AZA Coraciiformes Taxon Advisory Group
Regional Collection Plan
Approved, November 1998
Current revision: July 1999
Chair: Christine Sheppard
Wildlife Conservation Society/Bronx Zoo
2300 Southern Blvd., Bronx, NY 10460

Table of Contents

TAG Definition
TAG Objectives
Taxonomic Authorities
Space Data and Analysis
Criteria For Program Categories
Program Categories
Program Recommendations
Action Plan Priorities
References
Recommended and Existing SSP/PMP Species and Population Targets
Recommended New and Model Species and Population Targets
Taxon Information Summaries
SSP Action Plan Priorities

TAG DEFINITION

The Coraciiformes TAG covers all species in the order Coraciiformes.

TAG OBJECTIVES

1. Use captive populations to promote in situ conservation of Coraciiformes and their habitats. This can be accomplished by supporting field programs, by improving captive management and by using captive birds to influence public opinion to favor conservation activities.
2. Establish current, consistent and accessible taxonomy Taxonomy is not an exact science. New evidence and reinterpretation of old data result in frequent revisions. Use of a consistent terminology is essential for programs with global participants. While there is no single, recent review of the order Coraciiformes, its constituent families have all been the subject of current, widely available publications. We propose to promote taxonomic standards for this group, including revising nomenclature used by ISIS, to reduce confusion and increase collaboration.
3. Develop and provide taxon priorities for AZA institutions and others In order to guide collections which propose to work with Coraciiformes, each species, and in some case subspecies, has been separately considered, using a set of criteria described below. These criteria have been used to identify priority taxa and recommendations for their management.
4. Minimize the need for importation of wild specimens for captive programs Importation of wild birds, whether for display or propagation, is costly, stressful and difficult. It can negatively impact wild populations, by giving them market value, by changing population structure or reducing population numbers. By focusing our efforts on particular taxa and improving our programs, we can reduce the number of birds taken from the wild.
5. Improve management and propagation techniques Replicable and predictable techniques for management and propagation are necessary, to ensure availability of birds for our collections and for applications to conservation in the field.
6. Document successful husbandry protocols, starting with species already targeted for specific programs Documentation is important, if programs are to progress and build on one another. We will start by documenting priority species, then expand to related species, looking for common techniques and trying to identify species specific differences.
7. Improve communication of new ideas and successful techniques Sharing successful ideas and innovative approaches can stimulate progress, keep diverse collections functioning at optimal levels and enhance collaborative efforts. We need to take advantage of new communication technology, while remaining aware that these are not available to all that need the information we wish to disseminate.
8. Increase cooperative interaction with European Zoos, Asian Zoos, private sector The Coraciiformes comprises taxa from all continents except Antarctica. Zoos in every region are beginning to develop active programs, often for species held in low numbers. By collaborating, we can increase the size of managed groups, pool information and reduce duplication of effort.
9. Develop a policy for disposition of animals surplus to program requirements To clarify interactions among zoos, with non AZA collections, with the private sector and other potential collaborators, it is important to create and review policies for disposition of specimens within different taxa.

TAXONOMIC AUTHORITIES

Hornbills

The Hornbill SSP, EEP and Specialist group have recommended using the taxonomy published by Alan Kemp (1996). While there is no universal agreement on any description of the Bucerotidae, this is comprehensive and the only widely available reference.

Motmots

Motmot taxonomy has not been a subject of dispute. Species are listed in Fry et al, but not described. Descriptions can be found in De Schauensee (1970).

Other taxa

For all other families, we used the monograph Kingfishers, Bee-eaters and Rollers, by Fry et al (1992).

SPACE DATA AND ANALYSIS

ISIS data, supplemented by studbook data when available, was used to estimate space now occupied by Coraciiform species. Different families are evaluated separately, as management requirements are often non-overlapping. While available space is important for all bird programs, space limitations for Coraciiformes are generally less significant than lack of techniques for reliable propagation. It should be possible to increase space for most high priority species, as these overlap in requirements with many low priority taxa and many taxa are commonly kept in group aviaries. We must develop a strategy for Hornbills, as these are long-lived birds, generally kept separately, and there is potential for the population to expand more rapidly than space is available. The current population of all Coraciiformes, based on data from ISIS, Feb. 1997, for U.S. only, is 1,167 individuals. The sum of population target numbers for recommended programs is 1,070.

PARTIAL BREAKDOWN:

A. ROLLERS (CORACIIDAE) 152 individuals -- approximately 76 management spaces

Numbers of Common or Important Species:

• Lilac-breasted Roller 45.40.7 Target: 50.50
• All other species less than 20

B. MOTMOTS (MOMOTIDAE) 65 individuals -- approximately 32 management spaces

Numbers of Common or Important Species:

• Blue-crowned Motmot 33.23.7 Target: 30.30

C. KINGFISHERS 329 individuals -- approximately 125 management spaces

ALCEDINIDAE 13 individuals

DACELONIDAE 316 individuals

Numbers of Common or Important Species:

• Kookaburra 68.71.24 Target: 50.50
• Mangrove Kingfisher 10.5.7 Display
• Guam Kingfisher 39.27.17 Tagret: 50.50
• All other species less than 20

D. BEE-EATERS (MEROPIDAE) 136 individuals -- approximately 18 management spaces

Numbers of Common or Important Species:

• Carmine Bee-eater 25.26.50 Target: 100.100

E. HOOPOES 20 individuals -- approximately 5 management spaces

Numbers of Common or Important Species:

• Upupa epops 10.5.4 Target: 30.30

F. WOODHOOPOES 20 individuals -- approximately 3 management spaces

Numbers of Common or Important Species:

• Green Woodhoopoe 10.5.10 Target: 25.25

G. HORNBILLS 445 individuals -- approximately 200 management spaces

Numbers of Common or Important Species:

• Aceros corrugatus 14.18.3 Target: 15.15
• Buceros bicornis 29.23.3 Target:50.50
• Tocus nasutus 3.8.9 Not recommended
• Tocus erythrorynchus 29.25.21 Target:30.30
• Tocus deckeni 18.14.2 Target:15.15
• Bucorvis abyssinicus 23.16.3 Target:30.30
• Bucorvis leadbeateri 24.29.13 Target:30.30
• All other species less than 20

CRITERIA FOR PROGRAM CATEGORIES

The following criteria were used in establishing taxon priorities for programs within the Coraciiformes. The types of programs are varied and not all criteria listed apply to every category, or are of equal importance to any single category. Criteria were used to guide discussion and help make decisions but there was no attempt to assign numerical rankings or develop indices.

1. Status in the wild: IUCN, Bird Life, CAMP and other ratings. Rare and threatened species are high priority for conservation actions that have no negative impact on wild populations.
2. Documented captive population size in US: data from studbooks and ISIS
3. Documented captive population size outside US: data from studbooks and ISIS
4. Availability: Probability that there are sources for birds in the private sector, non-U.S zoos, dealers
5. Potential for links with field programs: Species with active or probable field projects will be given higher priority, if all else is equal.
6. Educational value/ special exhibit value: Species may be important because of appearance, natural history, links with cultural and ethnic groups
7. Flagship potential: Species may serve as representatives of entire ecosystems, for conservation education, legislation, habitat protection
8. Demonstrated interest by zoos and others: In many cases, one of many similar species may have become established in collections through historical accident. These should be retained, unless there is a strong reason for their replacement.
9. Possibility of use as research model: Common species may be valuable as surrogates for developing management and conservation techniques, answering medical and dietary questions and acting as foci for PR, fundraising etc.
10. Funding potential: Some species, because of special circumstances, may be better subjects for fundraising than similar species -- the Guam Kingfisher is an example.

PROGRAM CATEGORIES

The number of endangered, interesting and available Coraciiform taxa exceeds the limits of the space and manpower resources available for managed programs. Different kinds of programs require different levels of resources and activity, however. In order to optimize our ability to achieve the goals set for the TAG, we used the criteria described above to evaluate each taxon and assign it to one of the categories defined below. As time inevitably brings change, these assignments should not be considered permanent.

A decision tree approach was used to make species by species recommendations.

1. Is species currently kept by AZA institutions? If yes, go to (2). If no, species is 'not recommended' unless a) there is currently an in situ project or good potential for an effective conservation project - in which case the recommendation is 'in situ' or b)there is justification and potential to acquire the taxon, in which case the recommendation is ‘proposed new program'.
2. Is there an existing program for this species? If not, go to (3). If yes, does the current recommendation still make sense in light of current program definitions? If so, re- commend continuation; if not, change program category.
3. Is there a nucleus population of at least 3 pairs in AZA institutions, or a solid plan to acquire more birds? If yes, go to (4). If not, recommend the species for a)display, with a small target census number or b) phase out, if space is needed for a species with higher priority
4. Is an AZA program, justified by conservation status, need for population management, taxonomic uniqueness, exhibit or educational value? If yes, go to (5). If no, recommend for 'display'.
5. For potential program recommendations, is there an interested person to develop or manage the program? If not, recommend for display. [Programs can be recommended provisionally, with a date by which a manager must be found or the program down- listed.] If yes, go to (6)
6. Use program definitions (see below) to assign taxon to appropriate program category.

Because of resource limitations, not all specimens in any given collection will be part of active management programs. In fact, the majority of Coraciiform taxa were not recommended for a specific type of management. These taxa may still be important to exhibition and education functions of zoos, and the category 'not recommended for management program' should not be confused with 'phase out', assigned to birds which are taking space needed for an active program. Non-managed species comprise that proportion of every collection for which it is impossible to provide more than good housing, care and support.

In most cases, programs were recommended only when a coordinator could be identified. In a few cases, where the probability was high that recruitment of a coordinator would be successful, programs without coordinators were recommended. These will be re-evaluated if coordinators cannot be located.

SSP: species needing intensive, team management for biological or political reasons:

• Long term population management with reintroduction goal
• Long term population management for education/exhibition

PMP -- usually good exhibit species, needing management to increase population numbers or maintain stable numbers

Model/research: common species which can be used to develop techniques for management of related (or otherwise similar) rare and threatened forms.

Proposed new program: High priority species not existing in collections, which might be acquired -- this could require initial captive work in the range country, a special collecting trip etc.

In situ: TAG supports programs for this species in its home range

Phase out: takes up space needed for species with higher priority. Inhibit breeding, replace with other species

Not recommended for active management -- use for education/display

PROGRAM RECOMMENDATIONS: CORACIIFORMES TAXON PRIORITIES AND PROGRAMS

Appendix I lists each species and some subspecies within the Coraciiformes and the program category to which it was assigned. Because the total number of taxa is substantially greater than the number of recommended managed programs, a summary of programs is provided below, for each family within the group.

Coraciidae: Rollers -- 12 species, 2 genera. Rollers are an extremely popular exhibit group, generally common in the wild. The Lilac Breasted Roller Coracias caudata, was the first species approved for a studbook on the basis of its exhibit value. However, this bird is probably the most aggressive in its family, established more by historical accident than design. Because other Roller species can more readily be kept together and with non-Roller species, it was recommended that we plan to develop programs for two or more other species, at least one African form and one Asian form. As no other species exists in sufficient numbers for management, availability over the next several years will determine the choices. Until other species are identified, the Lilac Breasted Roller will be managed as a PMP. Tim Snyder, Lilac Breasted Roller studbook keeper, will coordinate.

Brachypteraciidae: Ground Rollers -- 5 species, 3 genera. These poorly known Madagascar endemics are unrepresented in ISIS zoo collections. All are rare or vulnerable. It was decided that we should work with the Madagascar FIG, to target one or more species as possible models for captive management. It may be recommended that field study be the first step. Mike Macek will coordinate.

Leptosomidae: Cuckoo Roller -- one species

Endemic to the Comoro Islands. Not in collections and unlikely to become available.

Momotidae: Motmots -- 8 species, 6 genera. This neotropical group are attractive exhibit species; most are fairly common. All are poorly represented in collections except Momotus momota, the Blue-crowned Motmot. It was agreed that a PMP should be developed for this species. Kevin Graham will coordinate.

Todidae: Todies -- 4 species, one genus. Todies are delicate species, seldom maintained in captivity. There is no conservation justification for developing programs for any Tody species at this time.

Alcedinidae: Kingfishers 22 species, 2 genera
Dacelonidae: Kingfishers 56 species, 8 genera
Cerylidae: Kingfishers 9 species, 3 genera

A review of ISIS data for Kingfishers shows no Cerylidae in collections, small numbers of one species in the Alcedinidae and several small to moderate populations in the Dacelonid genera Dacelo and Halcyon. The most likely explanation for this is that the Dacelonids are 'sit-and-wait' predators of small ground animals, easier to transfer to artificial diets than the fish feeding Cerylidae and the insect and fish eating Alcedinidae.

It was agreed that the Kookaburra, a popular exhibit species, should be recommended for PMP level management, coordinated by Mark Meyers. The Guam Kingfisher, Halcyon c. cinnamomina, is already a subject of SSP level management and this will be continued. This species is of special interest largely because the program is an attempt to rescue an extinct island endemic, and therefore has a high public profile. The SSP has recommended establishing a model population of the subspecies, H. c. pelewensis, to help answer questions about management. Beth Bahner directs this program. Finally, it was agreed that it would be valuable to develop management protocols for a non-Dacelonid Kingfisher. A group of Pied Kingfishers is expected at the San Diego Zoo, and this will be designated a model population, coordinated by Dave Remlinger.

Meropidae: Bee-eaters -- 24 species, 3 genera. Until recently, Bee-eaters have been uncommon in collections; as aerial insectivores, they are difficult to accustom to a captive diet. In the last five years, however, their numbers have increased and zoos have begun to solve the problems inherent in their management. As brightly colored, colonial birds with open habits, their potential for exhibit/education is high. The two species most common in collections, the Carmine and White-throated, were designated as model species, coordinated by Marcia Arland and Martin Vince.

Upupidae: Common Hoopoe -- 1 species, 1 genus. The Common Hoopoe is an extremely desirable exhibit bird, now in low numbers in US collections. Because of high interest, it was designated for a proposed new program; recruitment of a coordinator will be the first step.

Phoeniculidae: Woodhoopoes -- 2 species, 2 genera. The Green Woodhoopoe is a good exhibit species with an interesting natural history. It has existed in collections in significant numbers in the past, but has been nearly lost through lack of management. The species is not rare and it should be possible to re-establish it. Ric Urban will coordinate.

Bucerotidae: Hornbills -- 54 species, 9 genera. Among the Coraciiformes, the Hornbills are most commonly found in collections and include the most rare and endangered forms. In some taxonomies, they are considered a separate order. Their unusual nesting habits and the fact that many species are large and spectacular have made them of special interest. However, in general they do not breed reliably and have small clutch sizes. Developing techniques for improving reproduction and husbandry is a high priority.

The Trumpeter and Silvery Cheeked Hornbills are good exhibit birds, but low priority species. Because several pairs have begun to reproduce well, there is concern that this population could become large, taking over spaces needed by high priority forms. For this reason, these species were recommended for a PMP. DiAnn Roberts, from Kansas City Zoo, will coordinate.

The Pied Hornbills are a group where some taxonomic confusion exists. A program for this group is being developed by the EEP. It was recommended that we determine exactly which species and subspecies are represented in our collections, before further recommendations are made. Lee Shoen will coordinate.

Small numbers of several species of Penelopides Hornbills exist, primarily in the collection at San Diego. Because many members of this genus are endangered, and field work has begun in the Philippines, it was agreed to consider these populations as models. Mike Mace will coordinate.

The genus Aceros includes many endangered forms and several significant captive populations. It was recommended that a PMP be developed for at least three species, possibly the entire genus. Eric Kowalczyk will coordinate.

The Great Hornbill, Buceros bicornis has a functioning SSP. Many management problems remain to be resolved with this species, but progress has been made in the last ten years. The congeneric Buceros rhinoceros is a dramatic species which exists in moderate numbers and competes directly with the Great Hornbill for space. There are also problems with distinguishing and identifying subspecies of B. rhinoceros. It was recommended that this species be managed as a PMP. Wendy Worth will coordinate.

Several species of the genus Tocus exist in moderate to significant numbers in collections and also in the private sector. Their value as exhibit birds is relatively high, although their conservation need is low. In general, they do not compete for space for larger, more threatened taxa. In order to ensure continuation of these populations for exhibition, a PMP was recommended for the two most common, coordinated by Kim Smith.

Both species of Ground Hornbills are good exhibit birds and work on wild biology, captive husbandry and release are taking place in South Africa. It was recommended that the existing studbook be upgraded to a PMP, coordinated by Celia Falzone.

ACTION PLAN PRIORITIES
(* indicates funding priority)

Create poster for use in field education efforts [complete]

Create database of Hornbill diet items and nutritional analysis [in progress]

Produce joint EEP/SSP/TAG/Specialist Group Hornbill newsletter [first issue due summer '98]

* Produce and distribute husbandry manuals for priority species [Preliminary work started]

* Expand MBA Hornbill work to EEP and Asian collections [Draft questionnaire under review]

* Investigate socialization and pair formation with groups of captive hatched chicks

Establish model population of Halcyon cinnamomina pelewensis

Establish model population of Ceryl rudis

Create Hornbill listserv [listserv created for all Coraciiformes]

Create Bee-eater listserv

Support Hornbill web page

Improve handrearing protocols

Identify important characteristics of artificial nests for Hornbills

Complete Guam Kingfisher nutrition recommendations

Develop standard formats to record husbandry information

Support field studies of seasonal and species variation in Hornbill diet

Support field studies of use of artificial Hornbill nest sites

Support field studies of Hornbill life histories

REFERENCES

De Schauensee, Rodolphe Meyer, 1970. A guide to the Birds of South America. Livingston Publishing Co., Wynnewood, PA, for The Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia.

Fry, C. Hilary, Kathie Fry and Alan Harris, 1992. Kingfishers, Bee-eaters and Rollers. Princeton University Press, Princeton, NJ.

Kemp, Alan, 1995. The Hornbills. Oxford University Press, New York.

RECOMMENDED (*) AND EXISTING SSP/PMP PROGRAMS

Recommended New and Model Programs

TAXON INFORMATION SUMMARIES

STATUS = CONSERVATION STATUS

R = Rare

V = Vulnerable

E = Endangered

C = Critical

NT = Near threatened

Buceros bicornis SSP: Action Priorities

Goals:

• Distribute modified MBA questionnaire in US and Europe; analyse data.
• A husbandry manual outline is in place; we are developing a colaboration with EEP zoos.
• Create projects to evaluate potential ofusing artificial nest sites in field conservation.
• Investigate behavioral enrichment techniques.
• Contribute to Hornbill Web page.
• Develop study ofhandreared vs. parent reareed birds; comparing behavior and especially reproductive likelihood.
• Help support Hornbill specialist Group Action Plan.

Micronesian Kingfisher Species Survival Plan
Action Plan Priorities

Initiate behavioral ecology study of a related kingfisher

Goals:

• Study and document social sturcture, diet, nest site choice, nest microhabitat, pair-bonding behavior, impact of environmental cues on reproduction, etc.
• Modify captive management strategies based on field work.

Project Manager: Sue Haig, Ph.D., Oregon State University

Project Description and Budget: See "Behavioral Ecology of the Micronesian Kingfisher in the Republic of Palau: Use of a Surrogate Subspecies in the Recovery of Kingfishers from Guam". (S. Haig) Funding for year 1 alloted. Project to begin 9/98; field study 1/99.

Nutrition research

Goals:

• Complete nutritional analysis, identify a complete diet for both adult and juvenile birds and promote consistency in dietary practices among institutins.
• Assess nutritional status of birds and nutrient composition of egg.
• Evaluate parasite risk associated with anoles and document pre-feeding requirements.
• Identify and analyze alternataive food items.

Project Manager: Sue Crissey, Ph.D., Brookfield Zoo and Barbara Toddes, Philadelphia Zoo

Project Description and Budget:

Nutritional analysis completed. Remaining goals to be addressed.

Develop systematic mechanism for studying behavior.

Goals:

• Complete production of ethogram.
• Develop system for standardized application.
• Compile informtion on pair formation.
• Develop a standardized data collection form for behavioral observation.

Project Manager: Aliza Baltz, Ph.D., Philadelphia Zoo

Project Descriptin and Budget: Form and working ethogram complete. Data collection in progress.

Acquisition and allocation of nest cavity video cameras.

Goals:

Develop prototype nest cavity camera setup to monitor egg and nestling.

Obtain funds to purchase camera setups for all participants.

Project Manager: Dave Rimlinger, San Diego Zoo

Project Description and budget: Prototype established at San Diego Wild Animal Park. Budget to be established.

Develop and apply techniques for hormone level analysis

Goals:

• Use technology to monitor stress levels.
• Use technology to monitor reproductive hormone levels apply to pair management

Project Manager: Patty McGill, Ph.D., Brookfield Zoo

Project Description & Budget: See Behavioral and Reproductive Endocrinology of Micronesian Kingfishers" (G. Fowler & P. McGill)

Education

Goals

• Develop education programs for use both on Guam and globally..
• Create mechanism for generation of public support of kingfishers on Guam and globally.
• Evaluate existing zoo graphics; develop prototype graphics which may be used by zoos.
• Identify a Marketing Advisor to work with Education Advisor and personnel on Guam

Project Manager: Lanis Petrik, Brookfield Zoo

Project Description & Budget: In process

Research causes of mortality

Goals:

Evaluate with goal of reducing mortality in embryos and young adults.

Project Manager: Don Nichols, DVM, National Zoo (pending acceptance)

tion of project manager

Project Description & Budget: pending

Completion of Husbandry Manual

Goals:

• Update, publish and distribute.
• Mandate adherence to standardized husbandry procedures.
• Use Husbandry Manual to train keepers and standardize care.

Project Manager: Beth Bahner, Philadelphia Zoo

Project Description & Budget: Husbandry Manual to be completed and distributed 8/98.

NOTE: When conditions are favorable, pre-conditioning of birds for release will become an Action Plan priority. See Micronesian Kingfisher SSP Action Plan: Reintroduction

Beth Bahner, Species Coordinator, AZA Micronesian Kingfisher SSP

Priorities established at the mid-year Micronesian Kingfisher SSP meeting 4/97, Phoenix, AZ. Updated 9/98.