

The aforementioned points apply to all macaws. Following is some information that is specific to individual species. Please bear in mind that while a species may exhibit certain tendencies, individual personalities will vary, and a bird’s past history will greatly affect its potential as a pet. As with all animals, certain individuals will appear to break all of their “species’ rules”.

Big and Beautiful, but…

The spectacularly beautiful Scarlet Macaw is among the world’s most recognizable birds. However, as regards pet potential, its beauty is often “skin deep”. Scarlet Macaws are strong-willed and quick to take offense. This, coupled with their natural tendency to communicate physically, i.e. by nips and bites, renders them as birds best left to well-experienced keepers.

Other species sharing the Scarlet’s characteristics are the Military, Severe and Buffon’s Macaws.

Ideal Large Macaw

The Green-Winged (Red and Green) Macaw is an excellent “alternative” to the Scarlet. Among the largest of its family, the Green Wing looks a lot like the Scarlet Macaw, but is, in general, a much calmer bird. Most individuals have very steady personalities, and many develop impressive vocabularies.

The Blue and Gold Macaw has been a favorite of mine ever since I cared for a group of youngsters at a bird importer’s facility many years ago. My boisterous little gang acted like a bunch of puppies, even rolling on their backs and “pawing” the air. In time, I learned that many keepers considered Blue and Golds to be among the most intelligent and playful of all macaws. They are loud, but almost always mild-mannered, and very “forgiving” of typical first-timer mistakes.

The Blue-Throated Macaw puts one in mind of a scaled down Blue and Gold, and is also a good choice for those new to macaw keeping.

The huge Hyacinth Macaw, largest of all, often makes a fine pet and mimics words quite well. At once imposing and beautiful, Hyacinths demand a great deal of attention but are usually very gentle to those with whom they bond.

Mini Macaws…a Wonderful “Compromise”

At 10-11 inches in length, Hahn’s Macaw is the world’s smallest. However, along with the slightly larger Noble Macaw, it is a true macaw in every sense of the word. If you’re looking for a giant parrot in a small package, either will fit the bill. Both are sociable, playful and, like most macaws, a bit loud. The Noble is often steadier in personality than the Hahn’s, and less likely to bite when disturbed.

The Yellow-Collared Macaw is small by macaw standards, but requires a calm, knowledgeable owner who can control its free-wheeling temperament.

Please check out my posts on Twitter and Facebook . Each day, I highlight breaking research, conservation news and interesting stories concerning just about every type of animal imaginable. I look forward to hearing about your interests and experiences as well, and will use them in articles when possible.

Please also post your questions and comments below…I’ll be sure to respond quickly.

Thanks, until next time,

Frank Indiviglio

Illegal Drug Pushes India’s Vultures to the Brink of Extinction

findiviglio — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 17:07:07 +0000

Hello, Frank Indiviglio here. Vulture welfare tends not to arouse much concern, even from bird enthusiasts. However, several species are now at the center of a growing extinction crisis in south Asia. The story illustrates just how complicated things can become when the needs of livestock, people and wildlife collide, and why we must look below the surface when we consider the conservation of any bird or other animal.

A Double-Edged Sword

Diclofenac, a drug used to treat both people and livestock, is at the heart of the troubles afflicting India’s vultures. Dead cattle and water buffalos, many of which have been medicated with Diclofenac, are a major source of food for at least 3 species of Indian vultures.

Diclofenac is fatal to vultures when consumed, and has been identified as the major reason behind the steep decline in their numbers in India. In the 1980’s, the White Rumped Vulture was considered to be the world’s most abundant large bird of prey. It has now declined by a staggering 99.9%! Populations of Indian and Slender-Billed Vultures are now at 3% of their 1990 levels.

Pharmacies Flout the Law

In 2006, India banned the use of Diclofenac as a livestock medication; it remains legal to prescribe to people (it is also regulated in Pakistan and Nepal). Farmers and ranchers are encouraged to rely upon Meloxican, which is harmless to vultures.

However, a recent survey of 250 pharmacies in 11 Indian states revealed that over 1/3 were still dispensing Diclofenac to cattle ranchers. In many cases, the drug was labeled as a human medicine, but the quantities dispensed, and their destination, left no doubt as to its intended use. Ketoprofen, also deadly to vultures, may still be legally purchased as a livestock medication. Several other products that are believed to cause vulture fatalities have not been fully investigated and remain on the market.

Vultures Also Benefit Human Health

Human health considerations complicate vulture conservation in India. Obviously, an outright ban on suspect medications would not be reasonable if alternatives did not exist, or if people could not afford the replacements. On the other hand, in many Indian cities and rural areas, vultures directly assist human health by consuming carcasses and other refuse.

The importance of scavengers (and decomposers) cannot be over-estimated. While their role is more noticeable in rural and ranching areas, they are at work everywhere. Consider how many birds, mice, insects and other creatures die each day in your own city or town…how many do you see? I’ve observed vultures at work on cattle ranches in South America, and have looked into what happens to the millions of house mice that die each month at the Bronx Zoo, and can assure you that the world would be a very different – and unhealthier – place without our scavenging allies.

Captive Breeding Efforts

On a brighter note, 3 vulture breeding centers in India have had a banner chick production year. Managed by Birdlife International, the Bombay Natural History Society and other groups, the “Save Asia’s Vultures from Extinction Initiative” also operates facilities in Nepal and Pakistan, and hopes to reintroduce birds back to the wild when the threats posed by livestock drugs have been resolved.

Please also post your questions and comments below…I’ll be sure to respond quickly.

Thanks, until next time,

Frank Indiviglio

Budgerigar (Parakeet) Study Reveals how Birds Avoid Crashes in Tight Quarters

findiviglio — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 16:51:37 +0000

Hello, Frank Indiviglio here. If you observe wild birds, you’ve no doubt marveled at their ability to fly through dense brush without touching a single branch. In NYC, I’ve twice been surprised to see pigeons flying at full speed through amazingly tight spaces when pursued by Red-Tailed Hawks. Bats utilize echolocation to perform similar feats, but with few exceptions (i.e. the Oilbird, please see below), birds lack this adaptation. So how do they do it? According to a recent study (Current Biology, Oct., 2011) at Australia’s Vision Center and the University of Queensland, some species rely upon vision alone.

“See-Compare-Adjust Course”

Researchers worked with Budgerigars (Parakeets) that had been trained to fly an indoor course that allowed for careful monitoring. They were able to show that the birds used their vision to sense and compare the speed at which they passed background images, and then adjusted their flight path accordingly.

As birds move forward, objects that are near seem to speed by quickly; objects that are further away appear to go by at a slower pace. So, as a bird gets closer to an object, the eye nearest it will perceive that object to be moving faster than objects seen by the other eye. The bird will then veer away from the nearby obstacle to avoid a crash.

This “sounds good on paper”, as they say, but what amazes me is the speed at which birds perform these maneuvers. Add to that the complex, ever-changing environments and wind conditions to which birds in flight are subjected, and you’ll realize what skilled navigators they are.

Monocular vs. Binocular Vision

Budgerigars and most other birds have monocular vision – that is, eyes that are set widely apart on either side of the face. This orientation is ideal for flying as described above, because each eye is usually seeing a different object.

Hawks, herons and certain other predatory birds have, in common with us, binocular vision…forward facing eyes that can focus on a single object simultaneously. This allows for effective hunting. I wonder if they are able to navigate with the same efficiency as Budgerigars (perhaps not – I have observed several hawk-crane-heron accidents). Most fly in relatively open environments, but Sharp-Shinned Hawks and some others are known for pursuing prey through dense tree cover.

Specialized Navigators: Owls, Oilbirds and Swiftlets

Birds of all kinds have other amazing flight adaptations that enable them to survive. The nocturnal, cave-dwelling Oilbirds and Cave Swiftlets can fly and feed in complete darkness, aided by a form of echolocation similar to that used by bats.

In certain owls, one ear is located slightly higher on the head than the other. Sound reaches each at a slightly (very slightly, I imagine!) different time, and can be used to triangulate the sound’s source. By triangulation, Barn Owls can locate and capture an unseen mouse that is over a football field distant from them! Perhaps this ability explains why Barn Owls are among the most widespread of all birds of prey…I’ve observed them several NYC neighborhoods, and they nest on every continent except Antarctica.

Please check out my posts on Twitter and Facebook . Each day, I highlight breaking research, conservation news and interesting stories concerning just about every type of animal imaginable. I look forward to hearing about your interests and experiences as well, and will use them in articles when possible.

Please also post your questions and comments below…I’ll be sure to respond quickly.

Thanks, until next time,

Frank Indiviglio

Privately-Owned Reserves in Australia Benefit Parrots and Other Wildlife

findiviglio — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 16:33:24 +0000

Hello, Frank Indiviglio here.In times of economic distress, government-funded wildlife conservation often takes a back seat to competing concerns. InAustralia, private (non-governmental) groups are taking up some of the slack…and doing a fine job. Over 6,000,000 acres of land are now being privately managed for the benefit of native animals and plants.

Wildlife in Peril

Parrot conservation often takes center stage when talk turns to Australian wildlife, but a wide variety of other animals are also in trouble. A recent report (please see below) states that 27 species of Australian birds are now extinct, 20 are critically endangered, 68 are vulnerable and 63 are classified as near-threatened. Australia leads the world mammal extinctions, and severe declines have also been noted among reptiles, amphibians and fishes.

Private Action for Wildlife

I have worked with private reserves and breeding programs in the USA and in Latin America. American turtle experts, often well-funded, have provided homes to thousands of turtles seized in Hong Kong and elsewhere. While on field research in Venezuela, I was amazed at the diversity of wildlife to be found on private cattle ranches…and its near-absence outside ranch boundaries. So it was with great pleasure that I read of Australia’s private conservationists.

According to some studies, only 40% of Australia’s habitat types are adequately protected by government-managed parks. Private groups seek to include within their reserves habitats that are not well-represented within the national park system.

Private conservation groups often cite the freedom to experiment and to take action quickly, unfettered by governmental bureaucracy and red tape, as critical to their success. Having long worked with local, state and federal governments in the USA and abroad, I would tend to agree (most heartily!). Although parrots are not often mentioned in a report released recently (please see below), many species utilize private lands, and no doubt benefit from the protection their habitats receive.

Bush Heritage

The 155,000 acre Boolcoomatta Reserve in South Australia is owned and operated by the conservation group Bush Heritage. The land, comprised mainly of arid scrub and open Mulga woodland (please see photo), is managed for the benefit of native wildlife and plants. Stream restoration, fire management and the trapping of feral goats, foxes and cats has yielded many rewards.

Populations of formerly rare birds, such as White-Winged Fairywrens (please see photo) and Red Throats, have soared, and the Orange Chat has returned after a long absence. Dusky Hopping Mice have been sighted for the first time ever (a range extension) and the Yellow-Footed Rock Wallaby, absent for over 80 years, is back.

Thirty-three other reserves managed by Bush Heritage are home to 50% of Australia’s native birds, 33% of its mammals and 25% of its plants, reptiles and amphibians. Edgbaston Reserve in Queensland boasts the last remaining population of a fish known as the Red-Finned Blue Eye.

Australian Wildlife Conservancy

Another private group, the Australian Wildlife Conservancy, manages 22 reserves. Included among them is the largest cat-free area on the continent. As feral cats are estimated to kill 2 million native Australian animals per day in the northern 1/6 of the continent alone (!!), their removal has a significant impact.

Other AWC reserves support a critically important population of the endangered Gouldian Finch and 90% of the world’s Brindled Nail-Tailed Wallabies, a species that was presumed extinct until its re-discovery in 1973.

Please check out my posts on Twitter and Facebook . Each day, I highlight breaking research, conservation news and interesting stories concerning just about every type of animal imaginable. I look forward to hearing about your interests and experiences as well, and will use them in articles when possible.

Please also post your questions and comments below…I’ll be sure to respond quickly.

Thanks, until next time,

Frank Indiviglio