In 1987 an action plan for the recovery of the European populations of Roseate Tern Sterna dougallii was launched. Intervention on the breeding grounds has included the wardening of sites to prevent human disturbance, the provision of nest-boxes to discourage predation, patrolling and controlling to reduce predator presence, planting of Lavatera arborea to shelter nesting birds, and use of the media to establish local interest and commitment. Intervention in the wintering area has focused on Ghana and the reduction there of trapping pressure, through the “Save the Seashore Birds Project-Ghana”, which has involved site protection, legal reform, training, surveys and education programmes.

Ornithological surveys were conducted over a seven-week period on Taliabu, Sula Islands, Indonesia in 1991, concentrating on eight species (seven of which have restricted ranges) considered (in 1991) to be threatened and six species (two of which have restricted ranges) considered near-threatened. All of the restricted-range species are dependent on lowland forest, although most persist in secondary habitats, and some also occur in montane forest. Tyto nigrobrunnea was recorded for the first time since the type-specimen was collected in 1938, and is perhaps the most threatened of all the restricted-range birds. Megapodius bernsteinii, Pitta dohertyi, Rhinomyias colonus, Basilornis galeatus and Streptocitta albertinae are threatened in the longer term, primarily by habitat loss. Both Coracina schistacea and C. sula are able to persist in all but the most degraded of habitats. Of the two restricted-range species considered near-threatened, Zoothera erythronota is at greatest risk on Taliabu, apparently restricted to lowland forests. The other, Ptilinopus subgularis, is common in lowland forest and also occurs in montane forest. Little primary lowland forest was found in the areas visited on the island, and identifying remaining areas of this forest type and its relative importance to the birds, especially restricted-range species, should be given highest priority in further surveys. The suitability of a proposed reserve area on the island was evaluated: a larger area of lowland forest than is currently proposed should be afforded protection in order to safeguard the island's characteristic avifauna.

The island of Sumba was visited in 1989 and 1992 with the aim of collecting data on its avifauna. The endemic and other restricted-range bird species are very poorly known and, potentially, at great risk from extinction due to habitat change. Using standardized methods, habitat and bird census data were collected in eight forest areas. Analysis of the habitat data shows that most of the restricted-range species are forest-dependent. The exception is Turnix everetti (Sumba Buttonquail), which is found in open grassland. Discriminant Function Analysis was used to define habitat associations in a more precise and objective way. The species with the most specific requirements are Ptilinopus dohertyi (Red-naped Fruit-dove) and Zoothera dohertyi (Chestnut-backed Thrush), which are associated with primary forest at high altitudes, and Cacatua sulphurea (Sulphur-crested Cockatoo) and Rhyticeros everetti (Sumba Hornbill), which prefer evergreen primary or mature secondary forest at low altitudes. The results of the bird censuses were combined with data on habitat cover from satellite photographs to produce estimates of total population sizes. Among the rarest and most endangered species on Sumba are three which are represented by endemic subspecies: C. sulphurea (estimated population 3,200 birds), Eclectus roratus (Eclectus Parrot) (1,900), Tanygnathus megalorynchos (Great-billed Parrot) (1,700). The rarest endemic species is R. everetti, with a population of approximately 6,500. It is suggested that the census method used – point counts With distance estimates to bird contacts – is the best compromise for multi-species surveys in tropical forests.

The issues that need to be addressed in conservation education programmes aimed at saving threatened species in Africa are discussed. Elements considered as crucial for the success of such programmes include a clear definition of the problem, identification of the target groups, definition of appropriate messages for each group, and development of suitable strategies for dissemination. The advantages of using local people to implement education programmes are outlined. A system for monitoring and evaluation is essential for the assessment of the success of programmes and provides opportunities for improvement, re-definition of priorities and reallocation of resources.

“I'd forgotten how trees full of bird sounds made you sense the world differently.” (Barbara Kingsolver, The Bean Trees)

No one I have ever met was more attuned to bird sounds, or to birds in general, than was Ted Parker. It was from Ted that many of us, who thought that we already knew a thing or two about birds, truly learned how to sense the world.

No matter when one first met, or heard of, Ted Parker, the name was already a legend. I first met Ted over 20 years ago, and like many people at the time I was already somewhat in awe of him. Then he was known for his birding exploits in the United States and in Mexico. Although I did not realize it at the time, he was already studying the birds of South America, and soon would be transforming our understanding of the avifauna of that continent. By the end of the 1970s, within just a few years of his first trip to the Andes, and without benefit of field guides or commerical bird tapes, he was already the field ornithologist of South America.

Bird species diversity is investigated in different habitat types on Ngazidja (Grand Comoro), Comoro Islands. Total bird diversity does not differ significantly among different forest types, but the proportion of endemic species, endemic subspecies and non-endemic species does. Both intact mature forests and pioneer forests on the slopes of Mount Karthala are important for the preservation of bird endemism. The forests on La Grille are poor in endemic species, but their bird species diversity is high thanks to non-endemics. Planting of Eucalyptus is useless for endemic birds. Humblotia flavirostris, Turdus bewsheri and Nesillas brevicaudata avoid logged forests, but Alectroenas sganzini is numerous in them. Foudia eminentissima is common in forests with bananas planted in the undergrowth.

La diversité en espèces d'oiseaux est étudiée dans différents habitats à Ngazidja (Grande Comore), lies Comores. La diversité totale ne varie pas d'une manière significative parmi les différents types de forêt, mais la fraction due aux especès endémiques, aux sous-espèces endémiques et aux espèces non-endémiques varie. Aussi bien les forêts intactes et matures et les forêts jeunes sur lave sont importantes pour la préservation d'oiseaux endémiques sur les flancs du Mont Karthala. Les forêts à La Grille sont pauvres en oiseaux endémiques, mais leur diversité est grande, grace aux espèces non-endémiques. Les plantations d'Eucalyptus n'ont pas de valeur pour les oiseaux endémiques. Humblotia flavirostris, Turdus bewsheri et Nesillas brevicaudata évitent les forêts exploitées pour le bois, mais Alectroenas sganzini y est nombreux. Foudia eminentissima est commun dans les forêts plantées de bananiers sous les arbres.

It is now two years since the death of Ted Parker, and I still find it extremely difficult to talk or write about him in the past tense. Indeed, I doubt whether anyone linked with him through ornithology or conservation has yet come to terms with the enormity of the loss. At one level, it is simply that he knew so much of Neotropical birds and their habitats, in so much depth and so much breadth: no-one was his match, and no-one expected ever to be so. At another, it is simply that he was so distinct and vivid a personality, much more than merely “charismatic”: superhumanly energetic, trenchantly assertive, irrepressibly good-natured, subversively frank; and always, inexhaustibly, himself. This mix of features made him larger than life — legendary, even — and awesomely enriching to know, even to someone such as myself who, although corresponding with him for years, met him only twice.

The Ivory-billed Woodpecker Campephilus principalis has suffered from destruction of its habitat over the whole of its range, being last recorded in eastern Cuba (Ojito de Agua) in 1987. The only chance for the species was that the last-known birds had moved to adjacent areas, or that other populations existed in other mountainranges. Between February and May 1993 an extensive search for the species and for suitable habitat was carried out in mountain areas of eastern Cuba. In the surroundings of Ojito de Agua no suitable large old-growth forests remain, and evidence for the absence of Ivory-billed Woodpeckers from the area is discussed. In the region surveyed, only around Pico la Bayamesa in the Sierra Maestra does an almost untouched forest still stand, but this is probably outside the species's original range. Ojito de Agua and Pico la Bayamesa should nevertheless be fully protected. The last known population of Ivory-billed Woodpecker appears to have become extinct in 1989 or 1990. Scaling of bark from dead pines, formerly considered a sure sign of the species's presence, may be caused by weather damage.

Because museum scientists and conservationists are natural allies in the struggle to preserve biodiversity, conflict over the legality, morality, and value of collecting scientific specimens is counterproductive. Modern bird specimens contain a variety of data, summarized briefly herein, that are applied to numerous questions concerning the biology of birds, many of which have direct and often critical relevance to conservation. In particular, continued collecting of specimens has been shown to be critical in determining species-level classification in birds; unless species limits are established correctly, conservation priorities cannot be established reliably. Objections to collecting specimens are summarized and discussed. Calculations are presented to show that the effect of collecting specimens on most bird populations is insignificant. Moral objections t o collecting specimens seem to reflect a lack of awareness of the extent and causes of natural mortality, as well as a failure to recognize the magnitude of unintentional mortality inflicted on bird populations by routine human activities. The reason why more specimens are needed than currently exist in museum collections is that most existing specimens lack the data needed for most kinds of modern analyses, and even common species are represented by inadequate samples for research. Reasons are given for why equivalent data cannot be obtained solely from living birds that are subsequently released. Objecting to collecting specimens because it sets a bad example for developing countries trying to establish an environmental ethic is counterproductive in that it draws attention away from the fundamental units of concern for conservation biology: the population, and the habitat that supports it. Biological specimens differ from some other scientific specimens (e.g. archaeological) in that they are renewable resources whose removal does not deplete a country's national heritage. Misconceptions about museum scientists and their motives are discussed. Regarding collecting permits, recommendations are presented concerning (1) numbers of specimens, (2) percentage of specimens left in the host country, (3) species composition, (4) deposition of specimens, and (5) processing permit applications. Regulating agencies are often overly enthusiastic i n restricting scientific collecting, which is the only kind of mortality that is so highly controlled and yet from which bird species might derive benefit, whereas the same or sister agencies often permit and even encourage activities that are responsible for massive mortality in bird populations. Given that (1) the goal of scientists, conservation agencies, and governments is protection of populations, not individual birds; (2) scientific collecting has no measurable impact on the vast majority of bird populations; (3) scientific specimens represent an important source of information on bird biology and conservation; and (4) existing scientific collections are largely inadequate for answering many questions that could be answered with greater numerical, seasonal, or geographic representation, then it follows that continued scientific collecting will benefit ornithology and conservation and should, therefore, be encouraged by conservation and government agencies.

Kuhl's Lorikeet Vini kuhlii has a precarious status reflected by its disjunct distribution in the Pacific, with surviving populations in the Northern Line (Kiribati) and Austral Islands (French Polynesia) some 3,000 km apart, possibly as a result of Polynesian trade in red feathers. The species is extinct in the southern Cook Islands. On Rimatara (Austral Islands), where it is believed indigenous, it is still common but the recent introduction of the Rattus norvegicus is of concern. In the Northern Line Islands, R. rattus appears to have all but extirpated the lorikeet on Tabuaeran (Fanning Island), but one small population has apparently survived for over 70 years, an explanation for which may guide in situ conservation of Vini lorikeets on ship-rat-infested islands elsewhere. The arid and unpredictable climate of Kiritimati (Christmas Island) may preclude the establishment of lorikeets. Only on Teraina (Washington Island), where over 1,000 V. kuhlii survive, are there no confirmed threats and good in situ conservation potential.

A five-month study of the Red-fronted Macaw Ara rubrogenys, endemic to Bolivia, yielded a population estimate of 2,000–4,000 individuals. The species is resident and locally common in, but restricted to, an area in the drainage systems of the Rio Grande, Rio Mizque and northern Rio Pilcomayo. One-third of the population was composed of juveniles some three months after the end of the breeding season. During the dry season, with food apparently short, more of the day was spent feeding than during the wet season. Semi-deciduous vegetation along the rivers produced fruits and seeds that sustained the macaws during the dry season, but the conversion of such areas to arable land forces the macaw to depend for some months on crops and weeds. Local farmers consider the macaw a serious pest on maize.

Fieldwork on the distribution, status and ecology of birds was conducted in the northern Sierra Madre mountain range, Luzon, Philippines, during March–May 1991 and March-May 1992. The findings show the area to be one of the most important for conservation of threatened species of birds in all Asia. The results are here combined with evidence from earlier surveys by other searchers. Fourteen threatened and 18 near-threatened species are now known from the area. This paper reports on all the threatened and near-threatened resident species of the island of Luzon, with special emphasis on their occurrence in the Sierra Madre mountains. In addition, the paper treats species with very limited global distribution that breed in Luzon, and lists species of forest birds endemic to the Philippines that have not previously been reported from the Sierra Madre mountains. Maps show the known sites for 17 species of special concern for conservation. New data on the altitudinal distribution of threatened and near-threatened species suggest that it is essential to protect primary forest at all elevations.

Establishing a reserve of approximately 10,000 km at a strategic location in depto. La Paz, northern Bolivia, would create the planet's richest park for birds and presumably all other forest-dwelling biota that reach peak diversity at tropical latitudes. By connecting puna and montane forest habitats of the Andes with lowland tropical forest and savannas of the Amazon basin, we predict that the proposed reserve would contain at least 1,088 bird species, or roughly 11% of all bird species on the planet. Among these are many threatened species and species with relatively small geographical ranges. The proposed reserve would also include threatened habitats, such as lower montane forest, dry forest, and grassland.

El establecimiento de una reserva de aproximadamente 10.000 km en un lugar estratégico en el departamento de La Paz, Bolivia, crearía el parque de major riqueza de aves en el planeta. Así es de suponer que la flora y fauna que habitan en la área, llegan a su grado máximo de diversidad en las latitudes tropicales. Conectando puna, los hábitats de bosque tropical (áreas bajas) y sabanas de la cuenca del Amazonas, predecimos que la reserva que se propone tendría a lo menos 1.088 especies de aves, o aproximadamente 11% de todas las especies de aves del planeta. Dentro de estas hay muchas especies amenazadas y especies con áreas de rango geográfico muy restringido. Además la reserva que se propone también incluiría hábitats amenazados, como bosque montano, bosque seco y pajonales tropicales.

A study of Thuong Da Nhim and Chu Yang Sin Nature Reserves - identified as priority sites because located within the Da Lat Plateau Endemic Bird Area (EBA) in Vietnam -was conducted between 10 November 1993 and 1 February 1994. A total of 212 bird species, of which 11 are considered globally threatened (including the rediscovered Grey-crowned Crocias Crocias langbianis), were recorded in the reserves. Eight restricted-range species were recorded, including the four species confined to the EBA. These two reserves are of international importance because they jointly support bird communities representative of the EBA. They are also of great economic importance, being within watersheds. Their extent is believed adequate but it is not known if they encompass all representative habitats over the full altitudinal range. Local tribal communities traditionally practise shifting cultivation, which has greatly modified the extent, composition and quality of evergreen forest and is causing its increasing fragmentation. Deliberate fires are preventing the regeneration of evergreen forest and promoting the growth of a climax dominated by Pinus kesiya. This reduces bird diversity and compromises the future of the endemic bird taxa. Other threats include recent logging activities, human immigration, the urban expansion of Da Lat and consequent increasing demand for charcoal and fuelwood. The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development should urgently proceed with the production of management plans for these areas, aiming to create a single, enlarged protected area. The primary land-use management strategy should be to conserve remaining areas of evergreen forest and to increase their extent by boundary realignment, elimination of shifting cultivation and fire, and the introduction of sympathetic forestry practices.

The Grey-crowned Crocias Crocias langbianis, previously known from three specimens collected near Da Lat, Lam Dong province, Vietnam, was rediscovered in Chu Yang Sin Nature Reserve, Dak Lak province, in January 1994. Subsequent fieldwork at this site in March and April 1995 revealed the presence of a population inhabiting lower-montane evergreen forest. The species was recorded during an eight-day period. The species appears to have highly specific ecological requirements and several management recommendations are made which would reduce the level of threat to the habitat of the species at this site.

From October 1991 to January 1993, the Polynesian Megapode or Malau Megapodius pritchardii on the island Niuafo'ou, Kingdom of Tonga, was studied as part of a conservation project. The reproductive population was estimated at 188–235 pairs. Owing to an apparent lack of juveniles, the total population is not expected to be much larger. Compared to previous assessments this estimate gives evidence for a serious decline, but the methodologies used in all estimates differ considerably. However, a decline is also indicated by the fact that two of the 11 communal nesting grounds have been abandoned since 1979, while no new sites have been reported. Additionally, the Malau has disappeared from the vicinity of villages during the last 15 years. On a cat-free and undisturbed islet in the crater lake the density of Malaus is 1.29 pairs per ha. In other areas, where access for humans, dogs and cats was easy, the density of the Malau was only 0.16 pairs per ha. The main reason for the decline isover-harvesting of eggs by the local people. Habitat destruction or degradation are not responsible, and rats and domestic pigs seem to have no negative influence.

Roughly 30% of the avifauna of the dry tropical forests of north-western Peru and adjacent south-western Ecuador is endemic to this small region. Large areas in this region, especially on the Ecuadorian side of the border, have been deforested, further heightening the threatened conservation status of this fauna. The largest remaining tracts of forest in this region are in the Bosque Nacional de Tumbes, Peru. This forest, which was visited in 1986 and 1988, holds significant populations of 12 threatened or near-threatened species, and smaller populations of at least three more endangered species. Six species (Aramides axillaris, Thalurania colombica, Picumnus olivaceus, Attila torridus, Arremonops conirostris, Carduelis siemiradzkii) are reported in Peru for the first time. Evidence is presented for seasonal movements of some species, including the threatened Leptotila ochraceiventris and in the small Peruvian population of Pionus chalcopterus. Based primarily on vocal evidence, it is proposed that Thamnophilus zarumae and Grallaria watkinsi be recognized as full species, and that “Empidonax” griseipectus be transferred to Lathrotriccus; further work is needed on the species status of endemic forms in other polytypic species such as Sittasomus griseicapillus and Pyriglena leuconota.

Aproximadamente 30% de la avifauna de los bosques secos tropicales del noroeste del Perú, y del suroeste de Ecuador, es endémica a esta pequeña región. Extensas areas en esta región, especialmente del lado de la frontera ecuatoriana, han sido deforestadas, aumentando así la amenaza para la conservación de la fauna. Los más grandes vestigios de bosque seco tropical que subsisten en esta región están localizados en el Bosque Nacional de Tumbes en el Perú. Este bosque, que fue visitado en 1986 y 1988, tiene poblaciones significativas de 12 especies amenazadas o con posible amenaza de extinción, y poblaciones pequeñas de 3 especies más que están en peligro de desaparecer. Notas sobre la historia natural son presentadas para 28 especies, incluyendo 11 especies que están amenazadas o en peligro de extinción. Seis especies (Aramides axillaris, Thalurania colombica, Picumnus olivaceus, Attila torridus, Arremonops conirostris, Carduelis siemiradzkii) están reportados en el Perú por primera vez. Evidencia es presentada para movimientos estacionales de algunas especies, incluyendo la amenazada Leptotila ochraceiventris y la población pequeña peruana de Pionus chalcopterus. Basandose principalmente en evidencia vocal, se propone que Thamnophilus zarumae y Grallaria watkinsi pueden ser reconocidas como especies y que “Empidonax” griseipectus puede ser transferido a Lathrotriccus. Se necesita más estudios para determinar el estatus de las formas endémicas de especies politípicas como Sittasomus griseicapillus y Pyriglena leuconota.

The Sooty Babbler Stachyris herberti, previously known from five specimens collected in Laos in 1920, was rediscovered in central Vietnam in July 1994. Fieldwork in Phong Nha Cultural and Historical Reserve located a population inhabiting lowland evergreen forest on limestone. The species was recorded on a number of occasions over several days and one female specimen was collected. The species appears to have highly specific ecological requirements and current human disturbance may have implications for its conservation at this site. A revision of its taxonomic position suggests its retention within the genus Stachyris.

In order to determine whether Aratinga erythrogenys and Brotogeris pyrrhopterus can formally classified as globally threatened species, their distribution, population sizes and ecological requirements are reviewed, together with national and international trade data from the last decade. The study concludes that, on current data, it is not possible to classify the two species formally, but there are strong indications that, at least locally, the populations of the two species are in decline. The causal factors appear to be a combination of high trade levels and habitat loss. It is essential that trade moratoria are implemented, pending the outcome of further research into the species' population sizes, ecology and breeding success, and further work to determine the extent of trade. Interim recommendations are given and it is proposed that future exploitation of the species should continue only when it has been determined that it has a sustainable basis.