Why the Thick-billed Parrot is in trouble
Learn more about the natural and unnatural history of the Thick-billed Parrot...
A short history
The Thick-billed Parrot (Rhynchopsitta pachyryncha) is found in the pine forests of the Sierra Madre Occidental in Mexico. They prefer mature upland primary growth forest, and feed on pine nuts, other seeds and buds and acorns. They breed in three regions: Tutuaca, Madera and Mesa de las Guacamayas.
Research conducted as early as 1995 showed wide-ranging impacts on this species' habitat by loggers and cattle farming. In Madera, one of the last remaining breeding areas, Thick-bills nest exclusively in the aspens that are rapidly disappearing. The old growth trees that serve as the birds’ nesting areas have been logged extensively, and unfortunately what is remaining is giving way to age and rot, putting the trees at risk from fire.
The birds urgently require help to save their nest sites
When you add to these concerns the fact that these primary forest areas are slow to regenerate, the Thick-bill’s habitat is becoming increasingly fragmented with each passing year. Due to the scarcity of trees, nesting areas are often located far from food sources and the birds must fly up to 20km per day to find enough food to feed their rapidly growing chicks. With an estimated wild population of 3500 individuals, help is urgently needed to protect what habitat remains and to support the parrot’s efforts to reproduce
Causes for decline and plans for recovery
Thankfully these problems are being dealt with in imaginative and resourceful ways by Gabriela Ortiz and a team of researchers from Instituto Technologico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey (ITESM), Ortiz, Javier Cruz, Rene Valdes, and the “Tec team” are continuing a project begun in 1995 to study the breeding biology of the Thick-billed Parrot. Their efforts over the past 13 years have been instrumental in determining the causes for the decline in wild populations and for developing plans for their recovery.
Results of this research have indicated the need for a comprehensive plan to ensure the Thick-bill’s short and long-term survival. Immediately the birds require help to aid their reproductive efforts; over the longer term local landowners and local communities will need to learn how to use this critical habitat sustainably, allowing both the people and the parrots to thrive
You can support this important work
Efforts are now underway to aid the birds in their breeding and to assess fire risk to nesting areas. To do this the Thick-bill team has come up with some unique solutions: repairing nest cavity entrances and, drilling drain holes to eliminate standing water in nest cavities, using dry substrate as nest litter, constructing nest boxes to replace ones lost due to fallen trees, and eliminating insect pests that would otherwise harm the chicks. Other means of helping the chicks include supplementary feeding, removal of debilitating external parasites and the administration of other care as necessary.
The World Parrot Trust is funding the Tec team with thousands of dollars already committed to support this year’s breeding season and research. It’s a large job that takes a significant amount of effort and funds, but it is working. Our work will carry on, as long as it is needed, to save these birds.
Now is the time to play your part to help save this species. If you wish to help, please contact us or donate today.
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