Amazona vittata
The Puerto Rican Parrot is the only endemic parrot found within the United States and its territories and is one of the ten most endangered birds in the world.
Incredibly, in 1975, the total population had reduced to only 13 individuals as a result of massive deforestation by humans, predation by introduced and natural enemies, and natural disasters.
In 1967 the Puerto Rican Parrot was designated an endangered species, and in 1968 intensive recovery efforts were begun. In 1973 the Luquillo Aviary was established within the Caribbean National Forest and a captive breeding program was initiated.
In 2004 Parrots International created an Awareness and Fund Raising Campaign to Benefit the Puerto Rican Parrot Recovery Project and the construction of a new Captive Breeding Aviary. To this end Parrots International has supported and promoted the Puerto Rican Parrot with funding support as well as educational and public awareness support. Parrots International’s involvement has been:
- Official Fundraiser for the USFWS
- Created Magazine articles and Cover Stories for several magazines
- Filmed and developed a Television Video special on the Puerto Rican Parrot
- Designated the 2006 Symposium theme as the “The Year of the Puerto Rican Parrot”
Through the partnership of Parrots International, Herencia, and the USFW Foundation a total of $750,000 was raised for the construction of the new Puerto Rican Parrot captive breeding aviary in the El Yunque National Forest. The aviary breeds and raises the Puerto Rican Parrots that are subsequently released into the forest to supplement the tiny wild population.
Parrots International was honored to receive the “US Fish and Wildlife Puerto Rican Parrot Partnership Award” from the head of the US Fish and Wildlife Authority at an official ceremony in the U.S Capital, LBJ Room, Washington, D.C. for involvement with the Puerto Rican Parrot Recovery Program.
Parrots International donates to The Puerto Rican Recovery Projec with funding earmarked for the release project or the new Iguaca Aviary
The severely endangered Puerto Rican Parrot (Amazona vittata) is the only native parrot species in Puerto Rico and the only indigenous parrot remaining in US Territories.
A Puerto Rican Parrot enters its nest cavity as its mate watches. El Yunque National Forest, Puerto Rico. Photo by M. Stafford
Dr. Tom White (left) and Dr. Mark Stafford conferring inside a camouflaged hide to observe Puerto Rican Parrots. El Yunque National Forest, Puerto Rico. Photo by M. Stafford
Mark Stafford, President of Parrots International, receiving the Puerto Rican Parrot Partnership award at the US Capital from the head of the US Fish and Wildlife Department. Photo by M. Stafford
Marie Stafford holding a Puerto Rican Parrot chick at the breeding aviary. El Yunque National Forest, Puerto Rico. Photo by M. Stafford
Tom White, Phd., head of reintroduction procedures for the Puerto Rican Parrot, releasing a Puerto Rican Parrot from a small platform at the top of the 30 meter tree above the jungle canopy. Photo by M. Stafford
