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2003 Kaytee Avian Foundation Projects
BioBrasil Foundation - Hyacinth Project
Currently, thirteen thousand acres have been purchased in the southwest part of the state of Piaui, Brazil. In this cerrado habitat (dry grassland with gallery forests and cliffs) the Hyacinth Macaw finds plenty of palm nuts and perfect nesting cavities in the red, cliff faces. BioBrasil manages the area as a preserve for the endangered macaws and many other avian species, as well as the endangered Maned Wolf. Along with grants and other funding the preserve is also maintained through ecotourism. Ecotourism will, in the long run, prove self-sustaining and will benefit the community by providing employment. Visitors have an amazing opportunity to see Hyacinths in their natural habitat. Ecotourism is growing and local people are employed in various jobs: guides, hosts, cooks, etc. for the increased number of visitors.
San Diego Zoo - Captive Propagation and Recovery of the Endangered Hawaiian Avifauna
The Zoological Society of San Diego manages two captive propagation facilities: the Keauhou Bird Conservation Center and the Maui Conservation Center. These two facilities serve as breeding centers for the propagation and recovery of 21 species of endangered songbirds.
Since 1993, these centers have taken the lead in developing and implementing the techniques required to ensure success in all aspects of this recovery endeavor. There have now been six species that have bred in captivity - most for the first time in the history of aviculture, to include; 'Alala, the Common 'Amakihi, the 'I'iwi and the 'Oma'o have all been reared and released. These releases have provided the information and refined the techniques necessary to ensure the success for the release of the endangered Small Kaua'i Thrush, the Puaiohi, into historical habitat in the Alaka'I Swamp on Kaua'i. The program will continue to propagate and release these endangered songbirds, with the anticipation of releasing three species this year.
The Kaytee Avian Foundation has committed to fund this project for the years 2002, 2003 and 2004 at the amount of $10,000 per year. We are happy to join with the San Diego Zoo and many others to sponsor the conservation project.
Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine - Validating 21-day Doxycycline and Azithromycin Treatments for Chlamydophila psittaci in Companion Avian Species
The School of Veterinary Medicine does extensive avian research in the areas of infectious diseases, nutrition and clinical studies. Chalmydophila psittaci is the most important infectious disease associated with companion birds in the pet bird market, because of its infectious nature and zoonotic capabilities. The veterinary school believes that by proving that a 21-day treatment of Doxycycline and/or Azithromycin in companion avian species C. psittaci infections can be eliminated. The shorter period of treatment will provide some positive results such as: reducing the amount of unnecessary antibiotic treatment.
The Kaytee Avian Foundation has committed to fund this project giving a total of $15,000 for 2003.
Amigos de las Aves - USA - Population Status and Conservation Management Recommendations for the Scarlet Macaw
Amigos de las Aves is an international group of organizations dedicated to the conservation of the native Costa Rican macaws, the scarlet and the great green or Buffon's macaw (Ara macao and A. ambigua), through captive breeding and re-introduction into protected areas. This project proposes to identify the population size and habitat usage of the remaining scarlet macaw population in Palo Verde National Park and environs. The project will also confirm (or refute) that the main threats to the survival of the population are low population size and nest poaching and identify other significant factors. The project will develop recommendations for conservation and recovery of the macaw population and take initial action on these recommendations.
The Kaytee Avian Foundation has committed to fund this project giving a total of $5,000 for 2003.
Wildlife Trust - Conservation of the Thick-billed Parrot (Rhynochopsitta pachyrhyncha) Through Scientific Research and Community Involvement
Wildlife Trust trains and supports a network of scientists and educators around the world in their efforts to save endangered species and their habitats from extinction and to protect the health of ecosystems that are vital to life on Earth. This project proposes an alternate economic opportunity for the local community, the production of a souvenir based on the image of the Thick-billed Parrot; and the continuation of the research of the parrots identifying crucial wintering areas and subsequent protection of this area for the conservation of the species.
The Kaytee Avian Foundation has committed to fund the field research portion of the project giving a total of $1500 for 2003.
Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine - Establishing and Maintaining a Scientific Research Colony of Hisponiolan Amazon Parrots
The School of Veterinary Medicine does extensive avian research in the areas of infectious diseases, nutrition and clinical studies. The primary area of this study is to maintain a known flock of healthy Amazon parrots for the above state research purposes, education and conservation. One of the major problems facing avian (psittacine) scientific research today is the lack of statistically significant bird numbers for investigative purposes. With this population, the School of Veterinary Medicine would have a group of birds that have a known health history housed in an aviary that meets laboratory animal standards for appropriate animal care and use to reduce variability questions in research investigations. Through the research at this facility more can be learned to help in veterinary care of avian species, including better nutrition and understanding diseases.
The Kaytee Avian Foundation has committed to fund this project giving a total of $6000, $3000 for 2002 and $3000 for 2003. The grant will provide operating capital to maintain the birds for the two years.
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