Haltung und Zucht von Schläfenfleckspechten ( Melanerpes pucherani)

Abstract

Many unique natural habitats have already been disturbed by mankind. At the same time a lot of animal- and plant species have reach the point of no return and so their extinction. The human private efforts for conservation are becoming more and more important. In these efforts zoological gardens as international conservation organisations and private initiatives should go hand in hand. About the breeding of woodpeckers for instance, literature does not show that much. In this case it would be of highly importance in publishing any experience in this matter. The breeding of the Black-cheeked woodpecker is more or less uncomplicated. In spite of his tropical origin, this species is not that sensitive against coldness as other South-American birds. Soft food, fruit and mealworms will be a decent basic food. Even during the breeding-season this kind of food will be totally ok. In the birds enclosure, only a single bird or a couple should be put in. Probably because of their territorial claim, they will become aggressive otherwise. Also very important for this species will be to keep them out of sight from each other. Even housing at hearing distance could be problematic for the brood. To keep this species with other bird species in a community will be possible. In literature until four eggs per brood could be possible. However, even in separated enclosures as mentioned above, these results have never been reached until now.