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15 year quest unearths rare South American parrot
Ecuador Amazon parrot
Image courtesy of Chester Zoo

Discovery may save species from extinction

Following a quest spanning 15 years, one of the world’s leading Amazon parrot experts, Dr Mark Pilgrim, has discovered a rare species of parrot in South America known as the Ecuador Amazon.

Dr Pilgrim first came across the species
in the late 1980s at Chester Zoo, where he was working as a bird keeper at the time. Previously thought to be an Amazona autumnalis subspecies, Dr Pilgrim believed there was something different about these particular birds.

He began a pursuit to determine whether the Ecuador Amazon is sufficiently different from the other three common subspecies of Amazona autumnalis to be classified as a species in its own right. From 1992 to 2013, he visited museums, bird parks and zoos across Europe to try to find out more.

During his travels, he analysed more than 60 specimens, taking measurements including wing-length, tail-length and beak shape. He then looked at their genetics by extracting DNA from feathers and looking at small differences in specific genes. Finally, he developed an ethogram – a way of cataloguing the birds’ behaviour.

Dr Pilgrim’s extensive investigations have revealed strong evidence that the Ecuador Amazon parrot (A.a lilicina) is morphologically, behaviourally and genetically unique, providing good reason for it to be recognised as a full species.

However, with its impending recognition as a separate species, the Ecuador Amazon parrot is likely to be classified "endangered" by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), meaning it faces a very high risk of extinction. It has more than a 50 per cent chance of disappearing completely in the next 20 years.

Dr Mark Pilgrim commented: “The Ecuador Amazon parrot was previously included within a group of subspecies of which there may be as many as five million. The main implication of this work is that they are so distinct they are now considered as a full species, of which there are only 600 left. This makes a huge difference to their conservation priority...

“My fear was always that the results of my work would come too late, however there is still time to save it and that’s exactly what we are trying to achieve.”
 

 

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RUMA CA&E extends survey deadline

News Story 1
 RUMA CA&E has extended the deadline for its online survey into vaccine availability.

Vets, SQPs, retailers and wholesalers will now have until Friday, 26 September at 5pm to submit their response.

The survey aims to further understanding into the vaccine supply challenges faced by the sector. It will also consider the short and long term impacts of disruption issues.

Insights are anonymous, and will be shared with industry stakeholders and government bodies.

The survey can be accessed here

Click here for more...
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BSAVA publishes Guide to Nutrition in Small Animal Practice

The BSAVA has added a small animal nutrition advice booklet to its series of BSAVA guides.

The BSAVA Guide to Nutrition in Small Animal Practice offers a resource for veterinary professionals to provide appropriate nutrition for animals. As well as maintaining the wellbeing of healthy pets, the guide explores how nutritional requirements change in times of illness and disease.

The guide is divided into five sections, which explore the importance of nutritional assessment; diet types; feeding at different life stages; feeding for specific situations; and feeding for specific diseases. Online resources are also in the BSAVA Library including client handouts and videos.

It is designed to be suitable for referencing, in-depth case planning and team training sessions.

The BSAVA Guide to Nutrition in Small Animal Practice can be purchased online from the BSAVA store.