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Conservation of the Fuertes’s Parrot, Colombia
Region: |
Conservation
of the Fuertes’s Parrot, Colombia |
Partner: |
Fundación
ProAves |
Initiation: |
July 2005 |
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| Fuertes’s Parrot. Photo: Fundación
ProAves |
Introduction: Fuertes's
Parrot (Hapalopsittaca fuertesi) was thought to be
extinct for over 90 years but was rediscovered in 2002 by ProAves.
A small population of 60 individuals was found living in fragmented
and unprotected high Andean cloud forests of Quindío
department. The breeding population is almost entirely restricted
to three properties totaling 1,500 hectares (3,700 acres), whose
owners are clearing forest for cattle pastures. The area also
serves as watershed for drinking water and water for coffee
processing for nearby communities, so provides a key economical
resource for the people who live at lower elevations.
Besides the parrot, this area is home to
other Endangered species such as the Brown-banded Antpitta
(Grallaria milleri) and Chestnut-bellied Cotinga
(Doliornis remseni), and is the winter residence
for WatchList
migrants from North America such as the Olive-sided
Flycatcher (Contopus borealis), Golden-winged
Warbler (Vermivora chrysoptera), and Cerulean
Warbler (Dendroica cerulea).
Objective:
Protect the Critically Endangered Fuertes's Parrot and a further
eleven globally threatened species of birds, mammals, and
amphibians.
Actions:
1. Consolidate the protection of Fuertes's Parrot through
three strategic acquisitions totaling 1,200 hectares (2,964
acres) that will result in a protected area exceeding 2,834
hectares (7,000 acres).
2. Develop a long-term management plan for the protected area.
3. Develop ecotourism infrastructure to ensure long term-reserve
sustainability.
Accomplishments:
1. In 2004, ProAves conducted a pilot nest box project that
was a huge success as 9, and then in early 2005, 23 pairs
of Fuertes’s Parrots nested in artificial nest boxes--all
successfully raising broods of three chicks.
2. In December 2007 a tract of 631 hectares (1,559 acres)
of cloud forest was acquired to establish the Fuertes's Parrot
Bird reserve and to protect the core breeding area of the
species.
For more information on how
to visit the lodge at the El Mirador Bird Reserve.
Birds occurring at
the reserve.
For more information about this project
or ABC’s work in Colombia, contact
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Mission and Vision 
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