Australian Breeders Market

This may not be the most groundbreaking discovery, but scientists from the Centre for Ecological Research and Forestry Applications in Barcelona have found that birds with relatively larger brains live longer than those with smaller brains.

The Technology and Science branch of ABC News (USA) reports that the scientists tested parrots and crows (with larger brains) against smaller brained birds (such as pheasants) and found that the bigger brains actually allow the birds to cope with environmental challenges.

Birds with bigger brains are also said to more easily colonise newer areas and environments, as well as cope with changes to their habitat and seasonal patterns.

The UN News reports that a ban on all live bird imports from Africa and other areas is a disappointing move that will force trade into the black market. The EU has made the move to try and restrict the spread of the bird flu virus.

The ban, however does not affect the trade of poultry, a major source of bird flu.

Many poor African nations make a good trade out of exporting live birds, which are abundant in their natural environment. The UN reports that this new ban may decrease the importance of wild birds to the community and therefore reduce the efforts made to conserve them.