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  Research Centre for African Parrot Conservation RESEARCH FUNDING SOUGHT FOR AFRICAN LOVEBIRD CONSERVATION CAN YOU HELP?
Lovebirds are small African parrots, familiar to all of us, ranking only after budgerigars and cockatiels as the most popular pet birds. There are nine species in total, although only three: the Peach-faced, Masked and Fischer's are commonly available in aviculture as pure-bred birds. The Black-cheeked Lovebird (Agapornis nigrigenis) is Africa's most localised and threatened parrot, and is classified as an endangered species. The species is virtually unknown in the wild, and is rare in captivity. The World Conservation Union (IUCN) has recognised the threat to the viability of the wild population of these birds and the possible extinction of the species. It has recommended, as a priority, the need, "to ascertain the present distribution and status of the species; to identify and evaluate all threats limiting the population's recovery; and to prepare a conservation strategy". That is the aim of the a project set up by the Research Centre for African Parrot Conservation at the University of Natal, Pietermaritzburg. Black-cheeked Lovebirds seem never to have recovered from heavy exploitation for the 1920s birdtrade. Their wild habitat occupies a tiny core range of only 2500km² of mopane woodland in south-west Zambia, between the Zambezi River in the south and Kafue River in the north. Why their numbers have not increased since extensive trapping declined is a mystery, although various speculative reasons have been suggested. The present major threat is probably the gradual desiccation of the area, causing the Black-cheeks to desert areas of their historic range. Additional threats compounding the non-recovery include: the species' guarded attitude towards the suitability of drinking sites (required daily); local agricultural change to maize away from preferred millet and sorghum; presumed specific habitat needs (as yet unidentified beyond the combination of suitable waterholes and mopane woodland); and local small-scale killing for consumption (and as crop pests). Potential threats include the resumption of illegal bird trade and habitat destruction. Unconfirmed threats include hybridisation (and competition) with Lilian's lovebird and breeding biology problems (disease).
The specific aims of the project address three issues:
Surveys and radio-tracking will aim to determine the distribution and seasonal movements of lovebirds, and attempt to identify the factors associated with high densities. Local cooperation in Zambia is planned as an integral part of the project design, implementation and success. Involvement with local people will be part of an ongoing theme, they will be consulted widely in assessing current Lovebird status, and are clearly the pivotal key to the parrot's long-term conservation. Please support the Black-cheeked Lovebird research project. The Black-cheeked Lovebird of Zambia is an endangered species; a conservation priority that urgently needs our support. Please help us raise the funding for this project - we really need your help!. Charitable donations may be made through The Zambezi Society (UK) Lovebird Fund, or directly to the project account at the University of Natal, Pietermaritzburg If you are interested in the biology and conservation of African parrots or wish to contribute directly to project funding please contact: Prof. Mike Perrin zooento@zoology.unp.ac.za or Louise Warburton ewarburton@clara.net Research Centre for African Parrot Conservation
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