Parrot Working Group

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Goals

  • Support SCSCB’s mission through the use of parrots as a focal species,
  • Support conservation efforts for the Caribbean’s native parrot species and their forest habitats and other habitats,
  • Assist in the scientific research and monitoring of parrot populations on their Caribbean islands and facilitate training,
  • Promote public awareness of the conservation threats that parrots face in their native habitats and use parrots to foster protection of forest habitats
  • Help facilitate education and use of sound science practices where parrots are agricultural pests, and
  • Develop educational materials for use in Caribbean parrot conservation.

rose-throated-parrotRose-throated Parrot
photo credit: Rosemarie Gnam

parrots and west indies map

from: The Parrots of Luquillo: Natural History and Conservation of the Puerto Rican Parrot, by Noel F.R. Snyder, James W. Wiley & Cameron B. Kepler. Western Foundation of Vertebrate Zoology, 1987 (to purchase the book, visit Wild Parrot Trust eStore

To download the report from the Parrot Working Group meeting in San Juan, July 2007, click here.

Past, Present and Future Projects:

  • Organized technical workshops and presentations on the conservation status of parrots in the Caribbean regions and scientific monitoring of parrot populations,
  • Developed parrot brochures and posters on several Caribbean islands,
  • Members provide technical assistance upon request,
  • Members participate in the Caribbean Endemic Bird and Wildlife Art Events,
  • Develop a PowerPoint presentation on parrots for educators to be posted on SCSCB website,
  • Develop a plastic Identification card on the parrots naturally found in the Caribbean for education and for law enforcement officials.

HIstory of the Parrot Working Group

In the 1990s, several endemic parrot species of the Caribbean were successfully used as focal species in RARE Pride Campaigns to heighten public awareness for the conservation of these endangered birds and to build support for the creation of National Parks and conservation management plans on several islands, including the Bahamas, Dominica, St. Lucia, and Puerto Rico. The SCSCB Parrot WG was the Society’s first WG.  It grew out of these pride promotion efforts and assisted its members in the exchange of information on research, education, and management issues throughout the region.

If you are interested in joining the Parrot Working Group, contact Rosemarie Gnam or Eduardo Inigo-Elias

Learn more about two very special Caribbean Parrots on our Bird of the Month pages!

Hispaniolan Parrot - Bird of the Month, December 2007

Rose-throated Parrot - Bird of the Month, December 2006