June 2000 No. 57 FUNDACIÓN

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1 June 2000 No. 57 FUNDACIÓN

2 Cyanopsitta Cyanopsitta - Latin for blue parrot. The only member of this genus is Cyanopsitta spixii, the Spix s Macaw. It is a highly endangered species, symbol of Loro Parque Fundación, and of the need to conserve our planet. Message from the Founder 2 Loro Parque awarded the Prince Philip Prize 3 A new nature magazine: Scenes of the World 6 Meeting Point 8 Loro Parque News 9 Foundation News 10 Phu Khieo Wildlife Sanctuary 12 Going Wild with The Black-cheeked Lovebirds in Zambia 19 Parrot education sign - Vernal Hanging Parrot Loriculus vernalis 23 Front Cover: The Prince Philip Prize for Entrepreneurial Excellence. Editorial Office: Loro Parque S.A Puerto de la Cruz Tenerife, Canary Islands Spain Tel.: Fax: <loroparque@loroparque.com> <dir.general@loroparque-fundacion.org> Editorial Committee: Wolfgang Kiessling, Inge Feier, Yves de Soye, Dr. Javier Almunia, Corinna Brauer. Visit our websites: Visit the website of Loro Parque Fundación, which provides you with detailed information on our programmes at: < For the website of Loro Parque, please check out < Membership: Become a member of Loro Parque Fundación to support us in our activities. You will then receive our trimestral newsletter Cyanopsitta, as well as a supporter s card permitting free entry to Loro Parque during the validity of your membership. The current annual membership fees are: Adults (non-resident):... 15,000 Ptas. Adults (resident) & children (non-resident):... 7,500 Ptas. Children (resident):... 3,750 Ptas. Please send us your membership subscription by mail, fax or , or call us, and we will sign you up immediately. Message from the Founder In this issue you will find an extensive article on the progress of the conservation programme funded by our foundation in the north of Thailand. In May, we visited the project during a one-week stay in the country. It was an impressive experience to see a nearly untouched tropical forest and at the same time, the efforts being made to save it. We reached the sanctuary from a nearby provincial town by helicopter, flying over unending green and wellkept rice paddocks, so characteristic for Asia. After one hour, we reached the 1560 km² large sanctuary, which we then however overflew within a mere 15 minutes. It thus became very evident to me, how the last natural habitats of our planet are receding in face of the pressure exerted by the increasing human population. In Asia, where three quarters of the world s population live, this pressure is particularly high. Should the global population double in size from 6 to 12 billion within 40 years as predicted, and the current deforestation rates prevail, all the tropical forests with their biological diversity will have disappeared within only 50 years from now. The highlight of our visit to Thailand was the honour of being invited to an audience and dinner with Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, honorary member of our foundation and upon whose initiative we became active in her country in the first place. The dinner gave us the opportunity to relate to her the impressions we had been able to gain. The next trip took place in June. I had been invited by the German Bundesverband für fachgerechten Natur- und Artenschutz BNA (Association for the Conservation of Nature and Species) to give a presentation on their annual meeting in Bitburg. I would like to again express my heartfelt gratitude for the warm welcome given by Lorenz Haut and Walter Grau. It was furthermore a pleasure to again meet my friends, the Spitzer family, and to make the acquaintances of Dr Clemens Becker of the Karlsruhe Zoo and Dr Horst Glatzel. The words of appreciation by Prof Dr Norbert Rieder, the President of BNA, as well as his support to Loro Parque and its foundation belong to those moments that convince me of the importance to continue in the same way. I also spent much time travelling back and forth between Germany and Tenerife. The reason was the possible purchase of the bird park Vogelpark Walsrode, which has for some time been going through financial hardship. The Loro Parque Group submitted a purchase offer and detailed concept for its revitalisation. After months of negotiations, the contract was finally to be signed on 5 July in Bremen. At the last minute, however, a telefax with a court order prohibited the sale by the insolvency administrator, granting the appeal by the debtor. In view of the verbal assent previously given and the fact that improvements were already planned and the executive staff selected, this development has reduced our enthusiasm considerably. We have in consequence informed the administrator, that we are not anymore available for the conditions that had been agreed upon. I wish you a pleasant summer, Yours Bank Account: Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria (BBVA) Puerto de la Cruz Wolfgang Kiessling 2

3 LORO PARQUE AWARDED THE PRINCE PHILIP PRIZE His Royal Highness Prince Philipp of Asturia handing over the award to Wolfgang Kiessling, Director General of Loro Parque S.A. In May of this year, Loro Parque S.A. was awarded the Prize for Entrepreneurial Excellence in the Tourism Sector, an award which bears the name of HRH Prince Philip of Asturia. After two previous nominations, this is the highest distinction that Loro Parque has received since its opening 28 years ago. The prize illustrates the exceptional development of the park, which has been able to combine successful entertainment of a high standard with the conservation and welfare of animal species. The following text is taken from the memoir published by the committee at the occasion of the presentation of this year s awards. For achievements in the development of an oustanding tourist attraction with the potential to attract numerous tourists, for its efforts in the conservation of the environment and for the measures taken to constantly improve its quality. The Prince Philip Prize in the Tourism Sector was awarded to Loro Parque S.A. First place in the Spanish tourism and leisure industry. Over 20 million visitor since its establishment 28 years ago, mainly through tour operators and travel agencies from all over the world. Every four years organisation of an International Parrot Congress, at which the most renowned scientists, experts and parrot breeders meet. Involvement in the catering business in the year 1996, with the modernization of the emblematic Hotel Botanico in Puerto de la Cruz and its successful integration into the prestigious Leading Hotels of the World category. Presence on all important tourism fairs. After 28 years of existence, continue to surprise its visitors each year with the opening of new 3

4 During the awarding ceremony, on the right the selection committee with HRH Prince Philip at the far right. attractions, which usually have marked a before and after. This was particularly the case in the year 1992, when the park area increased twofold, as well as in the year 2000 with the opening of Planet Penguin, the most modern and magnificent penguin exhibition in existence. Prize for the Tourism Enterprise LORO PARQUE is a Spanish company created in the year 1972 and located in Puerto de la Cruz on Tenerife; the park is leader in the leisure sector due to its outstanding offer, its high competitiveness, the quality of its product and its presence in the national and international markets. It offers to its visitors a combination of animal exhibits, nature and shows in the unique context of a subtropical botanical garden. The constant reinvestment, persistence and diligence combined with a clear objective and the optimal administration of finances have made that LORO PARQUE today counts among the leading companies in Spain. In addition to its activity in the leisure sector, it has maintained a continuous involvement in the conservation of the environment. In particular, the preservation of wildlife and biodiversity through in-situ and exsitu projects, which have been supported either directly or through a foundation created in the year 1994, which bears its name and was recognised of public interest by the Ministry of Education and Science. The foundation stands for a high level of achievement in the fields of education, research and captive breeding of psittacines threatened with extinction in the wild state. The executive heads of the awarded companies after the presentation with HRH Prince Philip in the center. 4

5 Recognition of Entrepreneurial Excellence The Prince Philip Prizes for Entrepreneurial Excellence were introduced in the year 1993 by the Ministry of Industry and Energy and the Ministry of Trade and Tourism, and are presently convened by the Ministry of Economy and the Ministry of Industry and Energy. Their objective is to support and reward those Spanish companies whose efforts are of special relevance to promote competitiveness, and instigate other enterprises to follow their exemplary management. Owing to the endorsement by HRH Prince Philip of Asturia, who made his name available and who personally presides the awarding ceremony, these awards have evolved to represent the highest recognition for outstanding business activities and management. The presentation of the awards aims at informing the entire Spanish society about the importance of efficient management in business, regardless of the particular field and acitivities. The procedure of the selection of candidates, in particular in what concerns the composition of the committee which consists of independent and widely recognised personalities, ensures that impartial and objective decisions are taken. Therefore, the awarded and nominated enterprises doubtless belong to the leading enterprises of our country. A prize for all competition categories The Prince Philip Prize for Entrepreneurial Excellence is awarded in eight different categories based on different competitive sectors, as identified by the Ministry of Finances and the Ministry of Industry and Energy, in order to promote the development and the progress of Spanish enterprises. The companies that feel they comply the necessary requirements to apply for the prizes, may hand in their candidature to one of several of the mentioned categories: - Industrial Quality - Design - Technogical Effort - Rational Energy Consumption - Environmental Industrial Management - Tourism Enterprise - Internationalization The companies which submit their applications in two or more categories, may at the same time apply for the Prince Philip Prize for Competitiveness. This prize, of a higher rank than the remaining, counts with two categories: PYMES (small and medium-size companies) and Large Companies. The prizes are exclusively honour awards and count with no financial compensation. The winning companies receive a representative trophy, and the nominated companies a certificate indicating their nomination. Both may disseminate and publish their respective results, through the media as well as in their letterheads, advertisement and annual reports, under specification of the year of the award and the category. 5

6 A NEW NATURE MAGAZINE: SCENES OF THE WORLD From the month of April, a new nature magazine is available at the kiosks of 30 countries in three different languages: Scenes of THE WORLD, published by Mundo Oceánico Canario. A new challenge launched from Spain to reach the entire world. The company Mundo Oceánico Canario (Canary Oceanic World), member of the Loro Parque Group, has accepted this year a new challenge: the editing of a bimonthly nature magazine of international character. With a universal approach as far as the distribution, the magazine is published in three different languages Spanish, English and German and reaches a potential market of 1 billion readers. Scenes of THE WORLD is present in 30 countries worldwide. Based in the great documentaries, and counting with the best nature photographers of the world, the images of the magazine are of an exciting quality. In the same way, Scenes of THE WORLD recruits the world s top specialists as authors for each topic it covers. All the articles are thus narrated in the first person by the very protagonists themselves. The combination of splendid photographs with interesting, living texts offers to the reader the most conscientious and up to date information on the life on Planet Earth. All subjects related to nature enter into Scenes of THE WORLD. From microscopic organisms to mankind, from the North Pole to the South Pole, from East to 6

7 West, from the deep seas to the highest mountains. All the forms of life and their habitats will be treated in this magazine: wildlife, the different ecosystems, the environment... really, Ecology in all its aspects. With the editorial offices located in Madrid, Scenes of THE WORLD is published through the company La Fundición, Communication and Publishing Services, and its staff is composed of media professionals with an ample experience in environmental subjects and extensive knowledge of the international market. At the offices in Madrid the topics are selected and prepared, after which the world s best photographers and writers are contracted for the respective articles. The finalisation of the three different language editions (Spanish, English, German) counts with the support of a strong team of translators that prepares the different versions. The result is a unique publication, that starting off from Spain, offers to the entire world a new perspective and vision of nature and the environment. The structure of Scenes of THE WORLD is simple. It is characterized in the first place, by the great documentaries, illustrated with spectacular photographs. Furthermore, a section with worldwide news is included on different subjects: conservation of the nature, science and technology, astronomy, archaeology, etc. Then, there is a section dedicated to projects describing the work that different organisations are carrying out to protect the environment; this section also encompasses reports on the conservation projects of Loro Parque Fundación, distributed all across the world. The magazine can be purchased in the kiosks, or by means of subscription with the resulting discount. You may obtain and solicit more detailed information through our website at < or via electronic mail at <scenes@scenesoftheworld.net>. The worlwide distribution of Scenes of THE WORLD: Spanish edition: Spain, Portugal, Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Peru, Brasil, Paraguay, Bolivia, Puerto Rico, Uruguay, Chile, Argentina. English edition: United Kingdom, Ireland, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand. German edition: Germany, Austria, Switzerland. 7

8 MEETING POINT - MEETING POINT - MEETING POINT - MEETING POINT Mick Clout from the University of Auckland, New Zealand, presented the Kakapo Conservation Programme during a visit to Loro Parque Fundación. At present, the Foundation and the project leaders in New Zealand are exploring ways of a possible collaboration. A photograph taken on occasion of the renewal of the contract between the company Embotelladora de Canarias (Pepsi-Cola) and Loro Parque Fundación. We are grateful to the Medina Family for their exemplary support. Members of the German Association Bird Friends Achern who came to hand over the invitation for the forthcoming 15th Bird Exhibition in Achern, the largest of its kind in Germany. Mr and Mrs Meyer won the first prize of a competition in the German magazine WP: a trip to Tenerife, including accommodation in the Hotel Botanico and free entrance to Loro Parque - congratulations! Students of Scientific Journalism of the University of La Laguna, Tenerife, during a symposium about Loro Parque Fundación in Loro Parque. Walter Grau, Vice- President of the German Association for Nature and Species Conservation (BNA), together with his wife during their visit to Loro Parque. Wolfgang and Brigitte Kiessling with Dietmar Schmidt, Editor of the German magazine Gefiederte Welt, on occasion of the annual meeting of the BNA in Bitburg. The Rotary Club from Ellwangen, Germany, during the visit to Loro Parque. One of the school classes that in the last year came to Loro Parque under the umbrella of the programme La escuela navega ( The travelling school ). 8

9 LORO PARQUE NEWS - LORO PARQUE NEWS - LORO PARQUE NEWS Our 23 Humboldt penguins, held in an exhibit inside Planet Penguin at local climatic conditions, have already bred nine young, two of which were hand-reared and seven parent-reared. Our giant male lion Attila, held off exhibit in a large enclosure at the La Vera parrot breeding centre, has received a female partner, Saffo. Its private owner decided to request the transfer of the animal from a small local zoo to Loro Parque. Three Red-handed Tamarins Saguinus midas (1,2) were added to the three species, Pygmy Marmosets Cebuella pygmaea (0,2), Common Marmoset Callithrix jacchus (2,0) and Black-ear Tufted Marmoset Callithrix penicillita (1,0) already in the park. The species have been put into mixed-species exhibits (1st with 2nd, and 3rd with 4th species, respectively), with the aim to provide behavioural enrichment. The establishment of the male-only Callithrix group, may be a preliminary step to obtain females or breeding pairs out of the respective EEPs. One Red-handed Tamarin female is already pregnant and we are expecting two young in the month of July. The Antarctic penguins at Planet Penguin have entered the winter season and are therefore held at very low light, corresponding to the light conditions in their natural environment; the light regime has been controlled by a computer-based system that regulates the intensity and mixture of the various lamp types installed. In the course of the past months, several installations inside Loro Parque have been renovated or remodelled. The Dolphinarium underwent complete renovation: the main pool was repainted and the surrounding rockwork renewed and extended, and the spectators stand was amplified to accommodate an even larger number of visitors; our nine Bottlenose dolphins have maintained their activity levels throughout the renovation works, during which they remained in the five meter deep back-installation pool. The Thai Village at the park entrance was painted and the respective sections clad in gold leaf, such that Loro Parque welcomes its visitors with its original glamour. The American Alligators Alligator mississippiensis exhibit was significantly enlarged as our three animals have grown considerably and needed more space; they now enjoy two large pools and sand beaches held at temperatures between 22 and 27 degrees to ensure optimal living conditions for their well-being, particularly in what regards digestion. 9

10 FOUNDATION NEWS - FOUNDATION NEWS - FOUNDATION NEWS The foundation has approved an additional 5,800 US$ for the Philippine Cockatoo Conservation Programme. The project which had been operating on a 9,000 US$ per-year basis for the present period, has produced promising results which justify the expansion of activities to increase the collaboration with the local community and particularly, further improve the protection of the target area, Rasa Island. Project Director Marc Boussekey writes in May, that 3 wardens have stayed night and day on the island since January and all over the breeding period, and that as a result neither illegal logging nor poaching of the cockatoos have occurred. Fifteen nesting trees were found, containing up to 4 fully grown hatchlings; an estimated minimum of 30 hatchlings together with 30 breeding birds and 30 non-breeders observed on roosting sites would sum up to a local population of 90 Philippine cockatoos. This is a remarkably high number, particularly as the project found that the island was found to be only 8 km² in size, far less than stated by local authorities. After several months of temporary suspension, Project Kakatua Seram finally had to be closed down due to the unending insurgency problems on the Moluccan islands, especially Ambon. The political situation in Indonesia as a whole is uncertain and uncontrollable, and illegal exploitation of forest and wildlife resources is accelerating in anticipation of possibly stricter environmental laws enforced by the international community; on Borneo, for instance, it is feared that all lowland forests will be destroyed within 3 or 4 years: logging and oil palm companies are clearing huge areas at an alarming rate. Funds that remained in the project account have therefore been transferred to a new project, equally implemented by BirdLife International, directed at parrot and biodiversity conservation on the Tanimbar Islands, which so far have remained free from unrest and where a last-ditch effort may save some of the forests that suffered increasing pressure over the past months. This project will be presented in detail in one of the next Cyanopsitta issues. During the recent visit to Thailand, our Scientific Director Yves de Soye, together with journalist Monica Pérez visited several Asian elephant sites to investigate the situation of the species in the country. An article about the Asian Elephant was subsequently published in the magazine Scenes of the World (see page 6). In Thailand, like in many other Asian countries, elephants play an important role in the cultural sense, and have been used heavily in the logging industry. With the official end of logging operations in Thailand, captive elephants face a bleak future as their maintenance is too expensive for the majority of their keepers, called mahouts. In the wild, the species faces serious problems due to agricultural encroachment and the increasing fragmentation of its remaining populations. A captive elephant re-introduction project has been initiated with the support of HM King Bumiphol and HM Queen Sirikit of Thailand. Since one year, the foundation has been member of the International Assocation of Zoo Educators IZE, in recognition of the need to create more awareness about the value of life on our planet and its unabated destruction, and to participate in the exchange of expertise. Our Education Officer, Dr Javier Almunia, has since participated in a conference organised for European Zoo Educators in Tilburg (The Netherlands), where new approaches in the context of Education and Exhibit Design were presented. Loro Parque Fundación collaborates with the Prizes for Education and Inventiveness: In June, José Miguel Ruano, Councillor of Education of the Government of the Canary Islands, presented the awards of the XII call of the Prizes for Education and Inventiveness. The objective of the contest is to award discoveries or studies carried out by Canarian students. The awarded centres receive a prize in cash, and the students a joint trip to one of the islands of the archipelago. In addition, the awarded students were able to spend a day in our facilities upon invitation by Loro Parque. School visits: With the onset of the summer vacations, the school visits of the course have come to an end. The number of pupils who visited us coming from private schools increased by 15% with respect to the previous year. In sum, the visits received through the agreement between Loro Parque Fundación and the programme La Escuela Navega («The Travelling Sponsors of Loro Parque Fundación 10

11 FOUNDATION NEWS - FOUNDATION NEWS - FOUNDATION NEWS School») of the Council of Education have increased in importance, from 23 % during the previous school year to 34 % in the present. Also in view of the availability of the new Teachers Unit Animals of the World that Loro Parque Fundación is developing with the sponsorship of Caja Madrid and which will be distributed between the more than 1000 preschools and primary schools of the Canary Islands, we expect a record of school visits for the upcoming year. The offices of the Foundation have undergone renovation and were almost doubled in size, with one new office and a conference room to where the library will be transferred. The new office space became necessary also with the recruitment of our new staff member, responsible for fundraising and the further institutional development of Loro Parque Fundación. Computers for Conservation - the Parrot Friends from Iserlohn (Germany) have made a collection among their members for us, and the result of 2000 DM was used to purchase a new computer and accessoires. The same was personally brought to Tenerife by the group s chairman, Karin Schröder, at the occasion of the 3 rd Parrot Workshop. We would like to express our gratitude for this exemplary donation, which contribute to render our work ever more efficient and free resources to be used in parrot conservation. We are also thanking Thomas and Angela Arndt for the donation of a scanner which was handed over on the same day, as well as Holger Dieckhoff, Sales Representative of Actebis Computers, who brought us a new monitor and peripheral hardware donated by his company. We would like to thank Alena Dolezalova and her family s company Nakladatelství DONA (DONA Publishing) of Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic, for donating 800 copies of both the Year 2000 and Year 2001 Calendars to the foundation. The calendar for the coming year, currently in print, can be purchased through Loro Parque Fundación. 4TH PARROT WORKSHOP - 01 TO 08 DECEMBER 2000 The magazine PAPAGEIEN and the LORO PARQUE FUNDACIÓN again offer a Parrot Workshop (held in German) at Loro Parque on Tenerife in December It provides the opportunity to holders and breeders of parrots, to learn about husbandry, nutrition, breeding and diseases of these animals. The participators are given the possibility to acquire the knowledge of the world largest parrot park and recognized experts. Each day of the seminar will deal with another topic, such that the whole range of aspects in captive parrot management is addressed. Beside the presentations ample time is given for discussion, and an in-depth look at the facilities usually not accessible to the public (breeding station, veterinary clinic, food kitchen etc.) is included in the programme. The lecture program counts with the following experts: Biologist Miguel Bueno, Curator of Loro Parque ( Parrot breeding in Loro Parque ); Ingrid Beck, Veterinarian at the Institute for Poultry of the University of Giessen in Germany ( Parrot diseases ); Biologist Matthias Reinschmidt, Editor of the magazine PAPAGEIEN ( Artifical incubation and hand-rearing of parrots ); Marcellus Buerkle, Veterinarian of Loro Parque ( Parrot nutrition from our perspective ); Biologist Yves de Soye, Scientific Director of Loro Parque Fundación ( Breeding centre for parrots - a contribution to species conservation? ). Services include: Transfer to and from the airport by train; flight from Germany to Tenerife (16 different airports are available, also in Austria and Switzerland), transfer to the hotel and seven nights in a double room in the 5-star Hotel Botánico, including breakfast. The guest is invited to the following: tennis, golf, crazy golf, whirlpool, water gymnastics, fitness room, free bus service from the hotel into the city and back, welcome cocktail, closing dinner on the last evening, free entrance to Loro Parque during the entire stay, visit of the Loro Parque Fundación breeding station, participation in the four-day training seminar at Loro Parque, travel insurance. For accompanying persons which do not participate in the workshop, a separate leisure program can be booked, and extensions days can equally be requested. In order to ensure the effectiveness of the parrot workshop, the number of participants is limited. We therefore ask anyone interested to register as soon as possible. Places are allocated according to the date of entry of the registration. The 4 th Parrot Workshop will take place on Tenerife from 01 to 08 December The exact price is not yet fixed, however will be similar to that of the previous workshops. 11

12 ONE OF THAILAND S N PHU KHIEO WILD Since 1997, the LPF has been collaborating with the Royal Forest Department of Thailand to improve the conservation of Phu Khieo Wildlife Sanctuary in the northeast of the country. The project, which comprises a series of different research and education programmes, has so far received support to the height of 105,000 US$, and enjoys the continuous endorsement of Thailand s Royal Palace. During a visit to Thailand in May of this year, the President of Loro Parque Fundación, Wolfgang Kiessling, and its Scientific Director, Yves de Soye, were able to investigate the progress of the project on site. In a meeting at the offices of the Royal Forest Department, in particular with the Director General Dr Plodrasop Suraswadi, and the Director of the Wildlife Conservation Division, Dr Schawan Tunhikorn, the further development of the collaborative project was also discussed. A proposal for its continuation will be elaborated to focus on the expansion of environmental education activities in the communities around the sanctuary.

13 LIFE SANCTUARY ATURAL TREASURES Moustached Parakeet Psittacula alexandri

14 Aerial view of the reservoir at the eastern border of Phu Kieo Wildlife Sanctuary. Officially designated and protected since 1979, the 1,560 sqkm Phu Khieo Wildlife Sanctuary (PKWS) is one of the most important protected areas in northeastern Thailand, and the third largest wildlife sanctuary in the country as a whole. It is located in Chaiyaphum Province, and further connected with a complex of six protected areas to the north. Altogether, these form an area of above 4,560 sqkm. With an elevation of between 500 and 1,300 metres above sea level, the main features of PKWS are a sandstone tabletop plateau rising steeply from the surrounding plains, and a karstic, very disrupted mountainous area in the west. Its northern and western boundaries are naturally protected by the adjacent Nam Nao National Park, Tat Mok National Park, and Tabok Huai Yai Wildlife Sanctuary, but its eastern and southern borders are largely developed for agricultural activities. No less than six distinct natural habitat types occur in the reserve: hill and dry evergreen forests, tropical rain forest, dipterocarp forest, pine forest and grasslands. After declaration of the protected area status, several communities were relocated to outside of PKWS, which makes it one of only three wildlife sanctuaries in Thailand, which do not contain a village. Aerial view of an area inside the reserve with regrowth of vegetation after the relocation of a settlers community. In these abandoned areas, the natural vegetation is slowly making a comeback. However, with 84 villages clustered around the boundary of PKWS, environmentally detrimental activities persist in the form of illegal hunting of animals and removal of timber. There is a need to reduce the pressure on the sanctuary by developing strategies that foster a sustainable use of community forests in the buffer zone around the reserve and increase the awareness about the importance of the forest and wildlife among the local inhabitants. The LPF has been assisting the Royal Forest Department (RFD) of Thailand in the development of the community activities, as well as in the collecting of more biological information within and around the sanctuary so as to improve its management. The first two years avifaunal surveys Given that the Royal Forest Department already had conducted some preliminary avifaunal census work inside the PKWS, the initial phase of the project focused on surveying the birds with emphasis on the distribution and population densities of the larger fruit-eating species, including parrots. In spite of a serious illness of the project leader, Jarujin Nabitabatha, ornithologist of the Thailand National Science Museum, the fieldwork for which Coleman S.A. kindly donated various field equipment could be successfully completed. In fact, according to Mr Nabitabatha, the study, which involved four expeditions, must be considered the first extensive avifaunal survey for any of the country s wildlife sanctuaries. While a total of 282 species could be shown to occur within the protected area, the study at the same time identified those bird species characteristic for the different habitats in the reserve, and looked at the seasonal effects on the species occurrence. Five 14

15 habitat types were surveyed during the fieldwork, and the same transect lines were used during the different seasons. It was found that the numbers of species recorded during the surveys were lower during the rainy season (197) than during the dry season (269), which reflects the fact that many migratory species (esp. pigeons, accipiters, flycatchers and warblers) do not enter the forest reserve during the rainy season. With the information gained from the surveys, areas of particular interest to conservation can be pinpointed in future management plans for the sanctuary. Environmental education, resource mapping and more biodiversity surveys In recognition of the need to rapidly enhance the protection of PKWS, the following phase of activities was initiated already during the final stages of the avifaunal survey work. It consisted of three subprojects of immediate relevance for the long-term conservation of the sanctuary. The project implementers initiated an environmental education and community awareness programme in the geographical zone around the sanctuary. Furthermore, inventories of flora and fauna in the habitats of the buffer zone around the sanctuary have been prepared, to complement the information obtained about the diversity inside the sanctuary. Lastly, the spatial occurrence and use of resources inside and outside the sanctuary were to be mapped using remote sensing and GIS analysis, to form the basis of an integrated management plan. The latter will include critical data on the socioeconomical situation of the surrounding villages. However, the financial crisis in East and South- East Asia resulted in some delay in the project implementation. With the economical situation recovering, we expect a more rapid progress such that the currently ongoing activities will be finished according to the adapted schedule. The helicopter that flew us to the sanctuary. A project visit in May 2000 With the aim to reinforce the collaborative effort and to assess the progress of the project, Wolfgang Kiessling, President of Loro Parque Fundación, and Yves de Soye, its Scientific Director, travelled for one week to Thailand in May. After meetings in Bangkok and Chiang-Mai, we travelled one early morning by plane to the city of Nakornrachasima in the north-central plains, where we were welcomed by Commander General Sanan Marerngsit. From here, a helicopter kindly made available by the Thai Armed Forces flew us over endless rice paddocks, until after one hour we reached the plateau on top of which is located the wildlife sanctuary. The flight over the sanctuary provided an excellent insight into its extent and good condition, but also into its relative isolation and the encroachment by the surrounding communities. Upon arrival at the Environmental Education Centre Huai Kum, located on the eastern border of the reserve, we were shown some of the educational activities that have been directed at local school children, to increase their understanding with regard Left, Sahas Boonyaviwat, Dr Schawan Tunhikorn, Wolfgang Kiessling and Kitti Kreetiyutanont at the main entrance of PKWS; in the centre, Yves de Soye, Kmolthip Prompechara, Kriengsak Chaturasuksakul and Kitti Kreetiyutanont in front of the project car funded by LPF. Right, the group donning leech gaiters before entering the forest at PKWS 15

16 The park headquarters at Phu Kieo Wildlife Sanctuary. to the importance of soils, forests and wildlife, particularly in the context of watershed maintenance. Similarly, training courses have been held for village leaders, in which a total of 221 participants from more than 53 buffer zone villages participated. In the past year, furthermore, over 400 students from more than 25 schools have been brought into the sanctuary to participate in youth camps, which include walks along nature trails accompanied by forest rangers. Another important aspect of the outreach programmes is the production and free distribution of educational bulletins for villagers and schools. By car, we then proceeded to the heart of the reserve and the main administrative buildings located near its centre. The complex encompasses a wildlife rescue and breeding centre, which at the time of our visit held 1000 animals of 67 species, including a number of endangered ones. A total of 300 staff is looking after the reserve, both at the headquarters and the education centre at Huai Kum. At the park headquarters, we were given a detailed presentation about the progress of the wildlife surveys inside and outside of PKWS. The constant presence of forest department staff inside the reserve has produced some remarkable sightings that contribute to its impressive list of species records. Asian elephants Elephas maximus are still roaming the sanctuary: in 1997 one group consisting of 21 animals was observed, and the total population is estimated to be around 68. Using 40 photographic traps all over the sanctuary and foot print patterns, 7 tigers Panthera tigris could be photographed and identified and there is a chance that a viable population prevails. A single rhinoceros was seen in deep forest near to the road on one occasion by one of the forest rangers, Kitti Kreetiyutanont, and The rescue and breeding centre near the administration centre at PKWS, where around 1000 animals of 67 species are held. 16

17 Left, school children during an environmental education unit. Right, Yves de Soye in front of an educational exhibit explaining the importance of the wildlife sanctuary. additional sightings of footprints allude to the possibility that a number of individuals survive in the reserve. Although it is believed to be the Sumatran rhinoceros Dicerorhinus sumatrensis, the possibility can not be totally excluded that it belongs to the far more endangered Javan rhinoceros Rhinoceros sondaicus, believed to be one of the rarest large mammals in the world and virtually extinct in continental South-East Asia due to habitat destruction and poaching. Another relevant species record is that of Siamese Crocodile Crocodylus siamensis, of which footprints were repeatedly seen along a 3 km stretch of river inside the sanctuary until one live animal could be photographed; it is considered one of the most endangered crocodile species world-wide, however its persistence in PKWS to the present day is uncertain. In what concerns parrots, at least three species occur inside PKWS: the Vernal Hanging-Parrot Loriculus vernalis, Moustached Parakeet Psittacula alexandri and Finsch s Parakeet P. finschii. There is increasing concern about the declining wild status of Finsch s Parakeet, and PKWS could well be a stronghold for the species. It is evident that for the larger animals, the size of the wildlife sanctuary is already a limiting factor, particularly as several very distinct habitat types occur which further restrains the area available to the respective species. Nevertheless, the continuing presence of such key species makes that the RFD- LPF project is increasingly evolving into one concerned about the conservation of biodiversity in general. To this aim, it would be immensely helpful if the 4500 sqkm of contiguous protected forest areas would be integrated into a single large reserve afforded the highest protection status, and the administration be put together. What the future will bring On one of the days of our visit, a meeting was held at the Royal Forest Department in Bangkok, with the responsible staff including the General Director Dr Plodrasop Suraswadi, the Director of the Wildlife Conservation Division, Dr Schawan Tunhikorn, as well as the Private Secretary of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, Anuporn Kashemsant. As a result of the discussions about the progress of the project and the suggestions A large fig tree inside the forest of PKWS. 17

18 Natural grasslands and lake along an educational trail inside the PKWS, on the left with Kitti Kreetiyutanont. for the future implementation, the Royal Forest Department pledged that it would contribute 5 Mio Baht (c US$) to match the amount provided by Loro Parque Fundación for the next funding period of two to three years. A proposal for the continuation of activities will be elaborated jointly between the RFD and LPF, in particular to focus on the further development of the environmental awareness campaigns in the communities around the sanctuary. It is of crucial importance that the continuing pressure exerted by the surrounding communities, particularly the poaching of wildlife and timber, is further reduced. The project plans therefore will focus on the development of several mobile educational units to travel between the different communities, and increase the presence of the park rangers and educators in the communities. It was furthermore proposed that the Promoting Protection through Pride campaign developed and successfully applied in a variety of countries by the RARE Center for Tropical Conservation, would be incorporated in the project activities. Two options are currently being studied: a two-week workshop to be held in Thailand by RARE s Director of Conservation Education, Paul Butler, and the sponsoring of one RFD staff to participate in a one-year course in Conservation Education, newly given by RARE Center at the Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology at the University of Kent. The aim of either would be to ensure that the resources made available facilitate a significant contribution to the long-term conservation of one the last and most precious wilderness areas in Thailand. Current parrot field conservation projects of Loro Parque Fundación: * Brazil: Spix s Macaw Cyanopsitta spixii Recovery Programme * Brazil: Environmental Education Programme for the Red-tailed Amazon Amazona brasiliensis in Superagüi National Park, Paraná * Bolivia: Blue-throated Macaw Ara glaucogularis Conservation * Ecuador: Cerro Blanco Bosque Protector - Lilacine Amazon Amazona lilacina & Guayaquil Macaw Ara ambigua guayaquilensis Field Study & Environmental Education Programme * Ecuador: Conservation of the Yellow-eared Parrot Ognorhynchus icterotis I * Colombia: Conservation of the Yellow-eared Parrot Ognorhynchus icterotis II * Dominica: Conservation of the endemic Red-necked and Imperial amazons * Belize: Scarlet Macaw Outreach Program * Zambia: Status, Ecology and Conservation Biology of the Black-cheeked Lovebird Agapornis nigrigenis * Zambia/Zimbabwe: Conservation Status and Biology of the Greyheaded Parrot Poicephalus fuscicollis suahelicus * Thailand: Phu Khieo Wildlife Sanctuary * Philippines: Red-vented Cockatoo Cacatua haematuropygia Conservation Programme * Indonesia: Action Sampiri - Conservation of Endangered Parrot Species on the Sangihe & Talaud Islands * Indonesia: Conservation of Endemic Parrots on the Tanimbar Islands 18

19 GOING WILD WITH THE BLACK-CHEEKED BLACK CHEEKED LOVEBIRDS IN ZAMBIA Louise Warburton arburton, Research Centre for African Parrot Conservation, School of Botany and Zoology, University of Natal, Private Bag X01, Scottsville 3209, South Africa Since 1997, Loro Parque Fundación has collaborated with the Research Centre for African Parrot Conservation in South Africa to investigate the status and ecology of the Endangered Black-cheeked Lovebird Agapornis nigrigenis. The project is being conducted as part of a Ph.D programme by Louise Warburton, under the supervisorship of Prof. Mike Perrin. Loro Parque Fundación is the principal supporter of the project, having committed US$ 20,000. Prior to this study little was known about the Black-cheeked Lovebird in the wild, in fact it is the first detailed ecological study of any of the nine lovebird species, which are endemic to Africa including Madagascar. Ecological data is essential for the formulation of a long-term management regime for the species. Field work commenced in early 1998 and was recently completed in May The hard-core data analysis now begins. It s not easy to find a Black-cheeked Lovebird. The species typically occurs in clumped distributions within a highly localised range in south-west Zambia. The parrot s core range is estimated to be only around 2,500 km², and even within this area, in what appears to be ideal lovebird habitat mature Mopane Colophospermum mopane woodland, with nearby water pools that last through the dry season, the lovebird s presence is not guaranteed. The total population is estimated to be between 8,000 to 10,000 individuals. A narrow break in the mopane divides the lovebirds into two sub-populations. The northern birds are largely found within the boundaries of Kafue National Park, one of the largest parks in Africa. It is estimated that a third of the total population live here, largely without any interference from man. The southern sub-population lives in an open area: land under no form of conservation protection which is governed in the traditional way under tribal chiefs and headmen who preside over the districts and villages. In terms of western style development the area is poor and people live by subsistence farming and gathering of natural resources. The species was only first described in 1906, the last of Africa s parrots to be discovered. The Black- 19

20 cheeked Lovebird population now appear to be considerably lower than it was in the early 20 th century. Only one historical record of a more numerous population exists from D. Gordon Lancaster who reports personally witnessing the capture of 16,000 Blackcheeked Lovebirds in just 4 weeks in A quite incredible number of birds, almost double today s total population. Today the species is uncommon in captivity, largely confined to specialist breeders with an interest in its conservation, including Loro Parque Fundación. Original captive stocks of the Black-cheeked Lovebird largely died out when imported millet supplies became scarce during the World Wars, considerable numbers also perished in aviaries unprotected from the chill of the northern winters. In Zambia there are two major seasons: summer starts when the rains arrive, they are expected from November onwards reaching their peak between late December through February. At this time much of the area becomes flooded, vegetation is transformed into an incredible lushness, the new grasses emerge and seed with a profusion of wild flowers, and crops in the village fields ripen. Water pools form, the rivers start to flow and then flood. For the lovebirds and other graminaceous feeders it is the time of plenty and the breeding season starts. By May the area is rapidly drying, the earth cracks and pools in the woodland become dust bowls. The winter dry season is long, at its height in late September even the mopane trees loose their leaves. The lovebirds spend most of their time in the still green riverine vegetation (although the rivers have long since stopped flowing), or in the evergreen shade of Jackalberry trees Diospyros mespiliformis, often found growing on old termite The project car crossing Sala River (L. Warburton). Mature mopane woodland in the rain (L. Warburton). mounds in the mopane woodlands. Today the gradual desiccation of the lovebird s habitat and increasing human pressure around the available surface water appears to be reducing the range of this highly localised species. There appears to be clear evidence of a range reduction, with some local extinction of the species in some areas, including its type habitat, the Ngweze River i.e. where the species was first discovered and described from. Black-cheeked Lovebirds are clearly dependant on daily access to water, and drink in two daily peaks, in the early morning and late afternoon. In the dry season flocks congregate around water sources. Typically all the lovebirds in the locality used the same pool, and commonly gathered in the same tree, or shrub, perching along the skyline. Incomers flew in calling to be greeted by the contact-calls of those already perched. In one observation 800 lovebirds were observed gathering, taking almost an hour to assemble before flying down to the water in silent waves, although the excitement generated by being so many together meant that many of the parrots didn t actually settle long enough at the water s edge to drink, and had to return later to drink in smaller flocks! It was an incredible sight. In human habituated areas the lovebirds are largely dependant on man-maintained water resources, which include wells dug in the river-bed, cattle troughs made from hollowed out tree-trunks and pools. The lovebirds feed predominantly at ground level on seeds from annual grasses typically found within their mopane habitat. In addition they supplement their staple with a wide range of leaves and seasonally available flowers, a little fruit and occasionally leaf stems, insect larvae, bark, resin and lichen. Basically the lovebirds are non-specialist feeders, showing 20

21 no degree of specialisation for a limited resource in the locality, to date they have been recorded feeding on over 40 non-grass species. During the crop-ripening season in the local villages lovebirds were observed feeding on the seed-heads of millet, sorghum and swehe a local type of sugar-cane, and also on the seeds of some agricultural weeds. The villagers attempt to protect their crops in various ways. Platforms were built in the middle of fields with palm-frond streamers radiating out to the field margins. Children would climb the platform and shout, bang drums, crack whips and pull the streamers to try and prevent the birds from settling. In addition to the lovebirds, other bird species were observed feeding in the crops. Data was collected on flock sizes, feeding rates and times of day the various species fed. Overall, fewer lovebirds were observed feeding on crops than expected, those that were observed were probably nearly always males as the females stayed at the nest sites. Interaction with humans during this time was non-harmful to the birds, rather disturbing their feeding in the crops than preventing it! Prior to this study little was known about the A group of lovebirds sunbathing after dawn (L. Warburton). A meeting in the local village of Adonsi (L. Warburton). breeding biology of the Black-cheeked Lovebird, or any Agapornis in the wild. A total of 78 lovebird nests were found, all in naturally formed cavities in mopane woodland. Only one nest was found per tree, although the overall pattern was for the birds to nest on a loose colonial basis. Nest-site characteristics were measured by climbing the trees. Lovebirds are one of two genera of parrot recorded to collect nest material. The most commonly collected material were mopane twigs, although collection of Albizia leaves, grass and lichen were also observed. The female did all the collection and transported the material back to the cavity in her beak. Given the small size of cavity entrances, access into the majority was not possible, although 18 chicks were briefly removed, measured and photographed, also some blood samples were taken for later DNA analysis. Field conditions for the researchers during the rainy season were testing to say the least. We camped on top of a termite mound an island in the flooded woodland. All supplies had to be hiked in through water that was often waist high from our base-camp 9 km away at the nearest village, which itself was a 9-hour drive from the nearest fuel and supply point in Livingstone. I am much indebted to my field assistants at this time: Darryl Birch and Frankie Hobro from the Mauritius The Advisory Board of Loro Parque Fundación Tomás de Azcárate y Bang Ministry of the Environment of the Canary Islands Tenerife, Spain Susan L. Clubb Avian Veterinarian Florida, USA Nigel J Collar Research Fellow BirdLife International Cambridge, England Wolfgang Grummt Animal Park Friedrichsfelde Berlin, Germany Povl Jorgensen Aviculturist Haslev, Denmark Joachim Steinbacher Editor of Gefiederte Welt Bad Homburg, Germany Ian R. Swingland President and Founder Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology Kent, England David Waugh Director Royal Zoological Society of Scotland Edinburgh, Scotland Roland Wirth President and Founder Zoological Socierty for the Protection of Species and Populations Munich, Germany 21

22 Up to four lovebirds at the nest cavity (D. Birch). Wildlife Foundation, and Zambian assistant Aaron Muchindu when we saw the first chicks peeking out on the 8 th of March we knew it had been worth it! The project was totally dependant on the goodwill of local people, and without exception the project was welcomed with great interest and courtesy. Aaron explained the aims of our research in Lozi to local chiefs, village headmen, teachers and villagers. We explained that we had just come to watch the lovebirds, to learn about their lives and the environment they live in. People wondered about our particular interest in the one species which we explained by saying that this lovebird is very special because it can only be found in this one small area in Zambia, and would then explain the range in terms of rivers which the people could visualise. Headmen and teachers expressed much interest in getting some feedback. An educational teaching booklet will be prepared and translated into Lozi. Together with a poster, these will encourage the children not to catch and kill the lovebirds to eat, but A nestling Black-cheeked Lovebird briefly taken from the cavity for study (L. Warburton). instead will promote school projects on the species, such as annual counts at water pools during the dry season. It will also aim to introduce some basic conservation principles using the lovebird as a figurehead: water, wood and wildlife resources will be the focus of attention. Observations suggest that the current population of the species is stable, but has not recovered to the pre-1920 s trade level. Conservation action is required and recommendations include the following: a priority is to maintain the availability of surface water suitable for lovebird use during the dry season; to initiate local education projects to encourage children not to catch lovebirds; to conduct regular population counts at selected sites; and to maintain and uphold the wildcaught ban on the species the lovebird must not represent any economic worth if it is to survive in the wild. A return trip to Zambia will be made in June 2001 to deliver the educational materials to all the schools in the lovebird s range and to the headmen who participated in the project. I for one will be counting down the days until I see the magic little green parrots again. Acknowledgements: Loro Parque Fundación was the major project sponsor. Other sponsorship came from the following: NRF (RSA); WCS (USA); San Diego Zoological Society (USA); IFAW Charitable Trust (UK); Zambezi Society (UK); WPT (Canada); ZSCSP (Germany); Parrot Society (UK); Lovebird (1990) Society (UK); Conservation in Aviculture Society (UK); BOU (UK); British Airways Assisting Conservation; Station Africa (RSA). Thank you to all the volunteer field assistants. 22

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