During the monitoring conducted in 2013 in the town of Roncesvalles, Tolima, a Yellow-eared parrot population of 1,408 individuals was recorded, 190 individuals more than in 2012, a growth of 16 % since last year.
Since 1998, ProAves has implemented a conservation strategy for the species, integrating research and education activities and environmental awareness in the community.
At that time a new population of approximately 80 individual Yellow-eared parrots was found in the town of Roncesvalles, Tolima. At that time it was in a Critically Endangered status (CR) mainly caused by the negative effects on its habitat, specifically the exploitation of the Wax Palm (Ceroxilum quidiuense) for the celebration of Easter.
14 years later, due to a recovering population recovery of over 1,000 individuals, the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) in 2012 reduced the level of threat to the status of Endangered (EN). This was the result of the constant and massive protection campaigns that even linked the Colombian episcopate to support this project, recommending other alternatives to their flock for the important traditional Easter celebrations.
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In addition, ProAves strengthened the initiative by implementing ten nurseries for reforestation, and the installation of artificial nests that have allowed a rapid recovery of breeding success for a species, which, until a decade ago, seemed doomed to ultimate extinction in the wild.
During the monitoring conducted in the town of Roncesvalles, Tolima, a population of 1,408 individual Yellow-eared parrots was reported, 190 individuals more were registered in the year 2012, showing a growth of 16%, a result of the new individuals that have been incorporated and reported at the end of the breeding season, which totaled approximately 190 chicks.
This would not be possible without the continued support and commitment of our donors, especially the Loro Parque Foundation of Spain, which, from the beginning has financed many of the activities implemented. In addition the willingness and commitment made by the surrounding communities to the project has been a constant factor in the conservation success that has been achieved with the species.
