Tucuman Amazon in Bolivia

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Securing the Future of the Threatened
Tucuman Amazon in Bolivia:
Reproductive Success in Artificial Nests

Introduction

It is estimated that the global population of Tucuman Amazon (Amazona tucumana) has decreased 75% in the last three decades. In 2011 the IUCN raised its threatened status to Vulnerable of Extinction. This is mainly due to habitat loss and capture for the pet trade. Currently the illegal trade of Tucuman Amazon remains a threat and, as a compounding factor, the methods used to collect chicks most of the time involve destruction of the nest, making the availability of natural nesting cavities a limiting factor for reproduction of this species. At the moment it is urgent to implement recovery strategies for the Tucuman Amazon population, mainly in the northern end of its distribution where the largest number of captures were recorded during the 1980s and recent surveys recorded a small population, which suggests that the local population has not recovered its previous level.

Project Location

The project will be carried out in the Loro Pinero Reserve in the department of Santa Cruz, Bolivia, at the northern end of the Southern Yungas eco-region, which is recognized by BirdLife International as an Endemic Bird Area with urgent priority of conservation.

Objectives

1. Place 10 artificial nests in the Tucuman Amazon Reserve area.
2. Assess the demand for natural nesting cavities by Tucuman Amazon and other species.
3. Determine the nesting period and the size and survival of broods in each stage of development, in both natural and artificial nests.

Methods

1. Implementation of artificial nests
First we will conduct an intensive search for nesting cavities, which will be characterized by collecting data on the origin (tree species) and tree diameter at nest site; cavity height, depth and width; height of entry and orientation of the cavity; and height and diameter at breast height (DBH) of the nest tree. According to the data obtained, 10 wooden nest boxes will be constructed and implemented. The reference data for the location of these nest boxes will be obtained from the characterization of the vegetation surrounding natural nest cavities; this will be done through a circular plot of 100 m. diameter with the nest tree at the center. The location of nest tree in relation to crops, native vegetation and waterways also will be noted.

2. Reproductive success in natural and artificial nests Monitoring of natural and artificial nests will be carried out with the aid of a 15 meter telescopic pole fitted with a camera at its upper end that sends images to a portable monitor. This method will allow us to review nests quickly with minimal disturbance to the parents and young. Comprehensive monitoring will allow us to determine the demand for natural and artificial cavities by Tucuman Amazon and other species, and to describe each of the stages of development of the broods and document their size and survival.

Project Impact

Significance and impact on species conservation

1. Our project is a pilot management initiative for the Tucuman Parrot’s conservation. This first experience in using artificial nests will generate valuable information that will contribute to the development of a conservation and management plan for this species in the Laguna Esmeralda Reserve.
2. The generated information will help us understand the effects that the placement of artificial nest might make in the Tucuman Parrot’s reproductive success increase. These actions are essential in order to stop the population reduction.
3. Our investigation will increment the available knowledge about this species’ reproductive ecology and the human impacts that have to be controlled to preserve the key characteristics of the Tucuman Parrot’s reproductive habitat. It is essential to have information on its breeding, the success in nesting, reproduction and habitat requirements of this species to begin to understand the demographic processes and the effects that habitat alteration have over the population. This information will guide the conservation strategies and the management actions that this species needs to recuperate from an intense pet trade and great loss in habitat.