The Cape Parrot Working Group is
currently updating the Cape Parrot Studbook and creating a Cape Parrot
DNA Bank. We are putting out a call requesting owners and
breeders of Cape Parrots
(Poicephalus robustus robustus)
to
consider participating in these endeavours. The Cape Parrot Studbook aims to
provide an accurate, up to date, overview of all Cape Parrots kept in
captivity, including those in breeding programmes or pets.
Ideally the studbook should hold information on every single Cape
Parrot currently in captivity, plus details of birds (including those
now deceased) that have bred in captivity to show the pedigree and
relationships from the original founding birds. The studbook aims
to provide a resource that contains information which is useful in
provide important insights to assist the conservation of the species
both in captivity and the wild. As with most parrot species
Cape's are relatively difficult to observe in the wild, and whilst not
mirroring wild populations avicultural records can still provide
information. For example, information on age at first breeding,
clutch size, longevity can be useful in determining effective
population sizes in the wild.
The studbook can also provide useful information on the captive
population, issues such as inbreeding and relatedness become
increasingly important over time and it is useful to be able to look at
the population. Unlike many of the management studbooks which
form the basis for genetic and demographic management of populations
Cape Parrots are mainly held in private collections and so are not
managed by the studbook keeper. However, the studbook keeper can
be called upon to offer advice to breeders wishing to locate birds that
are unrelated. It should be noted however, that all owner details
will remain confidential to the studbook keeper unless otherwise
requested.
To compile this data the studbook keeper, Shaun Wilkinson, has an
onerous task! He needs to track down the histories of Cape
Parrots of unknown origin, link these to others that have disappeared
from one location and seem to have reappeared at another, and tie in
all new births. If you own Cape Parrots please do consider
participating. If you have any questions or wish to add your
details to the studbook please Shaun at the Umgeni River Bird Park.
There are currently (end of 2006) around 170 Cape Parrots listed in the
Cape Parrot Studbook, with details from more birds awaited.
Hopefully there will also be an increase with this years chicks.
The majority of these birds are in South Africa mainly held by private
individuals and aviculturalists, but also include birds maintained in 3
South African Institutions. There are also 30 birds from an
European Institution who details are held within the studbook.
Note the details of birds that are both dead and alive are maintained
in the studbook - dead birds are of interest as they provide background
details on the relatedness or individuals.
Cape Parrot Working Group
Contact Details: Email: CapeParrot@ukzn.ac.zaThis web
page is kindly hosted by UKZN.
The contents of this website may not necessarily reflect the views of
UKZN or all stakeholders of the CPWG.
Web Page last
updated Dec
2006
