Dear Reader,

With spring right around the corner, this issue of Flock Talk lands in your email box chock-full of new information and sage advice.

We begin with a new project that the WPT is supporting, research on the little-known Seychelles Black Parrot (or more commonly, the Lesser Vasa Parrot).

We also bring you the Beginner's Guide to Parrot Keeping, a must-read for new parrot owners; our regularly scheduled Species Profile; an update on our sojourn into the world of social networking, and more. So, read on, dear reader.

"The beginning of knowledge is the discovery of something we do not understand." Frank Herbert, (1920-1986)

Desi Milpacher, intrepid Flock Talk editor

In This Issue

> Seychelles Black Parrot Research
> Species Profile: Lesser Vasa / Black Parrot
> Beginner's Guide to Parrot Keeping
> Product Review: Arpilleras -- Peruvian Art Hangings
> MySpace is Our Place
> See what's new at www.parrots.org
> Test Your Parrot IQ

Seychelles Black Parrot Research

Little-known Species Receives Help From the Trust

The enigmatic Lesser Vasa Parrot, or Black Parrot (Coracopsis nigra) is found off the east coast of Africa in Madagascar and its far-off neighbouring islands.

The races which make up this species -- C. n. nigra, C.n. libs, C.n. siblians -- are all considered to be reasonably common. The fourth, C.n. barklyi, is the rarest of them all; its range contracted and severely limited by extreme isolation, and more importantly, the inexorable interference of man and the loss of nest sites to introduced predators.

When the opportunity to fund research into the life and ecology of this rare bird surfaced, the WPT said yes. A researcher from the University of East Anglia, Norwich, by the name of Ellen Walford is leading the research, along with the Seychelles Island Foundation. We'll be following her progress in future updates.

Help save the Seychelles Black Parrot »

Species Profile

Lesser Vasa / Black Parrot

Species: Coracopsis Genus: nigra Interesting fact: The incubation time for this parrot's eggs is only 14 days - shorter than any other parrot. Where found: Throughout Madagascar; Grand Comoro and Anjouan, Comoro Islands, and Praslin Island, Seychelles. Status: Least concern. Wild Population: Not recorded; however, C.n. barklyi thought to number less than 100 pairs. WPT Project: Support of upcoming research project on Praslin Island subspecies barklyi More information »

Beginner's Guide to Parrot Keeping
 

Parrot keeping is part science, part art, with a good dollop of common sense added. It is not something for the faint-hearted, since the living creature you will potentially welcome into your home is entirely physically and psychologically dependent on your care. But not to fear! The World Parrot Trust is here to help, by providing a comprehensive list of things you should know before acquiring a parrot. Read the "Beginner's Guide to Parrot Keeping" » (Best viewed with Adobe Reader 8.1)

Product Review: Arpilleras -- Peruvian Art Hangings

One Way of Helping Local People Live Sustainably While Protecting Parrots

At first glance, the startling intricacy of the Arpillera -- an appliqued fabric wall hanging -- seems impossible to create. But create them the women of Sepahua, Peru have, with training from Peru Verde, a Peruvian conservation group working to develop ecotourism in that country.

When traditional ideas for ecotourism proved to be impractical, the group began training the local women of the area to create these remarkable pieces, which depict rainforest and cultural themes. The vivid colours, textures and exacting detail of each very different hanging takes one's breath away.

And the biggest and best benefit that results from the production and sale of this precious art is that local artisans are taking part in a sustainable, unique effort that helps preserve the local rainforest.

Buy this product to help protect the rainforest »

MySpace is Our Place

One More Link to the Trust

Last month we told you about Facebook, social networking site extraordinaire, and our new profile on it. To date, almost 350 of you have signed up to our group at Facebook. Well done!

This month we're excited to tell you we've created a page at MySpace as well, all of which helps to spread the word and work of the Trust. In the upcoming months we will use Facebook and MySpace to update everyone on ongoing and upcoming WPT conservation projects. So have a look -- and spread the word!

Go to MySpace's WPT Page »
Go to Facebook's WPT Page »
Go to Parrots.org's Networking Page »