The Red Siskin Project
Dr. David Phalen, Dr. Darrel Styles
The American Federation of Aviculture has, for several years now sought to develop a reintroduction plan for the red siskin. This bird is critically endangered in its natural habitat in Venezuela and in Trinidad despite the fact that it can be readily bred in captivity. However attempts at reintroduction have been blocked because of the fact that many captive populations of Red siskins are infected with avian tuberculosis. Thus there is an urgent need to establish a colony of red siskins known to be free of tuberculosis. This in turn requires the development of a sensitive and specific test for tuberculosis in birds. Led by Drs. David Phalen and Darrel Styles we are participating in a joint project with the University of California, Davis, and Lincoln Park Zoo, Chicago to develop several different molecular tests for avian tuberculosis. Once candidate tests have been established a SPF flock of these siskins will be established at Texas A&M University. It is hoped that this clean flock will provide a source of healthy birds for reintroduction to their native habitat.
This project is being jointly funded by the Schubot Center and by the Pet Health Trust and is sponsored by the American Federation of Aviculture.
Additional information on The Red Siskin Project can be found at The American Federation of Aviculture Red Siskin Recovery Project (AFA-RSRP).
Additional information on The Red Siskin Project can be found at The American Federation of Aviculture Red Siskin Recovery Project (AFA-RSRP).
