A Control Board for the Export of Australian Animals 205


specimens that can be obtained for public or private exhibition, they

will be in a position to meet the requirements of those interested in

live animals not only as regards the Australian fauna, but also that of

other countries.


Correspondence should be addressed to “ Australian Zoological

Control Board, Main Base, Taronga Park, Sydney, Australia Any

order given or information required will be promptly dealt with by

the chairman, Mr. Fred Flowers.


In connexion with the above the Secretary, Mr. A. S. Lc Souef,

writes : —


“ The Australian Zoological Control Board has been formed with the

object of regulating and controlling the supply of our local fauna and

seeing that no bird or mammal is exported that is in danger of becoming

extinct or is of direct economic use to. the country.


‘‘ The opening up of the country by settlement, the introduction of

the fox, Starling, and Sparrow, the exploitation of the fauna by dealers,

all tend to give the birds a hard battle for it, and some species are on the

verge of extinction, more especially the small ground Parrots, genus

Neophema, two of which, the Chestnut-shouldered (Turquoisine) and the

Scarlet-chested (Splendid), have not until this year been noted for many

years, and were thought to be quite extinct, but, happily, a small

flock of each species was seen this season. Their appearance at once

put the dealers on the alert, and big prices were offered for them, some

Chestnut-shouldered being actually exported to America, which, as

far as we know, may have been the last of their race ; so you will well

understand the necessity for control by the Customs, State Governments,

and the Control Board.


“ Another phase of the question is that a case occurred recently

where thousands of birds were caught in the open season under permit,

shipped away alive, and then killed for the plumage trade.


“ In the future consignments will be made through the Board, and

zoological institutions and legitimate aviary keepers will be able to get

the birds named in our list, copy of which I enclose. We propose to send

consignments to each country in turn under an experienced man, who

will deliver stock direct or perhaps to a clearing house in London.


“ I would suggest that a notice be put in the Avicultural Magazine



