Critically Endangered Yellow-eared Parakeet in major breeding success

20/01/2008 00:00:00 December 2007. After eight years of work in Tolima, the International project to save the critically endangered Yellow-eared parrot (The Ognorhynchus Project) has achieved two unprecedented records: the finding of 52 Yellow-eared Parrot active nests in April, and of 132 chicks between May and June. This is a major milestone for a bird that was down to less than 100 just 10 years ago.

The precious highest number of active nests found during the project, which is supported by Loro Parque Fundación, had just been 25. The increase in occupied nests is due to the current number of cavities in dead Quindío Wax Palm trees. Since it is thought that in time there will be a decrease in this opportunity, the project has focused its efforts on providing artificial nests for this species, as well as on the recuperation of its habitat through reforestation with Wax Palm trees. High nest count
In May there were chicks in 70% of the nests, and in the remaining 30% eggs were being hatched. Additionally, mating was observed and prospective new nests were explored.

The survey work was undertaken by the project’s field assistants, who pointed out that the nests were found in eight nesting areas, which is excellent news for the conservation of this species, as it is an indication that the parakeet is exploring new areas. Compared to2006, this is a 40 percent increase in the number of active nests in the area, and there was also a much improved food supply.

Help conserve this species
If you want to help the conservation of the Yellow-Eared Parrot in Colombia, you can ‘Adopt a nest box,’ and sponsor the construction and installation of an artificial nest as well as its monitoring and maintenance for a year. Each one costs $85US, or some £40.

Population now 800
The population of the Yellow-eared Parrot has increased greatly since ProAves began to conserve this species in 1998 when known from just 81 birds. With nine years of work, the population is estimated today at almost 800 individuals, and has two key colonies in Antioquia and Tolima, each one with approximately 300 adults and 70 juveniles.

Since 2004, some groups have been re-colonizing their former colony sites in the Central Cordillera. During 2007, with Loro Parque Foundation and American Bird Conservancy, we are proposing to change the Yellow-eared Parrot’s status to the category of 'Endangered', being one of the few true successes for conservation of a bird in risk of extinction in Latin America.

Photos are copyright 'Fundacion ProAves www.proaves.org'