RT02: Ecology and conservation biology of African parrots

¹Research Centre for African Parrot Conservation, Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Natal, Private Bag X01, Scottsville, 3209, South Africa, e-mail perrin@zoology.unp.ac.za; ²Department of Terrestrial Environmental Sciences, University of Milan, Via L Emanueli, 15-20126, Italy, e-mail rmassa@alpha.disat.unimi.it

The status of all but a few species of African parrots is poorly known but information available suggests a reduction in the range and abundance of all species studied. Population demography remains unexamined for each species, except for the critically endangered Echo Parakeet Psittacula echo of Mauritius. Population trend of those species for which there are data, is unusually negative but with a wide variance, owing to poor, inadequate or no censusing. A model study is that of the Fischer’s Lovebird. Conservation action has been intensively applied to only the Echo Parakeet, whereas awareness has been created with reference to the plight of Fischer’s Agapornis fischeri and Black-cheeked Lovebirds Agapornis nigrigenis, and the African Grey Psittacus erithacus, Cape Poicephalus robustus and Rüppell's Parrots Poicephalus rueppellii. Attention should be given to the taxonomic status of several super/sub species complexes of African Parrots before further conservation action is implemented. The situation is complicated and requires resolution using DNA sequencing studies.

Several species, including the Niam-niam Parrots Poicephalus crassus and Yellow-faced Parrots Poicephalus flavifrons are virtually unknown, and their biology in the wild should be studied.

An example of a species at risk is the Cape parrot because (1) of its taxonomic status (Poicephalus r robustus is a distinct forest species); (2) its habitat, afromontane Podocarpus, is being reduced in area, fragmented and disturbed; (3) it is nomadic; (4) a specialist feeder; (5) its nesting sites are being depleted; (6) it is subjected to illegal trade; and (7) it is locally a pest of agricultural crops.

African parrot vocalisations are studied in the wild and in captivity and have significance in understanding (1) social organisation and phylogeny, and (2) communication and cognition. Inter-species comparisons are being made, ethograms are being prepared and vocalisations have been contextualised. Calls include ultra and infra sonic components, and may exhibit sex differences and local dialects. Courtship calls of Poicephalus species are complex, comprising the summation of several components used in different contexts; duetting functions to maintain pair bonds.

Parrot trade in African Greys continues unabated. There appears to be reduced trading of Agapornis but increased trading of Poicephalus species.

Sustainable harvesting of several southern African Poicephalus species is being entertained for the benefit of local people and communities. Some species are difficult to maintain and breed in captivity. However, commercial aviculture is essential to sustain legal trade and demand. Infrastructure for ecotourism has to be put in place once potential has been fully ascertained.

Trade in some African countries is associated with the drug trafficking and close policing is required. The economies of bird trade likely outweighs aesthetic considerations. There is a need to recognise the role of aviculturalists in the conservation biology of African parrots, particularly captive breeding and the maintenance of stud books. Consideration should be given to a moratorium on trade in all wild caught Poicephalus species until their biology and status are better known.

Networking is essential since manpower and resources are scarce and dispersed. There is a need to pool and disseminate information on the taxonomy, feeding and breeding biology of parrots, their status, demography and habitat requirements. Threats to viability and persistence should be identified and common solutions found. There is a marked need for common trade control and equivalent, enforceable legislation. Some priorities have been identified in the World Conservation Union Parrot Action Plan, and may be addressed with the assistance of non-government organisations such as BirdLife International.