Cacatua Moluccensis Research Articles

Wildlife Trade Influencing Natural Parrot Populations on a Biodiverse Indonesian Island

Indonesia has been identified as the highest priority country for parrot conservation based on the number of species, endemics, and threats (trapping and smuggling). It is crucial to understand the current population status of parrots in the wild in relation to the illegal wildlife trade but the ecology and population dynamics of most parrot species in this region remain poorly understood. We conducted a parrot survey around an area of high biodiversity in the Manusela National Park, in Seram Island, Indonesia. We used a combination of fixed-radius point counts and fixed-width line transects to count multiple species of parrots. We recorded nearly 530 wild parrots from 10 species in and around Manusela National Park. The dominant parrot species were Eos bornea, Trichoglosus haematodus, and Geoffroyus geoffroyi. We applied the Savage selectivity index to evaluate poaching of parrot species in proportion to their abundance and which species had higher than expected poaching pressure. This study has important implications for the conservation status of endemic parrots (Cacatua moluccensis, Lorius domicella, and Eos semilarvata) and shows that parrots in the Manusela NP are largely threatened by poaching.

Wildlife Bio-Geography on Mangrove Communities in Saparua Island, Maluku

On the island of Nusalaut, an orange crested white cockatoo (Cacatua moluccensis) was found. The interviews with several community leaders from the island of Nusalaut, including Raja Negeri Sila, reveal that there have been no Cacatua moluccensis birds in recent years worldwide Nusalaut. it is predicted that the Cacatua moluccensis bird has moved to Saparua island as the closest island. This bird is no longer found because of changes in the forest's structure and composition into agricultural land for cloves (Eugenia aromatica) because it does not need shade trees. The mangrove community along the coast of the island of Saparua for the last few years has experienced various pressures of development dynamics that have disrupted their lives. Therefore, at the same time, they impact the activities of wildlife that use them as habitat. This research was conducted by applying direct and indirect survey methods to determine the types and distribution of the mangrove community's wildlife inhabitants, both permanently and temporally. Seven species of mammals use the mangrove communities in Saparua Bay, Haria Bay and Tuhaha Bay, nine reptile species, and 18 species of birds.

A Keragaman dan Populasi Burung Endemik pada Hotspot Kesatuan Pengelolaan Hutan Produksi Wae Sapalewa Seram Utara

Endemic bird species have a high conservation value concentrated in a critical location for conservation with an exciting value in endemic bird species groups. The site of concentration of endemic bird species can be referred to as Endemic Bird Diversity Hotspot. There are seven bird diversity hotspot locations identified in the KPHP Wae Sapalewa region in North Seram, with a good bird species diversity, including endemic bird species. The study aimed to examine the variety and population of endemic bird species at seven hotspot locations within kphp Wae Sapalewa. The research method uses Point Count, which is placed in the transek. The results showed 121 species of birds, consisting of 9 species, namely: Basilornis corythaix, Cacatua moluccensis, Gymnophaps mada, Eos semilarvata, Lorius domicella, Halcyon lazuli, Rhipidura dedemi, Philemon subcorniculatus, and Myzomela blasii. Most endemic bird species have a low population density. This condition shows the need for conservation action for endemic bird species groups in these hotspot locations. KPHP Wae Sapalewa organization has the opportunity to take appropriate conservation actions to accelerate the existence of these endemic bird species.

Community Interaction with Moluccan Cockatoo (Cacatua moluccensis, Gmelin 1788) in The Buffer Zone of Manusela National Parks

Moluccan cockatoo (Cacatua moluccensis Gmelin, 1788) is an endemic bird of Seram Island, Maluku Province, which is an icon of Manusela National Park. The population and habitat of Maluku cockatoos is disrupted by the activities of communities around the area. This study aims to analyze the condition of the poor cockatoo population and habitat as well as the community's perceptions of the interaction between the community and the cockatoos in the wild and develop a strategy for the Maluku cockatoo conservation program in the buffer zone of Manusela National Park.. Data collection is done by direct observation, questionnaires, focus group discussions and in-depth interviews. The results showed that there were 7 individuals found in the location of community plantations, while 4 other individuals were in the protected forest area and Manusela National Park with density 22,04 individual/km2. The existence of moluccan cockatoos on community plantations has led to a negative perception of the community that cockatoo is one of the pests for the plantation. The right conservation efforts to preserve cockatoos and create positive interactions with the community are by planning on village tourism, Moluccan cockatoo captivity, and managing the habitat of the cockatoos in and around the Manusela National Park area. Keywords: captivity, conservation, ecotourism, habitat, moluccan cockatoo

Selection of Plants Species as Feed Sources and Nesting Places Salmon-Crested Cockatoo (Cacatua moluccensis) Maluku Endemic in Manusela National Park (MNP)

Selection of Plants Species as Feed Sources and Nesting Places Salmon-Crested Cockatoo (Cacatua moluccensis) Maluku Endemic in Manusela National Park (MNP)

Jenis Dan Habitat Burung Paruh Bengkok Pada Hutan Wae Illie Taman Nasional Manusela

Manusela National Park has a very high degree of diversity of crooked beak. The objective of this study was to determine the types and habitats of the crooked beak in the Wae Illie forest of Manusela National Park. The method of this research was Ponctualle de'Abondance method. Observation and retrieval of data on birds was done by determining five stations points with 250 m distance between each observation station. The observation time in each station is 20 minutes. Vegetation data has been determined by line plot sampling method for regeneration rate and continuous strip sampling for tree level. The results of the study determined that seven species of parrots, namely Molucas Kakatua (Cacatua moluccensis), red chili pepper (Charmosyna placentis), Nuri Bayan (Eclectus roratus), Nuri Molucas (Eos bornea), Large Coconut Paruh Betet (Tanygnathus megalorynchos) and Perkici rainbow (Trichoglossus haematodus) were accrued points observations. The diversity of bird species is categorized as low;their species diversity H' was 0.3109. Kakatua Seram (Cacatua moluccensis) abundance was 40%, relatively higher that those of other six bird species.

Comparison of Hematologic and Biochemical Test Results in Blood Samples Obtained by Jugular Venipuncture Versus Nail Clip in Moluccan Cockatoos (Cacatua moluccensis).

In birds, blood samples are often collected from the jugular, medial metatarsal, and basilic vein. Samples are sometimes collected by toe nail clip, but concerns to avoid drawing blood from the nail include pain after nail clips for blood collection, potential differences in complete blood count (CBC) results, and potential contamination with uric acid values. To compare differences in biochemical and hematologic values in blood samples obtained by jugular venipuncture versus toenail clip, blood samples were collected from Moluccan cockatoos (Cacatua moluccensis) (N = 23) and sent to a commercial laboratory for routine CBCs and serum biochemical analysis. Results showed good agreement between venipuncture and nail clip blood samples in red blood cell count, packed cell volume, heterophil count and percentage, lymphocyte count and percentage, aspartate aminotransferase, chloride, creatine phosphokinase, glucose, lactate dehydrogenase, total protein, and uric acid values. Constant bias was found in values of bile acids, cholesterol, and hemoglobin. Proportional bias toward higher values in the jugular sample were found in total white blood cell (WBC) count and inorganic phosphorus. Serum calcium plots revealed a proportional bias toward higher values in the toe nail blood when values were increased. Results suggest some differences in WBC count, bile acids, calcium, cholesterol, hemoglobin, and phosphorus values between blood samples collected by jugular venipuncture and samples collected by toe nail clip, but the differences are mostly minor and, with the possible exception of inorganic phosphorus and marginally elevated or very low WBC counts, are unlikely to affect the use or interpretation of the avian blood panel.

Zoo Playgrounds: A Source of Enrichment or Stress for a Group of Nearby Cockatoos? A Case Study

There is increasing evidence that in some circumstances, zoo visitors may be aversive stimuli to nonhuman animals housed in zoos. Yet, most previous research has focused on primates with little attention given to numerous other species who are housed in zoos. The focus animal of this project was the cockatoo, a species who has received minimal attention in zoo-based research. Furthermore, although the influence of the zoo setting has become increasingly important in visitor effect studies, this is the 1st study to quantify the effect of activity at a children's playground on zoo animals. There was an investigation on the effect of a zoo playground on the behavior of citron-crested and Moluccan cockatoos (Cacatua sulphurea citrinocristata and Cacatua moluccensis), as well as the effect of children standing in front of the birds' aviaries. The results showed that in some circumstances, the Moluccan cockatoos retreated from visitors, while the citron-crested cockatoos did not retreat from visitors and became more social in the presence of visitors. These findings highlight the importance of careful selection of species and individual animals to be housed near zoo playgrounds.

Efficient isolation of avian bornaviruses (ABV) from naturally infected psittacine birds and identification of a new ABV genotype from a salmon-crested cockatoo (Cacatua moluccensis)

Avian bornaviruses (ABV) have been discovered in 2008 as the causative agent of proventricular dilatation disease (PDD) in psittacine birds. To date, six ABV genotypes have been described in psittacines. Furthermore, two additional but genetically different ABV genotypes were recognized in non-psittacine birds such as canary birds and wild waterfowl. This remarkable genetic diversity poses a considerable challenge to ABV diagnosis, since polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays may fail to detect distantly related or as yet unknown genotypes. In this study we investigated the use of virus isolation in cell culture as a strategy for improving ABV diagnosis. We found that the quail fibroblast cell line CEC-32 allows very efficient isolation of ABV from psittacine birds. Isolation of ABV was successful not only from organ samples but also from cloacal and pharyngeal swabs and blood samples collected intra vitam from naturally infected parrots. Importantly, using this experimental approach we managed to isolate a new ABV genotype, termed ABV-7, from a salmon-crested cockatoo (Cacatua moluccensis). Phylogenetic analysis showed that ABV-7 is most closely related to the psittacine genotypes ABV-1, -2, -3, and -4 and clearly distinct from genotypes ABV-5 and -6. Our successful identification of ABV-7 emphasizes the necessity to consider the high genetic diversity when trying to diagnose ABV infections with high reliability and further shows that classical virus isolation may represent a useful diagnostic option, particularly for the detection of new ABV genotypes.

Salmonella Typhimurium Phage Type DT160 Infection in Two Moluccan Cockatoos (Cacatua moluccensis): Clinical Presentation and Pathology

This paper reports on two fatal cases of Salmonella Typhimurium phage type DT160 infection in Moluccan cockatoos (Cacatua moluccensis) from a zoological collection in Italy. No previous clinical signs were observed in birds before death, except for anorexia and mild diarrhea in one bird. At post mortem, necrotic foci surrounded by a hyperemic halo were observed in lungs, heart, liver, spleen, kidneys, and intestine. Microscopically, heterophils and macrophages with rare lymphocyte infiltration associated with gram-negative, rod-shaped bacteria aggregates were detected in necrotic foci. Bacteriology confirmed the presence of Salmonella Typhimurium phage type DT160 in the tissues of birds. The source of Salmonella Typhimurium in these birds remains unknown, but the authors emphasize the need to better control Salmonella infections in these avian species because they are important zoonotic agents and responsible for disease in animals and humans. This is the first documentation of Salmonella Typhimurium phage type DT160 infection in Moluccan cockatoos.

Three Cases of Systemic Atypical Granulomatous Disease in Moluccan Cockatoos (Cacatua Moluccensis): A New Syndrome

A 1.5-year-old male Moluccan cockatoo (Cacatua moluccensis) presented to Kansas State University Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital with a 4-month history of lethargy and weakness. Hematologic and radiographic diagnostic testing revealed profound leukocytosis and coelomic and pulmonary granulomatous masses of unknown origin. The bird died during laparoscopic evaluation under general anesthesia. Necropsy revealed multiple pulmonary and hepatic soft-tissue nodules and an intracoelomic mass over the left kidney communicating with external subcutaneous masses and a pericloacal mass of similar gross appearance. Histopathologic findings identified a severe, disseminated, inflammatory infiltration of multiple tissues and multiple granulomas containing bizarre multinucleated cells. No causative agent of this granulomatous disease was identified. To our knowledge, this is the first report of systemic atypical granulomatous disease in Moluccan cockatoo. Traditional causes of granulomatous disease include mycotic disease, bacterial (ie, Mycobacterium) disease, and neoplasia. Attempts to identify an causative agent or neoplasia were unsuccessful. A retrospective review of pathology records revealed 2 additional cases with identical pathologic lesions. All 3 cases occurred in young Moluccan cockatoos and are assumed to be a disease of unknown origin that could be unique to this species.

Pituitary-dependent hyperadrenocorticism in a cockatoo

A 13-year-old female intact Moluccan cockatoo (Cacatua moluccensis) was evaluated because of coelomic distention, presumed to be secondary to an abdominal hernia. The patient also had a history of rapid weight gain and polyuria and polydipsia. Ultrasonography was used to confirm the existence of a pseudohernia that appeared to contain the small intestines, pancreas, and reproductive tract. Results of plasma biochemical analysis revealed hyperglycemia, hypophosphatemia, and high nonfasting bile acid concentrations and aspartate aminotransferase activity. A CBC revealed a relative heterophilia with a concomitant lymphopenia and mild monocytosis. Histologic evaluation of a liver biopsy specimen indicated chronic hepatic lipidosis. Despite a strong clinical suspicion of hyperadrenocorticism, ACTH stimulation test results were equivocal. The pseudohernia was strengthened with a prolene mesh. Despite ongoing medical and surgical care, the patient developed complications associated with the herniorrhaphy and was euthanatized. The clinical suspicion of hyperadrenocorticism was confirmed on the basis of histologic evaluation of the pituitary gland by use of special stains. To our knowledge, pituitary-dependent hyperadrenocorticism has not been previously confirmed in Psittaciformes. The condition should be considered in birds with clinical signs consistent with those observed in mammals. For the cockatoo of this report, ACTH stimulation test results were equivocal and additional diagnostic tests should be developed for avian patients.

Baylisascaris procyonis Infection in a Moluccan Cockatoo (Cacatua moluccensis)

An adult female Moluccan cockatoo (Cacatua moluccensis) was evaluated for a 10-day history of progressive ataxia and weakness. The bird had been exposed intermittently over a 3-day period to a cage that had previously housed juvenile raccoons. Results of diagnostic tests were inconclusive and, despite supportive care, the bird died 7 days after the initial presentation. Histopathologic examination revealed a single nematode larva in the midbrain that was consistent with Baylisascaris species and multifocal granulomas in the left ventricle of the heart. The neurologic disease in this bird was attributed to encephalitis caused by neural larval migration of the raccoon roundworm, Baylisascaris procyonis.

Characterisation of 13 microsatellite loci for the Moluccan Cockatoo, Cacatua moluccensis, and Cuban Amazon, Amazona leucocephala, and their conservation and utility in other parrot species (Psittaciformes)

The parrot family consists of approximately 330 species, many of which are endangered due to habitat destruction and illegal trade. Microsatellite markers can provide important tools for examining both conservation and forensic issues in this family, and the availability of additional markers will prove useful for studies of other species in the parrot family. Parrots have proved a difficult family from which to develop microsatellites and cross-species amplification is generally lower than expected. This paper details 13 microsatellite loci isolated from the Moluccan Cockatoo and Cuban Amazon and their conservation in other species of parrots.

Humeral Air Sac Mucinous Adenocarcinoma in a Salmon-crested Cockatoo (Cacatua moluccensis)

Abstract A 13-year-old male salmon-crested cockatoo (Cacatua moluccensis) was presented for evaluation of a right thoracic limb mass. A 5 × 5-cm mass was palpated within the right humeral middiaphysis, extending to the radiohumeral joint. On computed tomography examination, the mass extended from the right humeral bone into adjacent soft tissue; pulmonary metastasis was not observed. To obtain adequate surgical margins with no histologic evidence of neoplastic cells, complete amputation of the right wing at the scapulohumeral joint was performed. The tumor was diagnosed as a primary mucinous adenocarcinoma arising from the respiratory epithelial lining of the medullary cavity of the right humerus. The cockatoo recovered well from surgery and was reported to be in good health 8 weeks after surgery.

Megacloaca in a Moluccan Cockatoo (Cacatua moluccensis)

Abstract A 2-year-old female Moluccan cockatoo (Cacatua moluccensis) was presented with a 20-month history of chronic malodorous diarrhea. Megacloaca with cloacitis, suspected clostridial enteritis, and suspected chronic synsacral and caudal vertebral osteomyelitis were diagnosed on the basis of radiograph results, laboratory testing, radiographic and fluoroscopic gastrointestinal contrast studies, and histopathologic examination of cloacal tissue biopsy samples. The bird was treated surgically by reducing the coprodeum. In addition, aggressive medical care, including fluids, nutritional support, and antibiotics, was instituted. Although results of clostridial toxin enzyme immunoassays and fecal clostridial cultures were negative, we suspected clostridial overgrowth because of the bacterial morphology on a Gram's stain of fecal samples. At the time of this report (4 years after surgery), the cockatoo remains relatively asymptomatic. Attempts to discontinue metronidazole therapy or lactobacillus supplement...

Density and distribution of the endemic Seram cockatoo Cacatua moluccensis in relation to land use patterns

The endemic Seram cockatoo, Cacatua moluccensis, was placed on Appendix I of CITES in response to declining trade statistics but in the absence of population data. We conducted population surveys and collected data on habitat structure at seven sites on Seram in 1998. Cockatoo densities ranged from 0.93 to 17.25 birds/km 2 and averaged 7.9 birds/km 2 across sites. We classified habitat into three types but found that cockatoo densities did not correspond closely to habitat differences across sites. Cockatoo abundance was significantly associated with presence of potential nest trees and strangling figs. Analysis of forest cover and landuse indicates that while most of the island is still covered in lowland forest, only 14% of these forests are protected and almost half the island is classified as logging concession. Conservation recommendations include better information and enforcement of laws protecting Seram cockatoos and resolution of boundary conflicts between parks and logging concessions.

Endosurgical Debridement and Diode Laser Ablation of Lung and Air Sac Granulomas in Psittacine Birds

This report describes lower respiratory tract disease in 3 African grey parrots (Psittacus erithacus), 1 orange-winged Amazon parrot (Amazona amazonica), 1 yellow-headed Amazon parrot (Amazona oratrix), and 1 Moluccan cockatoo (Cacatua moluccensis). All birds had lower respiratory tract disease caused by Aspergillus fumigatus, Streptococcus pyogenes, or Staphylococcus aureus and confirmed by clinical, hematologic, radiographic, and microbiological evaluations. All the respiratory infections were poorly responsive to, or recurred after, conventional medical therapies. A novel technique is described that is a minimally invasive endosurgical procedure for debriding and ablating air sac granulomas with a rigid 2.7-mm telescope and class IV gallium-aluminum-arsenide diode laser. Under isoflurane anesthesia, granulomas were debulked and removed prior to laser ablation of the infected areas. Four of the 6 birds made uneventful recoveries after the procedure. Two African grey parrots died during or shortly after surgery because of disseminated aspergillosis. Necropsy examinations of the 2 deceased birds failed to demonstrate any iatrogenic endoscope or laser damage. In conclusion, endoscopic debridement and laser ablation offers a viable alternative to conventional surgery in the management of lung and air sac granulomas in psittacine birds.

Congenital Cardiovascular Anomalies, Including Ventricular Septal Defects, in 2 Cockatoos

Abstract Cardiovascular anomalies have been reported rarely in psittacine birds. This report describes 2 cockatoos, each presenting with a heart murmur, tachycardia, and a bounding pulse. Clinical signs associated with these patients included cyanosis of the cere and, in 1 bird, ascites. Echocardiographic evaluations of both birds suggested ventricular septal defects, which corresponded to radiographic evidence of an enlarged cardiac silhouette. Pathologic evaluation revealed a ventricular septal defect and persistent truncus arteriosus in an umbrella cockatoo (Cacatua alba), whereas a Moluccan cockatoo (Cacatua moluccensis) had a subvalvular septal defect and aortic hypoplasia. Congenital cardiovascular anomalies should be considered when young psittacine birds are presented with heart murmurs and signs of circulatory dysfunction.

Pulmonary Carcinoma with Metastases in a Moluccan Cockatoo (Cacatua moluccensis)

Pulmonary carcinoma was diagnosed in a 14-year-old male Moluccan cockatoo (Ca- catua moluccensis) presented for sudden onset of ataxia of the pelvic limbs lasting several hours. On physical examination, the cockatoo had paraparesis of both legs and a reduction in pectoral muscle mass. The bird responded to initial supportive therapy; however, its clinical condition de- teriorated over a 3-week period. Histopathologic examination revealed pulmonary carcinoma with intrapulmonary metastases as well as metastases to the vertebral column and right humerus.