In the 1490S a minimum of 28 species of psittacines occurred in the West Indies. Today, only 43% (12) of the species survive. All macaws and most parakeet species have been lost. Although the surviving parrot fauna of the Greater Antilles, Cayman Islands, and Bahama Islands has fared somewhat better than that of the Lesser Antilles, every species has undergone extensive reductions of populations and all but two have undergone extensive reductions in range, mostly as a result of habitat loss, but also from persecution as agricultural pests, conflicts with exotic species, harvesting for pets, and natural disasters. The Cayman Brae Parrot Amazona leucocephala hesterna, with its tiny population (lessthan 150 individuals in the wild) and range, and the Puerto Rican Parrot A. vittata, with 22-23 birds in the wild and 56 individuals in captivity, must be considered on the of extinction and in need of (in the tatter's case, continuing) aggressive programmes of research and management. Other populations declining in numbers and range include the Yellow-billed Amazona collaria, and Black-billed A. agilis Parrots of Jamaica, Hispaniolan Parakeet Aratinga chloroptera, Hispaniolan Parrot Amazona ventralis, Cuban Parrot A. leucocephala leucocephala and, most seriously, Cuban Parakeet Aratinga euops. The population of the Grand Cayman Parrot (Amazona leucocephala caymanensis), although numbering only about 1,000 birds, appears stable and the current conservation programme gives hope for the survival of the race. An active conservation and public education programme has begun for the Bahama Parrot A. l. bahamensis, which still occurs in good numbers on Great Inagua Island, but is threatened on Abaco Island. Recommendations for conservation of parrots and parakeets in the region include (1) instituting term programmes of research to determine distribution, status, and ecology of each species; (2) developing conservation programmes through education and management approaches that are culturally, politically, and economically sensitive to the region; and providing and protecting habitat within suitably sized reserves.

The Blue-cheeked Amazon Amazona dufresniana occupies tropical and subtropical forest in north-eastern South America in eastern Venezuela, Guyana, Surinam and French Guiana, where it remains a very little known species, apparently living in scattered pairs in the interior when breeding, but with irregular movements to the coastal regions in (albeit now small) flocks in July and August. Nothing is recorded of its feeding or breeding habits, nor is it known to be at serious risk from habitat loss or trade, although both these factors may have operated against the species in the past. It occurs in two protected areas and deserves to be a target species of any fieldwork in the region aimed at obtaining status information on areas or faunas.

Spix's Macaw Cyanopsitta spixii has always been a very poorly known species from the arid interior of north-east Brazil. Previous views that its habitat is buriti palm swamp appear mistaken, as the most recent field observations and the testimony of local people suggest that Tabebuia caraiba gallery woodland along seasonal creeks is a critical habitat component. Owing to widespread destruction of such woodland, during a survey in June/July 1990 only three good patches were found, all failing to regenerate; one held a single bird, and another held birds up to last year.

A Ararinha-azul Cyanopsitta spixii sempre foi uma espécie pouco conhecida no interior árido do nordeste do Brasil. Opiniōes anteriores que o seu habitat é buritizais parecem erradas porque as observações de campo mais recentes e o testimônio dos habitantes locais sugestem que matas de Tabebuia caraiba ao longo de riachos estacionais são um crítico componente do habitat. Devido à destruição extensa deste tipo de mata, durante um levantamento em junho/julho 1990 somente tres áreas boas foram achadas, todas sem regeneração; uma abrigava um único pássaro, e uma outra abrigava pássaros até o ano passado.

The Grey-necked Picathartes Picathartes oreas was found in various forested areas of south-eastern Nigeria in February 1987, an event followed in September-October that year by the discovery of 91 breeding sites, reflecting a total population in the order of 500–1,000 birds. Since then a further three breeding sites have been added. Forest destruction was a major threat to this population, but killing of birds was also a problem. Conservation education, the guarding of some sites, and the development of a national park in the area, were recommended protective measures, and now good progress is being made in their implementation. More extensive surveys are needed. The Ibadan Malimbe Malimbus ibadanensis, endemic to south-west Nigeria, had not been seen since 1980; in October- November 1987 a survey produced observations of at least three in secondary woodland at a research farm, and subsequently the species was found nearby. A more concerted survey to clarify the species's status and ecology is needed, followed by protective recommendations and appropriate remedial action.

The Superb Pitta Pitta superba, an almost wholly unknown rainforest endemic of Manus Island, Papua New Guinea, was investigated in June/July 1990. On the basis of its call, a rising then falling whistle given twice, it appears to occur at low densities and may be restricted to hillier areas where stones can help break snail shells. The snake Boiga irregularis may affect this and one other Manus endemic bird.

The conservation of the Seychelles Paradise Flycatcher on La Digue is reviewed and compared with an earlier investigation (1978). The status of the bird and its habitat on the western plateau, which holds nearly 80% of the world population, was investigated, as was the Special Reserve, notably the validity of the present boundary and the need for management initiatives. The population on the western plateau has changed little in 10 years, with one pair less but more individuals, and there has been a small (<5%) decline in preferred breeding habitat. The number of pairs using the reserve was unchanged from 1978. The carrying capacity is small (c.6 pairs). Only one significant trend was isolated in an investigation of 10 habitat variables, suggesting that more birds occurred where trees were larger. The reserve boundary should be redrawn to include a significant part of the main freshwater marsh: earlier study showed that highest densities were found in woodland close to wetland, and conservation of the marsh is vital. The reserve requires a non-interventionist woodland policy, creation of ponds to extend wetland, improved boundary marking, provision of interpretation facilities and development of educational use. Away from the reserve, statutory zonation of land on the plateau for woodland and sustainable timber production is needed as part of an overall land-use policy.

Populations of both Imperial and Red-necked Parrots on Dominica have declined during the present century with substantial contractions in range, particularly from the southern portion of the island. Parrot densities may be relatively low anyway due to the effects of centuries of hunting. However, declines have been accelerated by habitat destruction and loss of food plants and nesting sites as a result of both human encroachment on the forest and damage caused by Hurricanes David and Allen in 1979 and 1980 respectively. The hunting of birds for meat and for the live cage-bird trade were important threats in the past but conservation education programmes over the last 10 years, and enforcement of legislation prohibiting those activities, have greatly reduced these pressures. Ten years after the debilitating effects of the two hurricanes, the populations of both parrot species (but particularly Red-necks) are showing signs of recovery. Present estimates (May 1990) are of c.80 Imperial Parrots and c.300 Red-necked Parrots in the wild. The major threat to both parrot species is presently habitat destruction, with forested areas being cleared at an accelerating rate for the planting of tree crops, particularly bananas. This process has been aided by recent development programmes towards the building and improvement of feeder roads, making previously remote areas much more accessible. The need for the north-west portion of the Northern Forest Reserve (which includes the entire Morne Diablotin massif) to be declared a national park is ever more critical if the two parrot species are to survive in the long term.

Reintroduction and restocking programmes are conservation tools which may be employed when a wild population is otherwise beyond recovery. The decision to undertake such programmes should be based on a series of “feasibility” assessments (e.g. the bird's ecology, current threats, suitability of available stock and regional human socioeconomic implications). Releases should only take place when the habitat is capable of sustaining a viable population and the original constraining factors no longer operate. Releasing birds into near-saturated areas may be harmful and should be avoided. Local, national and international support for the programme should be secured. The birds should be of optimal quality in terms of behaviour, health and genetics and they should be reared, released and monitoring according to sound strategies and criteria. Assessment and adjustments of the programme should periodically be made after initial releases. Documentation of the programme should be circulated and/or published.

The Grand Comoro Scops Owl Otus pauliani, confined to forest on Mount Karthala on Grand Comoro, Indian Ocean, is a distinct species based on the evidence of its plumage and voice. In November 1989 studies of territorial calling birds at night revealed its presence between 1,000 and 1,900 m on the north, west and south flanks of the volcano, on which there exists some 10,000 ha of suitable habitat. As territory sizes may be only 5 ha, the population could well be over 1,000 pairs but, although this is encouraging, there remains a long-term threat from forest loss through habitat fragmentation (fires, logging) and the spread of the Indian Myna Acridotheres tristis.

The Azure-rumped Tanager Tangara cabanisi is a threatened species confined to the mountains of the Sierra Madre de Chiapas in Mexico and neighbouring Guatemala. It occurs on the Pacific and Gulf slopes of the mountain range, but most frequently on the former between 1,000 and 1,700 m. The Azure-rumped Tanager's habitat is a medium height (about 30 m tall) humid evergreen broadleaf forest formation containing elements of both mesophilous forest of higher altitudes and tropical forests of the lowlands. Information from field surveys and more general data from vegetation maps was combined using a geographical information system package to extrapolate and predict distribution of potential Azure-rumped Tanager habitat in the Sierra Madre de Chiapas. It is estimated that a maximum of 112,000 ha remain, although the total was probably never greater than 200,000 ha. Fortunately 43,660 ha (39%) of the maximum total is contained within the El Triunfo Biosphere Reserve, a newly decreed protected area that spans both the Pacific and Gulf slopes in the central portion of the mountain range. Most of the suitable habitat is found within the reserve's buffer zone, an area in which there are several small but expanding communities. The effective protection and future status of the species rests heavily on the conservation of this habitat within the reserve and essentially this depends on the collaboration in favour of conservation between the local people and the conservation managers and, ultimately, the development of viable land-use alternatives that are less damaging to the forest ecosystem.

The Red-tailed Newtonia Newtonia fanovanae, previously known from a single specimen from the eastern rainforest of central Madagascar, was rediscovered in October 1989 in the Marosohy Forest in the south-east of the island. In the study area, N. fanovanae occurs in the middle and upper section of the canopy of humid forest between 300 and 1,300 m. Ecological relationships with the other two sympatric Newtonia, amphichroa and brunneicauda, are discussed. The main morphological differences between fanovanae and the other two sympatric species are that the former has relatively long wings and short tarsi. The song of fanovanae is described and compared to other members of the genus. Our observations on the morphology, behaviour and vocalisations of N. fanovanae confirm its validity as a species.

Le Newtonie à queue rouge Newtonia fanovanae jusqu'à presént uniquement connu d'un seul spécimen provenant de la partie orientale de la forêt tropicale du Madagascar central, fût redécouvert en octobre 1989 dans la forêt de Marosohy au sud-est de l'île. N. fanovanae fût rencontré dans les parties moyennes et supérieures du feuillage de la forêt humide entre 300 et 1,300 m d'altitude. Les relations écologiques avec les deux espèces sympatriques de Newtonia, amphichroa et brunneicauda sont discutées. Les différences morphologiques principales entre fanovanae et les deux espéces sympatriques sont que celle-ci a des ailes relativement longues et des tarses courts. Le chant de fanovanae est decrit et comparé avec celui d'autres membres du genre. Nos observations sur la morphologie, le comportement et les vocalizations de N. fanovanae confirment sa validité comme bonne espéce.

A population of about 60 Red-fronted Macaws Ara rubrogenys, a parrot endemic to central southern Bolivia, was studied in an area of around 200 ha in the Río Caine valley, northern Potosí department, in October and November 1990. The habitat was semi-desert steppe dominated by cacti; the very light rainy season (in which the macaws are believed to breed) lasts from November to April. The birds, most commonly to be seen in pairs, were active in the early morning and the later afternoon, feeding during both these periods on groundnuts in a 30 ha area cultivated by local Indians who, however, made no attempts to persecute them. There seem to be no serious threats to the species in the Rio Caine valley. However, breeding success appeared to be low, presumably reflecting the sparse dietary resources of the region.

Durante los meses de octubre y noviembre de 1990, se estudió una población de Guacamayo Dorado Ara rubrogenys (especie endémica del área centro y sur de Bolivia) compuesta por unos 60 individuos. El área de estudio abarco unas 200 ha en el valle del Río Caine, al norte del departamento de Potosí. El hábitat en esta zona estaba formado por estepas semidesérticas dominadas por Cactáceas, con un período de lluvias moderadas (tiempo en el que se cree que tiene lugar la reproduccíon) que se extiende desde noviembre hasta abril. Las aves se observaron preferentemente en parejas, siendo las primeras horas de la mañana y las últimas de la tarde los momentos de mayor actividad en los que se alimentaban de maní (cacahuetes) en un área de 30 ha cultivada por indígenas, quienes no mostraron intentión alguna por evitarlo. Aparentemente no hay evidencia que induzca a pensar que la especie se encuentre amenazada en el valle del Río Caine, no obstante, el éxito reproductor aparentemente resultó ser bajo, lo que reflejaría quizás unos recursos tróficos escasos en la región.

Fisheries observers recorded incidental capture of seabirds during 338 days on Soviet squid trawlers in New Zealand subantarctic shelf waters around the Snares and Auckland Islands in 1990. Seven species were recorded entangled in fishing gear, including very high numbers of breeding adult White-capped Albatrosses Diomedea cauta steadi. The actual level of White-capped Albatross mortality was estimated at 2,300 birds in 1990, and is not considered sustainable. Nearly all albatrosses were killed by collision with the netsonde monitor cable. In New Zealand waters this equipment is carried only by Soviet trawlers, and is considered obsolete. Replacement of this cable by discrete netsonde transducers on Soviet trawlers should be a global seabird conservation priority.

The Red-tailed Newtonia Newtonia fanovanae, known from two sites in the eastern rainforests of Madagascar, was found in the Réserve Spéciale d'Ambatovaky in February 1990, when two observations of birds in mixed-species flocks were made in primary lowland forest at 650-700 m. Such habitat may be rare in reserves, recent fieldwork having concentrated on higher-altitude sites. Ambatovaky's faunal richness as a lowland site is emphasised. Some differences in descriptions of the Red-tailed Newtonia exist.

Le Newtonie à queue rouge Newtonia fanovanae, antérieurement connu de deux sites dans les forêts tropicales orientales du Madagascar, fût trouvé dans la Réserve Spéciale d'Ambatovaky en février 1990, où deux individus fûrent observés parmi des bandes plurispécifiques d'oiseaux à I'intérieur d'une excellente forêt de plainé à 650-700 m d'altitude. II se peut qu'un tel habitat soit rarement trouvé à I'intérieur de réserves, car les investigations de terrain fûrent récemment concentrées sur des sites en plus haut altitude. La richesse faunistique du site de plaine d'Ambatovaky est mise en évidence. II existe des différences de descriptions du Newtonie à queue rouge.

Despite serious and widespread hurricane damage to the natural forests of Jamaica (43% of trees either toppled or with crowns broken in the John Crow Mountains, for instance), the populations of the endemic Ring-tailed Pigeon Columba caribaea, Crested Quail-dove Geotrygon versicolor, Black-billed Parrot Amazona agilis, Yellow-billed Parrot A. collaria, Blue Mountain Vireo Vireo osburni and Jamaican Blackbird Nesopsar nigerrimus appear to have survived Hurricane Gilbert well. However, the expected reduction in food supplies, notably for the frugivores, caused by the severe damage to many trees, coupled with continuing and in some cases increasing human destruction and disturbance of the forests, puts the longer-term survival of these species in some doubt. The establishment of functioning protected areas encompassing the key forest regions for these birds; upgrading and more rigorous enforcement of the legislation governing conservation and management of wildlife and the natural forests; and the control and improvement of agricultural practices around forest areas, would greatly help to ensure the preservation of the forest avifauna and are recommended.

Fieldwork on the distribution, status and ecology of the endemic bird species of São Tomé and Príncipe was conducted from June to September 1990. The results are here combined with other evidence, notably from recent ICBP-backed fieldwork. Findings largely support existing Red Data Book listings, although Oriolus crassirostris is now found only in remote undisturbed areas at low density, and deserves “Rare” status. Particular achievements of the 1990 fieldwork were the first observations since the 1920s of Bostrychia bocagei, Lanius newtoni and Amaurocichla bocagii, the first two being very rare (one seen of each) and the last patchily common (along streams), records of all three being from either Rio Xufexufe or Rio Ana Chaves or both. Primary forest, mature secondary forest and shade forest are all important to the security of the full avifauna of both islands.

An evaluation of the relative abundance of the Black Catbird Melanoptila glabrirostris was undertaken on Caye Caulker, an offshore island along the barrier reef of Belize, Central America. Although the species is locally abundant in part of the Sian Kaàn Biosphere Reserve in Mexico, the species is facing habitat fragmentation and loss due to development, both along the Mexican coastal areas and on the island habitats in Belize. The Caye Caulker population appears to be the largest in Belize. Transects of fixed radius point counts resulted in 15.5% and mist-netting resulted in 22.4% of all birds recorded being Black Catbirds. The Neotropical migrant Grey Catbird Dumetella carolinensis apparently shares the same habitat on Caye Caulker and comprised 11.2% of all birds netted. The netted Black Catbirds were noted to have substantial fat deposits. The habitat on Caye Caulker is facing probable fragmentation from recent accelerated land speculation and development of an airstrip.

An assessment of trade in parrots throughout Venezuela, 1988–1989, reveals alarmingly high internal and international levels. The national trade has main outlets in major cities, but is now compounded by the use of feathers for Indian artifacts sold to tourists. International trade involves illegal export chiefly from the Orinoco Delta, the majority of such birds (65,000–75,000) destined for Guyana. The large macaws suffer badly from both types of trade, but owing to its restricted range the endemic Amazona barbadensis is perhaps the most critically threatened species. Other species are assessed and, along with key sites, identified in priority order for remedial action, which should include more detailed field studies, rigorous trade data analysis, exchange of trade data with major neighbours, census and monitoring technique improvements, educational campaigns, and strict breeding facility control.

There are twenty-one endemic and near-endemic forest birds in the Upper Guinea forest of West Africa. Less than 80,000 km2 of their habitat remains and this is being rapidly degraded and fragmented. Eight threatened and two near-threatened birds were identified by Collar and Stuart (1985) in this region based on the scant information then available. More recent surveys confirm the threatened status of all these birds, but two species, Melaenornis annamarulae and Malimbus ballmanni, should now be considered Vulnerable having previously been placed in the Indeterminate category. Phyllastrephus leucolepis, described since the production of the Red Data Book, is only found in the forest of east Liberia and must be considered Endangered. Records suggest that all three species are restricted to the western part of the Upper Guinea forest. There are two forest areas which are of the highest priority for the conservation of these and the other endemic birds: (i) south-east Liberia/south-west Ivory Coast; (ii) south-east Sierra Leone/northwest Liberia. Ceratogymnasubcylindricus and Phyllastrephus baumanni are recommended for inclusion in the Near-threatened category.

Vingt-et-une espéces forestiéres d'oiseaux endémiques ou quasiment endémiques vivent dans la forêt de Haute-Guinée en Afrique de l'Ouest. A l'époque actuelle leur habitat, qui fût déjà réduit à moins de 80,000 km2, continue d'être rapidement dégradé et fragmenté. Collar et Stuart (1985) identifiérent huit especes menacées plus deux espéces probablement menacées pour la région, basé sur le peu d'information disponible à l'époque. Des investigations plus récentes confirment le statut de toutes ces espéces sauf deux, Melaenornis annamarulae et Malimbus ballmanni, qui fûrent insuffisamment connus, doivent maintenant être considérés vulnérables. Phyllastrephus leucolepis ne fût décrit pour la science qu'après la production du livre rouge et ne se trouve uniquement dans la forêt du Libéria oriental, et doît done être considéré comme en danger. Des observations suggérent que toutes ces espéces soient limitées à la partie occidentale de la forêt de HauteGuinée. Deux régions forestières se révèlent d'être de la plus haute priorité pour la sauvegarde de ces éspèces et des autres oiseaux endémiques: (i) le sud-est du Libéria/sud-ouest de la Côte-d'Ivoire et (ii) le sud-est du Sierra Léone/nord-ouest du Libéria. Nous recommandons d'inclure Ceratogymna subcylindricus et Phyllastrephus baumanni dans la catégorie probablement menacé.

The St Helena Wirebird, a sand plover, is the last surviving endemic bird on the South Atlantic island of St Helena. Census work carried out during 1988–1989 located a maximum of 495 individuals. This is thought to be close to the true size of the population and i s more than 50% higher than the most recent previous estimate. Population trends remain unknown, however. Breeding success appears to be low. A maximum survival rate from egg to independence of 19% was estimated. Predation and disturbance of Wirebirds is discussed. Wirebirds occur in grassland and semi-desert. Highest densities are found in relatively dry, flat pastures. Wetter upland pastures hold few Wirebirds, possibly because of more difficult feeding conditions encountered in taller, denser vegetation on steep slopes. Wirebirds prey on a wide range of invertebrates but beetles and caterpillars appear to predominate in the diet. Possible future threats, principally changes in land-use, were assessed and a management strategy for the species is outlined.