h Blue-naped Parrot at Tg Aru by SINGH HSS, Amar - Borneo Bird Images

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PSITTACIDAE Parrots > Blue-naped Parrot

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Blue-naped Parrot

Latin Name : Tanygnathus lucionensis

Site Name : Tg Aru

Photographer : SINGH HSS, Amar

Date : 2017-03-27

Notes : These uncommon parrots can be easily found around Tanjung Aru Beach on the outskirts of the city. Bird Life International lists this species as near threatened. The estimated population size of this narrow range parrots is 1500-7000 and is declining due to trapping and forest loss (see: http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/22685009). The small population at Tanjung Aru Beach owes its presence to Quentin Philipps, author of Phillipps' Field Guide to the Birds of Borneo, who is credited with saving them from the cage at a nearby market (see: http://www.sabahmagazine.com/blue-naped-parrot/). The population is maintained but small, around 30-50, due to competition for nesting holes in the old, beach-side casuarina trees with other birds [Phillipps, Q. (2014) Phillipps' Field Guide to the Birds of Borneo. 3rd Edition. Beaufoy Books, UK]. The population here is presumed to be T. l. salvadorii. 
Unfortunately this beach has been designated for extensive development. A 133 hectare golf ‘retreat’, a marina, 7 hotels, 5,000 commercial & residential rooms, etc. The developer suggests that old trees will be transplanted and the parrots (and hornbills) will be re-located and offered nesting boxes at alternate sites (see: http://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2016/06/30/tg-aru-project-to-go-ahead-redevelopment-necessary-as-area-facing-erosion-says-kk-mayor/). I am not sure the birds can be salvaged easily in this way and their future is uncertain. Local residents have launched a petition, see: https://www.change.org/p/the-mayor-of-kota-kinabalu-stop-the-development-of-tanjung-aru-beach-and-save-the-blue-naped-parrot
--Amar--