Yellow-eared Parrot Project

Ognorhynchus icterotis

Parrots International has provided past support for parrot conservation in Colombia and has donated to the Yellow-eared Parrot Project run by ProAves.

The Yellow-eared (Ognorhynchus icterotis) parrot is found in the Andean Mountains of Colombia and is one of the America’s most threatened parrots. This species of parrot depends on Wax Palms for its fruit, nesting and roosting. The Wax Palm was traditionally cut down and used each year for Palm Sunday celebrations and processions, hence the Wax Palm itself has become endangered.

ProAves has been protecting the Wax Palms, providing community environmental education, and has established a nest box program providing artificial nests to assist in the successful reproduction of this species, largely with support from Loro Parque Fundacion.

ProAves has also established a 320 acre reserve for the protection of the Yellow-eared Parrot called Reserva Natural de las Aves located near the colonial town of Jardin.

Parrots International funds were earmarked for the acquisition of an additional 250+ acre parcel for sale adjacent to the existing reserve. This parcel, called Vereda La Herrera, was negotiated for purchase at $150.00 an acre. It is an ideal location because it is so near the existing reserve station that the management costs would remain nearly the same. In addition, this land is an area where a fair number of Wax Palms still exist and Wax Palms can be cultivated.

ProAves efforts are paying off  with the population growing to well over 1000 individuals! This has resulted in the down listing of the Yellow-eared Parrot from “critically endangered” to “endangered”, a rare and celebratory occurrence in conservation work.

Although a minor contributor, PI is proud to support the Yellow-eared Parrot Project and hopes that other individuals and organizations join in the effort.