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Article for Polska Federacja Ornitologiczna 
Exotic Birds in zoos
Avifauna in public collections and “ARK paradigm”concept
 
For exotic animals modern zoo collections are based on the concept of “ARK paradigm”, the species are managed by a captive breeding program with a “species-specific” protocol. The species targetted by a breeding program have a careful management of population (example for transfers or reproduction) , so a standard of accomodation and caring . Conservation is basic for “ARK paradigm” so programmes are involving to endangered species instead of common. For example the critically endangered Amur leopard (Panthera pardus orientalis) is more recommended than African leopard then Addax (Addax nasomaculatus) is more than Gemsbok (Oryx gazella). Although it is good for Mammals, for Birds it is not the same. Captive breeding programmes target a lot of endangered exotic birds: Hornbills, Peafowls and iconic rare species like Bali Mynah (Leucopsar rothschildi) or Socorro Dove (Zenaida graysoni), but a great amount of endemic bird-species are not endangered in nature and are not kept in zoos. For example Cotingas and Hummingbirds are representative for South-american tropical rainforests, Andean Cock-of-the-rock (Rupicola peruviana) is an extraordinary ambassador but is very rare in public collections.  Even Birds of Paradise and Imperial pigeons species are a major ambassadors of Malay Archipelago’s  Avifauna, they are not endangered in nature but very rare in zoos. Then a lot of interesting species of birds aren’t common in public collections and may be very unknown for personnel and keepers. They don’t  have a lot of informations for a good-quality of care, a correct diet is unknown,  not longevity and breeding rarely occurs. Swainson’s helmeted friarbird (Philemon buceroides) is an example of hard-breeding species, it is very rare and remains very unknown in zoos. A good health as well as “self-sustain” of captive population are important aspects to value a new species in a plan so more and more birds species need of more knowledges for a right care.
Habitat-reconstructions , a good design of enclosures, themes and learning parts are basic to present every species in a collection… also for Exotic Birds… If the proposal has good-quality, visitors will discover and appreciate even birds and other less popular animals.
The key would be a “balanced proposal” can conciliate so many aspects to find a good-quality combination.  "Gli Zoo sono ormai avviati verso un cambiamento a lungo termine, allo stesso modo anche il grande pubblico si evolverà verso una nuova direzione".
A good zoo should have a complete collection to present various themes and different examples of biodiversity in the world of animals. Exotic birds are ambassadors of a large amount of biomes and habitats across the continents, they have a great potentiality of learning for children and adults.  
By their colorful wings and formidable abilities to camouflage itself with vegetation, they become a great attraction. Good habitat-reconstructions, interesting combinations with other (birds or not birds) species, walk-through aviaries with a free-contact with visitors, can increase so much the interest for them.  Despite it a lot of zoos have a good collection of popular mammals but don’t be care to propose bird-collections.  The general public wants to see large mammals and often loses the other species of collection, this happens frequently for birds because there is not always a good work of presentation. Then Exotic Avifauna become very a difficult choice, Zoos must conciliate a good collection with many aspects like interest of visitors, good health of species and conservation.
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Greater bird of Paradise (Paradisaea apoda)
Example of Malay Archipelago ambassador species

Article for Polska Federacja Ornitologiczna 
by Stefano Capomagi
 
You can find it in polish on the number 7
of the magazine "Ptaki hobby"
 
21762189_1400781403353322_73248892907913
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