Aviculturists have much to contribute to the conservation of endangered birds, especially when th... more Aviculturists have much to contribute to the conservation of endangered birds, especially when they join forces with scientists. Recent work with the Red Siskin (Spinus cucullatus) points to important ways that such collaboration can help many more species in the future. The Red Siskin is a striking black and red finch that once ranged through northern South America, from the Colombian border, across northern Venezuela, to Trinidad. Its populations have been decimated by unsustainable harvest for the pet trade and by habitat degradation, leaving it Critically Endangered in Venezuela and Endangered worldwide. Recent discovery of a population in Guyana revived hopes of saving the Red Siskin, and prompted us to form the Red Siskin Initiative (RSI, www.redsiskin.org), an international partnership of public and private institutions, communities, and people working to help understand, protect, and restore sustainable populations of this iconic bird in its natural habitat. Not all species can be rescued, but the Red Siskin is an ideal conservation target for multiple reasons, including the logistical, biological and economic ease with which it may be reared in captivity. To fulfill a vision of recovery, RSI has developed six conservation strategies, all of which require collaboration with aviculturists for success, particularly for raising and reintroducing siskins, as well as fighting their unsustainable harvest and illegal trade. To date, teamwork with aviculturists has resulted in the design of two integrated conservation centers in Venezuela, and advances in housing, nutrition and husbandry in a research colony in the US. Ongoing collaboration between scientists and aviculturists will be important for genetic and demographic flock management; creating a cooperative breeding plan among aviculturists; streamlining permitting processes; guiding research on diet, social structure, and vocal communication; developing protocols for pre-conditioning birds for release, and beyond captive management into reducing unsustainable harvest of the species, marketing bird-friendly chocolate and coffee, raising the cultural profile of the species in range countries. The avicultural community has become a key partner for Red Siskin recovery, which provides lessons for the conservation of other species, including Sun Conure (Aratinga solstitialis), Gouldian Finch (Erythrura gouldiae), and Philippine Cockatoo (Cacatua haemoturopygia), as well as non-avian species that are popular pets.
Aviculturists have much to contribute to the conservation of endangered birds, especially when th... more Aviculturists have much to contribute to the conservation of endangered birds, especially when they join forces with scientists. Recent work with the Red Siskin (Spinus cucullatus) points to important ways that such collaboration can help many more species in the future. The Red Siskin is a striking black and red finch that once ranged through northern South America, from the Colombian border, across northern Venezuela, to Trinidad. Its populations have been decimated by unsustainable harvest for the pet trade and by habitat degradation, leaving it Critically Endangered in Venezuela and Endangered worldwide. Recent discovery of a population in Guyana revived hopes of saving the Red Siskin, and prompted us to form the Red Siskin Initiative (RSI, www.redsiskin.org), an international partnership of public and private institutions, communities, and people working to help understand, protect, and restore sustainable populations of this iconic bird in its natural habitat. Not all species can be rescued, but the Red Siskin is an ideal conservation target for multiple reasons, including the logistical, biological and economic ease with which it may be reared in captivity. To fulfill a vision of recovery, RSI has developed six conservation strategies, all of which require collaboration with aviculturists for success, particularly for raising and reintroducing siskins, as well as fighting their unsustainable harvest and illegal trade. To date, teamwork with aviculturists has resulted in the design of two integrated conservation centers in Venezuela, and advances in housing, nutrition and husbandry in a research colony in the US. Ongoing collaboration between scientists and aviculturists will be important for genetic and demographic flock management; creating a cooperative breeding plan among aviculturists; streamlining permitting processes; guiding research on diet, social structure, and vocal communication; developing protocols for pre-conditioning birds for release, and beyond captive management into reducing unsustainable harvest of the species, marketing bird-friendly chocolate and coffee, raising the cultural profile of the species in range countries. The avicultural community has become a key partner for Red Siskin recovery, which provides lessons for the conservation of other species, including Sun Conure (Aratinga solstitialis), Gouldian Finch (Erythrura gouldiae), and Philippine Cockatoo (Cacatua haemoturopygia), as well as non-avian species that are popular pets.
Uploads
Conference Presentations by Erica Royer