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Flock Talk, World Parrot Trust eNewsletter

January 2009 | Issue 17

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Dear Reader,

"While there's life, there's hope." Cicero, 106 BC-43 BC

There are a lot of ways to look at the above quote -- hope for the economy, hope for one's life, or hope for a young new US president's success. For the World Parrot Trust it is hope for vanishing and struggling parrot species -- and with this hope in mind we push on into the New Year to help save the parrots that are still left in the wild and advocate for the welfare of our pet parrot families.

So in this issue we'll continue with part two of Dr. James Gilardi's in-depth interview, talk about Goodsearch.com and how it can help our cause, learn about some good places to buy excellent toys and toy parts for your birds, and more. All with a sprinkling of hope on top.

Enjoy,
Desi Milpacher, Flock Talk editor

Help Us Reach our Goal

Ending the Trade in Wild Caught Parrots

We are excited to report we are just a few dollars away from raising the funds needed to end the trade in wild caught parrots, forever!

Please consider making a donation to help us reach our target. Every dollar is helping us get one step closer to achieving our goal. Plus, if you donate by Jan. 31, your gift will be doubled! What better way to make every dollar count?

Learn more »
Donate today »

ProFauna Indonesia

WPT Partner

ProFauna Indonesia is a non-governmental organization working for the protection of wild animals and their habitat. Established in Malang City, E Java in 1994, the bulk of ProFauna's work involves campaigning against and investigation into the trade in wild animals and parts. A good portion of their work also involves rescue.

The World Parrot Trust has worked with ProFauna in their successful campaign to encourage the Indonesian government to end the export of wild birds, and more recently, to support the continued wildlife education of the local people of that area through the Pirated Parrots Campaign.

ProFauna Indonesia


More info on Profauna's work »

WPT's Project Partners »

Species Profile

Blue-crowned Racquet-tailed Parrot

Blue-crowned Racquet-tailed Parrot

Genus: Prioniturus
Species: discurus

Where found: Philippine Islands

Ecology: Found in primary and secondary growth, forest margins and remnant trees in cultivated areas, up to 1750m (5740 ft). Is seen in small noisy groups outside of the breeding season. Feeds on fruit, berries, nuts and seeds.

Population: about 10,000
Status: Least concern

Threats: Trapping for bird trade

More information »

International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)

How Species are Ranked

The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species is a broad, global means to evaluate the conservation status of plant and animal species. According to the Red List, 50 species of parrot are classified as Critically Endangered and Endangered, meaning their status in the wild is dire indeed.

The most serious category, Critically Endangered, is used when a species meets any of five criteria, such as a reduction in population size of > 90% over 10 years or a restriction in geographic range to less than 100 square kilometres, which indicates that it faces an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild.

Some of the most critically endangered animals in the world include parrot species such as:

Kakapo »
Blue-throated Macaw »
Yellow-crested Cockatoo »
Orange-bellied Parrot »

More information:
Introduction to the Red List »
Red List Categories and Criteria »
WPT's Blue-throated Macaw Project »


Stay tuned for more updates to come in upcoming issues.

IUCN

Interview with Dr. James Gilardi

Executive Director of the World Parrot Trust

In this, the second part of our interview with Dr. Gilardi, Charile Moores explores the efficacy of CITES in the protection of parrots, optimism in conservation work, and the special projects of the World Parrot Trust.

Read the interview »

Dusky Lory Downloadable Wallpaper Donate Now Shop Now Join The World Parrot Trust Today 2009 Parrots Calendar

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See what's new at www.parrots.org

Parrot Experts

EB Cravens:
Parrot exercise »

Ellen K. Cook, DVM:
Cockatiel hiccups »

Dr. Brian Speer, DVM:
Cockatiel head bobbing, behaviour change in Amazon Parrot »

Parrot Bloggers
 

Ria Winters:
Newton's Parakeet »

Brent Barrett:
Is time running out for Ground Parrots? »

Parrot Headlines

Chile busts trade in exotic animals from Peru »

Cockatoo halts Mandurah mega-development »

Rare parrots taken from city zoo »

Cameroon: poaching, wildlife trade provokes outrage »

Surabaya, the hub of parrot trade in Indonesia »

High hopes for bumper Kakapo breeding season »

Drivers to look out for scavenging parrot »

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1) Which Asian Parakeet is the largest?

2) Are wild Rose-breasted Cockatoo (Eolophus roseicapilla) populations increasing or decreasing?

3) What is unique about the Socorro Conure (Aratinga brevipes)?

4) Where is the Guaiabero (Bolbopsittacus lunulatus) found?

5) What are some enrichment items suitable for a pet White-bellied Caique (Pionites leucogaster)?

6) The Vulturine Parrot (Pionopsitta vulturina) is one of two parrot species which are bald-headed. What is the other?

7) What is the status in the wild of the Golden-mantled Racquet-tailed Parrot (Prioniturus platurus)?

For more information visit the Parrot Encyclopedia »

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GoodSearch

Searching for a Cause Does a World of Good

Goodsearch In our work with the Trust we often stumble on unique ways to raise awareness and funds via the internet. GoodSearch.com is one of those ways. A novel idea started by Ken Ramberg and JJ Ramberg -- formerly of JOBTRAK and MSNBC respectively -- GoodSearch combines good old fashioned internet searches with philanthropy; an effective combination that has generated funds for many schools and organizations.

GoodSearch, powered by Yahoo!, donates 50 percent of its advertising revenue to charities and schools designated by its users. It's easy to do. Simply use GoodSearch as you would any other search engine. Enter World Parrot Trust in the search bar near the top and click! It's a great way to support the WPT.

Learn more about GoodSearch »
Start clicking for the WPT »


Toys on the Cheap (Cheep)

Where to Find Toys and Parts for Less

Grey playing with a toyIn these difficult economic times it can be a challenge to provide for everyone in one's family - pets included. In our November 2008 issue of Flock Talk (Creating Toys for Parrots) we talked about scrounging (bird-safe) bits and bobs from around the home to create wonderful bird toys.

This time around we are featuring links to some great online stores (including ours!) where you can find toys and bulk parts to add in to your homemade toys. Happy building!

Toys at the WPT UK eStore »
Toys at the WPT US eStore »
Treats 'n' Eats »
8 Beaks »
Greyfeather Toys »


Special Thanks

Christmas Fundraiser a Picture Perfect Event

Thanks to DJ Feathers Aviary for their fundraising event at Christmas that raised $400 for the World Parrot Trust. Their "Have Your Parrot's Photo Taken With Santa" event was so successful, even people who didn't own parrots were showing up. They had such a fun time they plan to run it again next year, so make sure your parrot stays off the "naughty" list until then!

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