Parrot TAG Regional Collection Plan 2020-2025

[WhistlingKite24]

I recently came across a copy of the recent Parrot TAG Regional Collection Plan for the 2020-2025 period. As it’s publicly available I thought I’d share it as it offers comprehensive insight into the future and current management of parrots among AZA collections.

Full document: https://ams.aza.org/eweb/upload/RCP_Parrot2020-c3051fe8.pdf

Thick-billed Parrot [Yellow SSP] – 62 (35.27) individuals as of November 2019 with a 5-year target population of 100 parrots and 15-year target population of 150 parrots. The captive population has been in decline recently however strong interest remains in exhibiting this species and the population has been consolidated to allow for more intensive breeding for the time being, hopefully improving the population demographically. They believe the targets set will be achieved with this more focused plan for breeding and the inclusion of more participating facilities.

Hyacinth Macaw [Yellow SSP] – 141 (75.64.2) individuals as of November 2019 with a 5-year target population of 150 macaws. The main goal for this species is to identify and distinguish unknown pedigrees of several macaws via DNA testing. They also hope to increase the hatch rate from approximately 4 to 6-8 and move towards upgrading to a Green SSP.

Blue-throated Macaw [Yellow SSP] – 109 (56.51.2) individuals as of November 2019 with a 5-year target population of 125 macaws. The current population is descended from 41 founders with one potential founder in the population. The current managed population is 85.5% known pedigree, 5 birds completely unknown, and 92.4% known after exclusions (4%) and assumptions. Gene diversity is 96.67% with a potential of 98.13%. Importations were not identified an essential to maintain greater genetic diversity.

Golden Conure [Yellow SSP] – 60 (33.27) individuals as of November 2019 with a 5-year target population of 100 and a 15-year targeted population of 125 conures. This species has been under a Yellow SSP since 2007 and remains stable.

Red-fronted Macaw [Yellow SSP] – 68 (39.24.5) individuals as of November 2019 with a 5-year target population of 50 birds. The population has recently been decreasing demographically.

Palm Cockatoo [Yellow SSP] – 66 (37.29) individuals as of November 2019 with a 5-year target population of 75 cockatoos. Both the EAZA and AZA populations are predicted to decline dramatically in the next 30-50 years as the population is only stable currently due to the longevity of the species. The SSP is facing a limited number of females so is partnering with the Hornbeam Aviary to pair three surplus males with unrelated females. It is currently recommended that all eggs produced are to be pulled for hand rearing to attempt to grow the population.

Hawk-headed Parrot [Red SSP] – 35 (10.25) individuals as of November 2019 with a 5-year target population of 50. At the time of writing, the AZA population had seven breeding pairs and by the end of December 2020 a central goal of the SSP was to create an additional two pairs. They also aimed towards bringing in three new participating facilities into the programme and contacting the private sector to seek new birds.

Kea [Red SSP] – 35 (23.12) individuals as of November 2019 with a 5-year target population of 50 and 15-year target population of 75 kea. Increased breeding is required to meet space and population goals through considerations like double clutching and hand-rearing. Additional importations from EAZA or other regions would be considered.

Galah [TAG Monitored] – 49 (23.21.5) individuals with a 5-year target population of 100 galahs. Candidate for use as a Program Animal species and able to be mixed in walkthrough aviaries.

Cockatiel [TAG Monitored] – 379 (65.64.250) individuals with a 5-year target population of 600 cockatiels. The large increase in population is attributed to interactive aviaries at zoos and the TAG recommends displaying wild-form individuals where possible.

‘Rainbow’ Lorikeets Trichoglossus spp. [TAG Monitored with some Phase-Out Species] – the phase out of two lorikeet species: Rainbow Lorikeet, T. moluccans and Marigold Lorikeet, T. capistratus to allow interactive aviaries to focus more space for the Forsten’s Lorikeet, T. forsteni. There are zoos planning to increase propagation of this species and are working with private sector aviculturists to locate birds that have not been hybridized with other species. At the time of writing, there were 28 (15.11.2) forsteni in AZA collections with a 5-year goal of 75 lorikeets. The AZA still aim towards monitoring the Coconut Lorikeet, T. haematodus with a population of 621 (222.224.175) with a 5-year goal of 650!

Goldie’s Lorikeet [TAG Monitored] – 23 (13.10) individuals with a 5-year target population of 50 lorikeets. This species is being increased in numbers to offer a point of difference from all the large parrots being managed.

Eastern Rosella [TAG Monitored] – 42 (24.15.3) individuals with a 5-year target population of 100 rosellas. This rise in interest is due to its ability to be displayed in large mixed aviaries and potential to be used for interactive aviaries as well.

Bourke’s Parrot [TAG Monitored] – 16 (7.9) individuals with a 5-year target population of 50 parrots. Similarly like the aforementioned smaller species, its ability to be housed in mixed species aviaries has been identified as a big bonus for AZA zoos.

Budgerigar [TAG Monitored] – 2964 (624.518.1822) individuals with a 5-year target population of 3500 standard pet-shop budgies!! The Parrot TAG discusses that while they acknowledge the value of interactive aviaries as an increasingly popular attraction, they urge AZA zoos to consider diversifying these displays with additional species. They also recommend holding wild-form birds where possible and housing single-sex flock to limit numbers.

Eclectus Parrot [TAG Monitored] – 28 (13.15) individuals with a 5-year target population of 50 parrots. The population is managed at species level but has been identified as a valuable species to use for mixed exhibits and show sexual dimorphism.

Princess Parrot [TAG Monitored] – 11 (7.4) individuals with a 5-year target population of 50 parrots. A potential species to utilise more frequently for mixed exhibits.

Blue-crowned Hanging Parrot [TAG Monitored] – 62 (31.23.8) individuals with a 5-year target population of 100 parrots. Recommended species with display value through flocking behaviour.

Black-cheeked Lovebird [TAG Monitored] – 29 (14.15) individuals with a 5-year target population of 75 lovebirds. One of two African psittacines recommended by the AZA.

African Grey Parrot [TAG Monitored] – 55 (22.21.7) individuals with a 5-year target population of 75 grey parrots. The nominate form will be managed and timneh will be phased out.

Ara Macaws [TAG Monitored] – 265 (126.117.22) Blue and Gold Macaws, 115 (48.59.8) Military Macaws, 176 (86.77.13) Scarlet Macaws and 157 (79.68.10) Green-winged Macaws in AZA collections at the time of writing. All of the five-year goals outlined relatively stable numbers.

Sun Conure [TAG Monitored] – 140 (82.45.13) individuals with a 5-year target population of 150 birds. Recommended for flocking behaviour and interactive aviaries.

Yellow-headed Amazon [TAG Monitored] – 36 (16.17.3) individuals with a 5-year target population of 50 amazons.

Lesser Sulphur-crested Cockatoo [Phase Out] – lack of interest and decreasing numbers has led to this species being designated for phase out. An EEP is managed for them in Europe.

Greater Sulphur-crested Cockatoo [Phase Out] – this species was being phased out for more room for the Lessers, and now that they weren't successful, they are both being phased out.

Moluccan Cockatoo [Phase Out] – simply stated that, “the TAG feels that a formal managed program should not be undertaken at this time” moving the species from TAG Monitored to Phase Out.

Cuban Amazon [Phase Out] – lack of interest and declining population despite a relatively large group of 50 birds being seized by the U.S. Department of Interior in 1988 as a founding base for the programme. They have been a phase out species since 2012.

Pages 93-111 of the document also provides an overview of every parrot species that was recorded in an AZA collection recorded via the 2019 Parrot Space Survey providing information about very recent holdings. Well worth a look as well to get an idea on numbers of some of the rarer species in particular.

 

[Great Argus]

Anyone else notice the 1.1 Kakapo in the spaces available in 5 years? Odd species for that, given many more easily obtainable species were at 0.0.

 

[CGSwans]

Anyone else notice the 1.1 Kakapo in the spaces available in 5 years? Odd species for that, given many more easily obtainable species were at 0.0.

All that means is there’s a very optimistic zoo somewhere in the AZA that says it wants kakapo. If they suddenly became available I suspect there’d be room for a lot more than two.

 

[Jurek7]

I had a weird idea. Given that several parrots live ferally in cities, would it be possible to release thick-billed parrots in cities in American Southwest with few predators, and hopefully they can spread to their natural habitat?

 

[Great Argus]

All that means is there’s a very optimistic zoo somewhere in the AZA that says it wants kakapo. If they suddenly became available I suspect there’d be room for a lot more than two.

Very optimistic indeed. I'd guess you're correct in thinking spaces would immediately become available if the birds did, though I don't see NZ looking to export Kakapos.

I had a weird idea. Given that several parrots live ferally in cities, would it be possible to release thick-billed parrots in cities in American Southwest with few predators, and hopefully they can spread to their natural habitat?

I don't think it's a good idea, even though it seems to have worked pretty well for other species. Primarily because it'd be too easy for poachers and predators to pick them off, the birds would be too visible. Some of the feral Florida parrots are being trapped by poachers, primarily valuable species. Poaching isn't as much a problem for Thick-billed to my knowledge, but better to not put the species in an easily accessible situation. I doubt the AZA and USFWS would care to risk releasing endangered parrots into suburban areas. No guarantee it would work either... previous attempts to establish Thick-bills in Arizona have all failed. They don't seem to be as adaptable as some parrots, for whatever reason.

 

[Kifaru Bwana]

I recently came across a copy of the recent Parrot TAG Regional Collection Plan for the 2020-2025 period. As it’s publicly available I thought I’d share it as it offers comprehensive insight into the future and current management of parrots among AZA collections.

Full document: https://ams.aza.org/eweb/upload/RCP_Parrot2020-c3051fe8.pdf

Thick-billed Parrot [Yellow SSP] – 62 (35.27) individuals as of November 2019 with a 5-year target population of 100 parrots and 15-year target population of 150 parrots. The captive population has been in decline recently however strong interest remains in exhibiting this species and the population has been consolidated to allow for more intensive breeding for the time being, hopefully improving the population demographically. They believe the targets set will be achieved with this more focused plan for breeding and the inclusion of more participating facilities.

Hyacinth Macaw [Yellow SSP] – 141 (75.64.2) individuals as of November 2019 with a 5-year target population of 150 macaws. The main goal for this species is to identify and distinguish unknown pedigrees of several macaws via DNA testing. They also hope to increase the hatch rate from approximately 4 to 6-8 and move towards upgrading to a Green SSP.

Blue-throated Macaw [Yellow SSP] – 109 (56.51.2) individuals as of November 2019 with a 5-year target population of 125 macaws. The current population is descended from 41 founders with one potential founder in the population. The current managed population is 85.5% known pedigree, 5 birds completely unknown, and 92.4% known after exclusions (4%) and assumptions. Gene diversity is 96.67% with a potential of 98.13%. Importations were not identified an essential to maintain greater genetic diversity.

Golden Conure [Yellow SSP] – 60 (33.27) individuals as of November 2019 with a 5-year target population of 100 and a 15-year targeted population of 125 conures. This species has been under a Yellow SSP since 2007 and remains stable.

Red-fronted Macaw [Yellow SSP] – 68 (39.24.5) individuals as of November 2019 with a 5-year target population of 50 birds. The population has recently been decreasing demographically.

Palm Cockatoo [Yellow SSP] – 66 (37.29) individuals as of November 2019 with a 5-year target population of 75 cockatoos. Both the EAZA and AZA populations are predicted to decline dramatically in the next 30-50 years as the population is only stable currently due to the longevity of the species. The SSP is facing a limited number of females so is partnering with the Hornbeam Aviary to pair three surplus males with unrelated females. It is currently recommended that all eggs produced are to be pulled for hand rearing to attempt to grow the population.

Hawk-headed Parrot [Red SSP] – 35 (10.25) individuals as of November 2019 with a 5-year target population of 50. At the time of writing, the AZA population had seven breeding pairs and by the end of December 2020 a central goal of the SSP was to create an additional two pairs. They also aimed towards bringing in three new participating facilities into the programme and contacting the private sector to seek new birds.

Kea [Red SSP] – 35 (23.12) individuals as of November 2019 with a 5-year target population of 50 and 15-year target population of 75 kea. Increased breeding is required to meet space and population goals through considerations like double clutching and hand-rearing. Additional importations from EAZA or other regions would be considered.

Galah [TAG Monitored] – 49 (23.21.5) individuals with a 5-year target population of 100 galahs. Candidate for use as a Program Animal species and able to be mixed in walkthrough aviaries.

Cockatiel [TAG Monitored] – 379 (65.64.250) individuals with a 5-year target population of 600 cockatiels. The large increase in population is attributed to interactive aviaries at zoos and the TAG recommends displaying wild-form individuals where possible.

‘Rainbow’ Lorikeets Trichoglossus spp. [TAG Monitored with some Phase-Out Species] – the phase out of two lorikeet species: Rainbow Lorikeet, T. moluccans and Marigold Lorikeet, T. capistratus to allow interactive aviaries to focus more space for the Forsten’s Lorikeet, T. forsteni. There are zoos planning to increase propagation of this species and are working with private sector aviculturists to locate birds that have not been hybridized with other species. At the time of writing, there were 28 (15.11.2) forsteni in AZA collections with a 5-year goal of 75 lorikeets. The AZA still aim towards monitoring the Coconut Lorikeet, T. haematodus with a population of 621 (222.224.175) with a 5-year goal of 650!

Goldie’s Lorikeet [TAG Monitored] – 23 (13.10) individuals with a 5-year target population of 50 lorikeets. This species is being increased in numbers to offer a point of difference from all the large parrots being managed.

Eastern Rosella [TAG Monitored] – 42 (24.15.3) individuals with a 5-year target population of 100 rosellas. This rise in interest is due to its ability to be displayed in large mixed aviaries and potential to be used for interactive aviaries as well.

Bourke’s Parrot [TAG Monitored] – 16 (7.9) individuals with a 5-year target population of 50 parrots. Similarly like the aforementioned smaller species, its ability to be housed in mixed species aviaries has been identified as a big bonus for AZA zoos.

Budgerigar [TAG Monitored] – 2964 (624.518.1822) individuals with a 5-year target population of 3500 standard pet-shop budgies!! The Parrot TAG discusses that while they acknowledge the value of interactive aviaries as an increasingly popular attraction, they urge AZA zoos to consider diversifying these displays with additional species. They also recommend holding wild-form birds where possible and housing single-sex flock to limit numbers.

Eclectus Parrot [TAG Monitored] – 28 (13.15) individuals with a 5-year target population of 50 parrots. The population is managed at species level but has been identified as a valuable species to use for mixed exhibits and show sexual dimorphism.

Princess Parrot [TAG Monitored] – 11 (7.4) individuals with a 5-year target population of 50 parrots. A potential species to utilise more frequently for mixed exhibits.

Blue-crowned Hanging Parrot [TAG Monitored] – 62 (31.23.8) individuals with a 5-year target population of 100 parrots. Recommended species with display value through flocking behaviour.

Black-cheeked Lovebird [TAG Monitored] – 29 (14.15) individuals with a 5-year target population of 75 lovebirds. One of two African psittacines recommended by the AZA.

African Grey Parrot [TAG Monitored] – 55 (22.21.7) individuals with a 5-year target population of 75 grey parrots. The nominate form will be managed and timneh will be phased out.

Ara Macaws [TAG Monitored] – 265 (126.117.22) Blue and Gold Macaws, 115 (48.59.8) Military Macaws, 176 (86.77.13) Scarlet Macaws and 157 (79.68.10) Green-winged Macaws in AZA collections at the time of writing. All of the five-year goals outlined relatively stable numbers.

Sun Conure [TAG Monitored] – 140 (82.45.13) individuals with a 5-year target population of 150 birds. Recommended for flocking behaviour and interactive aviaries.

Yellow-headed Amazon [TAG Monitored] – 36 (16.17.3) individuals with a 5-year target population of 50 amazons.

Lesser Sulphur-crested Cockatoo [Phase Out] – lack of interest and decreasing numbers has led to this species being designated for phase out. An EEP is managed for them in Europe.

Greater Sulphur-crested Cockatoo [Phase Out] – this species was being phased out for more room for the Lessers, and now that they weren't successful, they are both being phased out.

Moluccan Cockatoo [Phase Out] – simply stated that, “the TAG feels that a formal managed program should not be undertaken at this time” moving the species from TAG Monitored to Phase Out.

Cuban Amazon [Phase Out] – lack of interest and declining population despite a relatively large group of 50 birds being seized by the U.S. Department of Interior in 1988 as a founding base for the programme. They have been a phase out species since 2012.

Pages 93-111 of the document also provides an overview of every parrot species that was recorded in an AZA collection recorded via the 2019 Parrot Space Survey providing information about very recent holdings. Well worth a look as well to get an idea on numbers of some of the rarer species in particular.

It would be great if the lesser sulphurs would be sent over to Europe. They are critically endangered.

 

[birdsandbats]

Why is the AZA even managing Cockatiel and Budgerigar? I know there are no wild-form Budgies in NA zoos and it's probably a similar situation for Cockatiels. I have no idea why they would want to increase the population when that space could be used for more endangered parrot species.

I had a weird idea. Given that several parrots live ferally in cities, would it be possible to release thick-billed parrots in cities in American Southwest with few predators, and hopefully they can spread to their natural habitat?

Very optimistic indeed. I'd guess you're correct in thinking spaces would immediately become available if the birds did, though I don't see NZ looking to export Kakapos.



I don't think it's a good idea, even though it seems to have worked pretty well for other species. Primarily because it'd be too easy for poachers and predators to pick them off, the birds would be too visible. Some of the feral Florida parrots are being trapped by poachers, primarily valuable species. Poaching isn't as much a problem for Thick-billed to my knowledge, but better to not put the species in an easily accessible situation. I doubt the AZA and USFWS would care to risk releasing endangered parrots into suburban areas. No guarantee it would work either... previous attempts to establish Thick-bills in Arizona have all failed. They don't seem to be as adaptable as some parrots, for whatever reason.

Poaching is actually the reason that reintroduction of Thick-billed Parrot has not been attempted since the 80s. Poaching is the number 1 threat to the species in Mexico, and US Border Patrol reports that Thick-billed Parrots are one of the most commonly smuggled illegal items over the US-Mexico border, behind only a few types of drugs.

 

[birdsandbats]

I had a weird idea. Given that several parrots live ferally in cities, would it be possible to release thick-billed parrots in cities in American Southwest with few predators, and hopefully they can spread to their natural habitat?

Very optimistic indeed. I'd guess you're correct in thinking spaces would immediately become available if the birds did, though I don't see NZ looking to export Kakapos.



I don't think it's a good idea, even though it seems to have worked pretty well for other species. Primarily because it'd be too easy for poachers and predators to pick them off, the birds would be too visible. Some of the feral Florida parrots are being trapped by poachers, primarily valuable species. Poaching isn't as much a problem for Thick-billed to my knowledge, but better to not put the species in an easily accessible situation. I doubt the AZA and USFWS would care to risk releasing endangered parrots into suburban areas. No guarantee it would work either... previous attempts to establish Thick-bills in Arizona have all failed. They don't seem to be as adaptable as some parrots, for whatever reason.

Thick-billed Parrots aren't as adaptable because they require high elevation pine forests (Arizona and Chihuahua Pines specifically, the same kind of haibtat used by species like Mexican Jay) and nesting cavities much larger than any other parrot species. Historically they used cavities made by Imperial Woodpeckers, now they mainly use nest boxes - which of course only makes them more susceptible to poaching.

 

[Great Argus]

New Why is the AZA even managing Cockatiel and Budgerigar? I know there are no wild-form Budgies in NA zoos and it's probably a similar situation for Cockatiels. I have no idea why they would want to increase the population when that space could be used for more endangered parrot species.

It's for the walk-in feeder aviaries, that's about it. By "wild form" I assume they mean the normal wild color form, not wild birds.

Poaching is actually the reason that reintroduction of Thick-billed Parrot has not been attempted since the 80s. Poaching is the number 1 threat to the species in Mexico, and US Border Patrol reports that Thick-billed Parrots are one of the most commonly smuggled illegal items over the US-Mexico border, behind only a few types of drugs.

Do you have a source for this? This does not appear to be confirmed by IUCN, CITES, or the USFWS. Most sites agree habitat loss is the biggest threat. Illegal trade isn't mentioned nearly as much. I couldn't turn up a listing for one either. Granted they're protected by Mexico, US, and CITES. Estimates of wild birds are only 4,000-6,000, which isn't enough to place them that high on the smuggled list.

 

[nczoofan]

I wish AZA would be more forceful on "parrots on a stick" but at least the TAG is saying something.

Large macaws have historically held a place in AZA facilities. The TAG would like all AZA facilities to evaluate the practice of exhibiting parrots on perching structures or ‘parrot islands’. It has been a common practice to present many species (macaws, cockatoos, etc.) by clipping primary feathers and confining them to a few branches. Although it may allow the general public an unobstructed view of the animals, it is not common to display other avian species in this manner. Instead, the TAG would like to promote the beauty of parrots in flight when possible and ask all facilities to evaluate this practice in their own collections.

 

[Echobeast]

Why is the AZA even managing Cockatiel and Budgerigar? I know there are no wild-form Budgies in NA zoos and it's probably a similar situation for Cockatiels. I have no idea why they would want to increase the population when that space could be used for more endangered parrot species.

Literally says why in the reports and that they recommend the AZA consider diversifying and displaying wild forms.

Cockatiel [TAG Monitored] – 379 (65.64.250) individuals with a 5-year target population of 600 cockatiels. The large increase in population is attributed to interactive aviaries at zoos and the TAG recommends displaying wild-form individuals where possible.

Budgerigar [TAG Monitored] – 2964 (624.518.1822) individuals with a 5-year target population of 3500 standard pet-shop budgies!! The Parrot TAG discusses that while they acknowledge the value of interactive aviaries as an increasingly popular attraction, they urge AZA zoos to consider diversifying these displays with additional species. They also recommend holding wild-form birds where possible and housing single-sex flock to limit numbers.

 

[birdsandbats]

Literally says why in the reports and that they recommend the AZA consider diversifying and displaying wild forms.

Yeah, I’m wondering why they want to increase the population of domestic-type birds.

 

[TinoPup]

Yeah, I’m wondering why they want to increase the population of domestic-type birds.

Because the walk in aviaries where you can feed birds are extremely popular.

 

[nczoofan]

Yeah, I’m wondering why they want to increase the population of domestic-type birds.

I think its just the TAG being realistic that these exhibits will continue yet they want they to at minimum have these feature less of the color morph focus, which AZA has generally across the board looked down on. Having domestic birds that look wild type also have the advantage of allowing for better education about wild populations. Obviously they would still be domestic birds, but its not like American zoos keeping wild-budgies would have much conservation value.

 

[Aardwolf]

No sense pretending that the 10000 parrot spaces that the space survey turns up prior to the RCP are going to go to blue-throated macaws and keas.

 

[Jurek7]

Unfortunately, parrot husbandry seems to lag behind other animals, and European and Asian zoos. And they are compared to primates in intelligence, with much truth.

- Why keep not-threatened species like galah, palm cockatoo or some macaws and phase out related endangered cockatoos and macaws?

- Are budgerigars, cockatiels and lorikeets really only parrots suitable for feeding presentations? I saw Eos lories, lovebirds and conures among others.

- I feel that flight-restricted parrots on perches should be replaced by decorations which are not live animals. Presentations of single parrots doing tricks should be replaced by parrots flying and living as pairs or social flocks. Zoos currently promote poor pet husbandry and bird trade. Zoos should be sensitive to promoting image of live animals as decorative objects or toys.

- Why no mention of truly state-of-the-art exhibits abroad? New grey parrot aviary in Zurich is probably the best education against bird trade. It shows how radically different is the real life of grey parrots, with lots of flying, and very sociable. What a contrast with a crawling pet parrot, or at best a single pair in an aviary just few body lengths across. Similar aviaries in Doue, Dombes or Jurong mix multiple breeding pairs, species and other birds, and may include also mammal exhibits under the net. Many bird shows now present parrots or small parakeets flying and circling high in flocks.

 

[PossumRoach]

Why keep not-threatened species like galah, palm cockatoo or some macaws and phase out related endangered cockatoos and macaws?

To be fair, palm cockatoos are very charismatic with their size and pitch black color so I don't see any good reason to give them up (them not being threatened is not a good reason imo).

- Are budgerigars, cockatiels and lorikeets really only parrots suitable for feeding presentations? I saw Eos lories, lovebirds and conures among others.

This. I like feeding aviaries, but when the majority of such aviaries are jus Australian aviaries with the same three species they feel redundant just like other things people like to complain about when it comes to AZA. I for one think that a lovebird feeding aviary is also a great idea (mixed with senegal parrots)

Presentations of single parrots doing tricks should be replaced by parrots flying and living as pairs or social flocks.

I only know one AZA zoo that has a single parrot doing tricks and that's because he is a human imprinted animal who probbably wouldn't do well being mixed in a romanticized flock (hence he is a bts education animal). And the "tricks" he does are natural parrot behavior such as climbing using his zygodactyl feet (as parrots do) and randomly mimickimg supervising staff. Otherwise many parrot shows I know already consist of macaws flying over park grounds or parrots around a amphitheathre. (American users feel free to correct me otherwise)

Also if you have seen nczoofan's post, AZA is starting to adress the issue of parrot-on-a-stick issue. So that's a start.

 

[Valentinoamor]

The Parrot TAG plans are something I find extremely interesting. Is information like this in other TAGs also available for the public to see as well? I'd love to see similar information for other TAGs.

 

[Coelacanth18]

- Why keep not-threatened species like galah, palm cockatoo or some macaws and phase out related endangered cockatoos and macaws?

Because most of the endangered species being "phased out" are really just a small handful of individuals who will never grow into viable populations and whose space could be dedicated to established programs. The only exception I saw is the lesser sulfur-crested cockatoo, which they did try to make into a program but the interest among zoos just wasn't sufficient to continue it. The program macaw species *are* endangered; meanwhile, galahs and non-threatened macaws are *not* program species, they are just being monitored by the TAG because there is a large zoo population and the TAG wants to know what their numbers look like and assist zoos in caring for and exhibiting them.

Are budgerigars, cockatiels and lorikeets really only parrots suitable for feeding presentations? I saw Eos lories, lovebirds and conures among others.

No, they are just the most common and easily available. The TAG says that the list is not comprehensive and that other species are used.

Thick-billed Parrots aren't as adaptable because they require high elevation pine forests (Arizona and Chihuahua Pines specifically, the same kind of haibtat used by species like Mexican Jay)

That's a bold claim to make; many species of wildlife (including several parrots) have adapted to urban landscapes with virtually no similarity to their native habitat.

Why is the AZA even managing Cockatiel and Budgerigar?

They aren't; TAG monitored doesn't mean they are managed, it means they are monitored.

I have no idea why they would want to increase the population when that space could be used for more endangered parrot species.

They don't, or at least it wasn't their idea; that increase is going to happen anyway. If you look at the individual species profiles, the "target populations" are basically just rounded versions of what zoos reported they plan to have - meaning the "target" is whatever the zoos themselves are planning to do. It's not the same as the target populations for the managed species, which you can see sometimes vary widely from predicted space.

I like feeding aviaries, but when the majority of such aviaries are jus Australian aviaries with the same three species they feel redundant just like other things people like to complain about when it comes to AZA.

I don't see how this is similar to those criticisms, given that a) the AZA doesn't formally manage or recommend those species being kept, and b) non-AZA zoos do the exact same thing with the exact same species.

 

[DDcorvus]

How come the black-cheeked lovebird, agapornis nigrigenis, population is so low ? Not many pure birds available or just a lack of interest? In Europe there is quite a healthy population both in zoos and private hands. And growing the population from 29 to 75 individuals in 5 years is pretty conservative. If you have 14 pairs you can surpass that in one breeding season. The breeding success in colony is lower than when housed as single-sex pairs but still. And the species is attractive, can be combined with softbills and is endangered.