RE: Unusual Galah

"it is up to all aviculturists to maintain a pure line of the particular species they keep whether it be Zebra Finches, Budgerigars, Gouldians or Golden-shouldered
Parrots."
"There are many species where obtaining wild type birds is still very easy."

The water is starting to get a bit muddy here.  There is a lot of difference between "wild type birds" and "birds with wild colouring".  Most aviary birds with wild phenotype (appearance) would be a long way from the wild genotype.  Birds such as Zebra Finches, Budgerigars and Neophemas probably have some close relative that looks nothing like the wild ancestor.  Even birds such as Goudian Finches, which are becoming available in such a range of colours, are likely to be in the same category.  Other species where mutations haven't been extensively bred have probably been in captivity for so many generations that intrinsically important genes for survival in the wild may have been lost.

I'll change Grant's words a little here but I also think that many (I'll stop short of most) birdkeepers have a genuine interest in wild birds and the environment.  

Note how far we have got from the initial posting about an unusual Galah !

Cheers

David Geering
Regent Honeyeater Recovery Coordinator
Department of Environment & Conservation
P.O. Box 2111
Dubbo  NSW  2830
Ph: 02 6883 5335 or Freecall 1800 621 056
Fax: 02 6884 9382



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