Puerto Rican Amazons (Amazona vittata) are critically endangered in the wild due mainly to habitat destruction; they are now confined to 0.2% of their former range.

The partnership between the World Parrot Trust (WPT) and the United States Forest Service (USFS) focuses on the strategic improvement and maintenance of habitats crucial for the recovery of the Puerto Rican Amazon in Puerto Rico. This collaboration aims to improve habitat quality, resilience, and overall ecological health to support the long-term survival of this species. The WPT brings its expertise to work closely with the USFS on various habitat restoration and conservation activities. These efforts aim to mitigate the impacts of hurricanes and other environmental challenges.

• Strategic Habitat Planning: Developing comprehensive plans for habitat restoration, anticipating the future movements and dispersion of parrot populations.
• Habitat Improvement: Planting trees, encouraging natural regeneration, collecting seeds and seedlings for propagation, and controlling erosion and invasive species. Our work ensures the vegetative components of the habitat are robust and capable of withstanding future disturbances.
• Artificial Nests: Improving habitats by building, installing, and maintaining artificial nests in both current and potential future parrot habitats. Monitoring these nests helps us understand their use and success, allowing for adjustments as needed.
• Monitoring and Data Collection: Continuous monitoring of wild parrot populations coordinated with studies on habitat use, movement, foraging, and nest utilization. This data informs ongoing and future conservation strategies.

Projects

• Planting and Propagation: Engaging in extensive planting activities, including tree propagation in greenhouses to ensure a steady supply of native species for habitat enhancement.
• Erosion Control and Invasive Species Management: Controlling soil erosion and managing non-native species that are critical for maintaining the integrity of the habitat.
• Community Involvement Efforts: Working with local landowners in key areas, our team ensure coordinated efforts towards landscape-scale habitat protection and reforestation.

The combined efforts of WPT and USFS aim to create a resilient habitat capable of supporting a thriving population of Puerto Rican Amazons, ensuring their survival and recovery in the wild. This collaborative approach addresses immediate conservation needs and builds a sustainable framework for future ecological stability.