Bird smugglers continue brisk business

The Parrots of India (click to enlarge)Despite the blanket ban on trade in bird species across India since 1990-91, hundreds of parrots continue to be collected and traded annually in the country.

Click to read more ...

Introduction, Breeding and Poaching of Scarlet Macaws (Ara macao L.) in a Temperate Country:

A Case Study from The Netherlands

Scarlet Macaw Parrots in The NetherlandsAbstract: Poaching for the pet bird trade is one of the main threats to wild parrots. Parrots in urban areas might be exempt from poaching because nests are likely inaccessible in the urban mosaic of public and private lands where the public and authorities keep more effective vigilance than in natural habitats. We report on the demographics and fate of a small population of exotic Scarlet Macaws (Ara macao) introduced into the urban area of Haarlem in The Netherlands in the 1970’s, which has a temperate, maritime climate, quite unlike the natural breeding area of the species. One breeding pair was reported, with successful breeding attempts in at least eight years between 1980 and 2009. A series of poaching events between 2005 and 2009 likely lead to the demise of the local nesting population of Scarlet Macaws.

Keywords: Poaching, Exotic species, Establishment, Breeding success, Ara macao, Parrot.

Click to read more ...

Corella numbers soar in streets

Corellas fly over Tammy Woodrow’s home.THERE are only a handful of trees in the backyard of Tammy Woodrow's home, but of all the trees in Wallace St, they're the trees of choice for one noisy flock of corellas.

Click to read more ...

Self-plucking parrot on the mend in foster home

Muriel, the African Grey parrot, is in a protective collar to prevent herself from further self-mutilation. Photo: Kerry PowelWhen a badly damaged African Grey named Muriel was surrendered at a local shelter, the bird appeared to be beyond hope. But before the "execution" papers could be signed, an employee reached out to Patty Blau, a volunteer with Mickaboo Companion Bird Rescue. Maybe Muriel could be saved?

Click to read more ...

Net scam swoops on bird buyers

MACAWS FOR CONCERN: Darren Dwyer says online scammers are offering macaws for sale at a fraction of their market value to swindle shoppers. Photo: GLENN FERGUSONA BELMONT pet store owner has warned of an internet scam that promises exotic endangered birds for a fraction of their usual $15,000 price.

Click to read more ...