A female pair of two-year-old, critically endangered, blue-throated macaws native to Bolivia, flew away from London Zoo described as ‘escaping’ but it seems to me they simply flew away because they have a routine session of flying freely at the zoo. On this occasion they flew off to a place 60 miles away and were missing for six days.
Their names are Lily Margot. They are incredibly rare in the wild, in Bolivia where it is believed there are only about 300 adult individuals remaining. On this page you will see the reasons for this precarious situation in terms of survival for this bird.
There are said to be worth about £1,200 each which is one distinct reason why they are almost extinct in the wild. They are clearly valuable items to be traded for a profit. And therefore, they are taken from the wild and shipped to the West as pets.
When they were found they were in good health and fed their favourite foods of pumpkin seeds, walnuts and pecans. They apparently vocalised their happiness at being reunited with the zookeeper. It seems that they just wanted a little vacation from the zoo. 😃
There were found in Buckden, Cambridgeshire, in a back garden. The video shows the back garden and how they flew down to the cage and into the arms of the zookeeper. It seems they were ready to go home.
The pair have been put into quarantine in the zoo which is home to more than 10,000 animals.
The zoo spokesperson said: “Our thanks go to those across the country whose assistance proved vital in the safe return of Lily and Margot to London Zoo.”
Reason why the blue-throated macaw is critically endangered
Domestic cats (Felis catus) tend to procreate more effectively than their wildcat ancestors (such as the African wildcat, Felis lybica) due to several factors:
1. Human Influence
- Habitat and Resources: Domestic cats live in environments managed by humans, providing consistent food sources, shelter, and protection from many predators. This stability increases survival rates for both the mothers and their kittens.
- Breeding Control: Humans often facilitate breeding by providing care for pregnant cats and their kittens, ensuring a higher survival rate than in the wild, where competition and predation are significant threats.
2. Reproductive Behavior
- Year-Round Breeding: Domestic cats can breed throughout the year, while many wildcat species have specific breeding seasons influenced by environmental factors. This ability allows domestic cats to have multiple litters per year, often resulting in larger population growth.
- Higher Litter Sizes: Domestic cats can have larger litters compared to their wild counterparts. While wildcats typically have 1-5 kittens per litter, domestic cats may average around 4-6 or more.
3. Social Structure
- Cooperative Care: Domestic cats often benefit from human assistance, and in some cases, they may have a social structure that allows for cooperative rearing of kittens among related females, increasing the chances of survival for the young.
- Reduced Territoriality: While wildcats are often territorial, domestic cats are less so, especially in urban environments. This allows them to cohabitate in larger groups, which can increase breeding opportunities.
4. Genetic Diversity
- Hybridization: Domestic cats often have a broader genetic pool due to interbreeding with various breeds and occasional wildcat hybrids, which can introduce traits that enhance reproductive success.
5. Adaptability
- Behavioral Flexibility: Domestic cats are more adaptable to various environments, which allows them to thrive in both urban and rural settings. This adaptability enables them to exploit different niches and maintain higher reproductive rates.
6. Reduced Risks
- Predation and Disease: Domestic cats face fewer threats from predators and have access to veterinary care that can prevent diseases that might otherwise affect wild populations. This contributes to higher survival rates of both mothers and their offspring.
Conclusion
In summary, the combination of human support, reproductive strategies, social behaviors, and environmental factors allows domestic cats to procreate more effectively than their wildcat ancestors. These adaptations have led to successful population growth and a diverse range of breeds in domestic cats.
More: Study suggests that mobile apps can be used to enrich the lives of parrots
Parrots are widely regarded as some of the most intelligent birds, exhibiting cognitive abilities comparable to those of great apes and young children. Their intelligence is evidenced by various behaviors and skills:
1. Problem-Solving Skills
- Tool Use: Some parrot species, such as the kea, have demonstrated the ability to use tools to solve problems, which is a sign of advanced cognitive function.
- Puzzle Solving: Parrots can learn to navigate complex puzzles and challenges, indicating their capacity for critical thinking and planning.
2. Communication Skills
- Vocal Mimicry: Parrots are known for their ability to mimic human speech and other sounds in their environment. This mimicry requires not only auditory learning but also social understanding.
- Understanding Context: Some studies have shown that parrots can understand the context of the words they mimic, using them appropriately in social interactions.
3. Social Intelligence
- Social Learning: Parrots are adept at learning from each other and observing the behaviors of other birds, which is crucial for their survival in the wild.
- Complex Social Structures: Many parrot species live in social groups with intricate hierarchies and relationships, which require them to navigate social dynamics and communicate effectively.
4. Memory and Learning
- Impressive Memory: Parrots can remember complex sequences and tasks, showcasing their ability to retain and recall information over time.
- Training and Learning: They are highly trainable, often learning commands and tricks quickly through positive reinforcement.
5. Emotional Intelligence
- Empathy and Bonding: Parrots form strong emotional bonds with their caregivers and can exhibit behaviors that suggest empathy, such as comforting distressed companions.
- Playfulness: Their capacity for play and exploration indicates a level of emotional complexity often associated with intelligent animals.
6. Cognitive Research
- Studies have shown that some parrots can perform tasks that demonstrate abstract thinking and reasoning, such as understanding concepts like “same” and “different.”
- Research involving the African grey parrot, particularly a famous individual named Alex, highlighted their ability to count, identify colors, and understand categories, showcasing their advanced cognitive abilities.
Conclusion
Overall, parrots are incredibly intelligent creatures with sophisticated problem-solving skills, advanced communication abilities, strong social structures, and emotional complexity. Their intelligence is not only fascinating but also a key reason why they require mental stimulation and social interaction in captivity to thrive.
