ABOUT

Rescuing and Releasing Parrots: ASM Cambaquara

Status:
2016 – current
Collaborators/Funders:

In Atlantic Brazil, human-wildlife conflicts continue to take a toll on endemic wildlife. Parrots, in particular, are seriously affected by this issue.

The dedicated staff at the Área de Soltura Monitorada de Fauna Silvestre Cambaquara (ASM Cambaquara) on the island of Ilhabela in eastern Brazil contribute to the preservation of local biodiversity. Since 2014, they have been working in partnership with the Secretariat of Environment of the State of São Paulo (SEMIL) through the approval of the Department of Fauna (DEFAU). The World Parrot Trust provides ongoing technical and veterinary expertise and vital supplies to treat birds received from trapping or other human interactions.

Parrots received at the centre include the Southern Mealy Amazon (Amazona farinosa), currently listed at the state level as Critically Endangered in São Paulo and Minas Gerais, and Vulnerable in Bahia and Rio de Janeiro, White-eyed Conures (Psittacara leucophthalmus) and Maroon-bellied Conures (Pyrrhura frontalis). The parrots undergo clinical evaluation, quarantine and disease testing. After months of rehabilitation where the birds build their strength in a large release flight and acclimatise to the surrounding forest, they are released and monitored. ASM staff also give school lectures, invite children to attend releases and participate in a national bird-watching day to raise awareness for local biodiversity. The team has also done small studies to evaluate the impact of window strikes on birds and is testing methods to prevent this occurrence. Nest box installations have taken place to reduce Maroon-bellied Conures from nesting in house rafters.