Agapornis nigrigenis

Abstract: This study investigated the status of the Black-cheeked Lovebird (Agapornis nigrigenis) as a pest of agricultural crops by quantifying flock-size, the crops on which they foraged and the level of damage to the crops. Lovebirds fed on two agricultural crops, Millet (Eleusine coracana) and Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor), in village areas of Zambia that practice subsistence agriculture. Lovebirds preferred feeding on ripening crops, in early morning and late afternoon. Feeding bouts were longer and flock-size larger when Lovebirds fed on Sorghum rather than Millet. Analysis of transect data showed 20% damage. Local farmers perceived the Lovebirds as a serious agricultural pest and attempted to protect their crops in a variety of ways but these were largely ineffective and rarely lethal to the Lovebirds. As the long-term survival and conservation of the endangered Black-cheeked Lovebird is closely allied with local people, particularly in relation to water sources during the dry season, the importance of elevating local tolerance to the species through education programs is highlighted.

Abstract: Since 1950, the annual rainfall in the habitat of Black-cheeked Lovebirds Agapornis nigrigenis has decreased, increasing dependence on artificial water supplies. In this study, the seasonal water requirements and drinking behaviour of the lovebirds in their natural habitat were investigated. During the dry season, lovebirds drank at the same water-point in the early morning and late afternoon. Flock sizes of birds at drinking sites ranged from 1 to 175 individuals. Birds from one locale all drank at the same waterhole. Black-cheeked Lovebirds were vigilant and highly cautious drinkers that did not drink at waterholes when disturbed by humans or livestock. The implications for conservation of the species are discussed. Since water availability is a limiting factor for the Black-cheeked Lovebird, gradual desiccation of its habitat has caused the reduction of its small distributional range. Because of increasing dependence on artificial water supplies in a highly localized distribution the priority for conservation management of the species must be creating and maintaining water resources with minimal external disturbance.

Abstract: The nest-site characteristics and breeding biology of the Black-cheeked Lovebird Agapornis nigrigenis in their natural habitat and in captivity were investigated as part of a wider study of the ecology of the species. Seventy-eight nests were found. Black-cheeked Lovebirds nested inside naturally formed cavities in live Mopane trees Colophospermum mopane, in localities which were used for roosting during the non-breeding season. Nest-site fidelity was suspected. Most nests were found in a loosely clumped distribution. Nest-site characteristics including cavity dimensions, height from ground, distance to three nearest nest trees, cavity entrance orientation and nest shape are presented. No nesting requirement appeared to be limiting, or to affect the population's reproductive output. Reproductive data were necessary to elucidate factors affecting reproductive success and to assist with the development of a conservation management plan for this Vulnerable species. Breeding occurred from January to May, coin...