Photo: Rafael Riviera ©
Red-tailed and Purple-breasted Parrot Conservation Project
Implemented in 1998 on the northern coast of ParanĂĄ and since 2013 also on the southern coast of SĂŁo Paulo, the Red-tailed and Purple-breasted Parrot Conservation Project contributes to the conservation of the species in its natural habitat, the Atlantic Forest, in line with the National Action Plan (PAN) for Parrot Conservation until 2023 and currently with the Atlantic Forest Birds PAN.
The ongoing work of SPVS and its partners with the Project has led to improvements in the survival condition of the species, thereby reducing its threat level. This does not mean the species is safe. On the contrary, it still requires conservation measures to prevent it from returning to the National List of Endangered Species. In this sense, the continuation of the Project is essential, with an estimated population of about 9,000 individuals, restricted to the Great Atlantic Forest Reserve region.
The Red-tailed and Purple-breasted Parrot Conservation Project exists to safeguard the animals in the wild. The sale and purchase of this species is an environmental crime, potentially constituting animal trafficking, subject to fines and imprisonment (Law No. 9.605/98).
About the species
The Red-tailed and Purple-breasted Parrot (Amazona brasiliensis) is an endemic species of the Atlantic Forest, meaning it exists only in this biome, and can be seen from the southern coast of SĂŁo Paulo (SP) to the coast of ParanĂĄ (PR). The species is impacted by habitat destruction and the illegal capture of chicks, having been on the National List of Endangered Species in the Vulnerable category for many years, according to the Ministry of the Environment (MMA).
Photo: Rafael Riviera ©
Why support the initiative?
Safeguarding the species requires a set of actions that bring direct benefits to the natural habitat of the Red-tailed and Purple-breasted Parrot and local residents, as well as invaluable contributions to scientific studies. To ensure the success of the Project, executed by SPVS, collaboration with funding companies or organizations, public authorities, surrounding communities, and researchers is necessary.
Over two decades of research and monitoring of the species prove that the Red-tailed and Purple-breasted Parrot represents a real opportunity for economic development in the surrounding regions. In addition to hiring local labor to support technical activities and frequent training of students, educators, and public servants, there is still an underexplored potential for developing quality ecotourism for observing parrot flocks.
Public authorities benefit, above all, from the conservation of natural areas in their municipalities, generating opportunities such as the return of Ecological ICMS and socioeconomic development. Research institutions enjoy a rich exchange of knowledge. The Project can also stimulate local tourism. With the results observed in the field, it is possible to point out, for example, the best spots and times to see the bird, as well as indicate practices to minimize the impact on the species. Today, birdwatching is widely explored in Brazil and worldwide and has proven to be economically profitable, especially for residents around Conservation Units.
Funding institutions can use the parrot and supported actions to communicate their efforts on the environmental agenda, engage their employees, clients, and partners in conservation actions, score in certifications (such as the LIFE Certification), and promote and disseminate long-term concrete environmental results.
Are you interested in supporting the Project?
Contact us to ask questions and evaluate how to start partnership proposals.
Photo: Elenise Sipinski ©
Initiative Results
The Program combines biological research, population and reproductive monitoring, management, and education for nature conservation, as well as institutional support and integration between regulatory bodies, non-governmental, research, and educational institutions. Discover three essential fronts for species conservation below:
Nest Monitoring
Red-tailed and Purple-breasted Parrots preferably build their shelters in old trees. Through monitoring of reproductive sites, it was observed that wind and rain knocked down nests, as well as illegal tree exploitation in the forest. To address the lack of natural shelters, wooden and PVC nests were installed in ParanĂĄ starting in 2003, and later in the state of SĂŁo Paulo. This parrot responded very positively to the management action, turning SPVS’s initiative to enhance reproduction into a success. The birds adapted so well to the nests that currently, most of the installed nests in the main reproductive sites are occupied every year by the parrots.
The monitoring significantly increased the security of reproductive sites and became fundamental in combating the illegal trade and trafficking of the species, ensuring its existence in the wild. From October to March, professionals monitor the reproduction period, from the first eggs to the flight of the last chicks, observing development, recording bird measurements, checking animal health, filming parental care, and searching for new nests in nature.
Since the beginning of the Project, more than 1,800 chicks have been recorded. Among them, over 1,000 chicks achieved reproductive successâanimals that managed to fly and leave the nests. The variation in reproductive success rate varies over the years due to climatic variations, food resources, habitat changes due to deforestation, or chick theft. The team strives to contribute to the development and reproductive success and increase the population.
Photo: Elenise Sipinski ©
Annual Population Census
An important indicator of maintaining the Red-tailed and Purple-breasted Parrot population in the wild is the population census, that is, counting individuals to obtain the minimum population size. Some important results obtained through the census are: frequent monitoring of the minimum population size throughout the distribution area (indicator); knowledge about the dynamics of parrots in the various species dormitories; engagement of local residents in research and conservation actions; integration of researchers; student training and dissemination of topics related to nature conservation.
The last census, throughout the distribution area, was in 2018, with 9,112 recorded, 80% of the Red-tailed Parrot population is on the northern coast of ParanĂĄ state, with 7,366 individuals. On the southern coast of SĂŁo Paulo, 1,746 individuals were recorded distributed across the five municipalities in the state.
The 2019 Red-tailed Parrot population census, focused only on the state of ParanĂĄ, recorded a population of 7,493 birds. With the results from 2003 to 2019, we can affirm that the parrot population on the coast of ParanĂĄ is stable, with population increases recorded over the years. This demonstrates that efforts to protect the species and its habitat are yielding significant results.
Monitoring indicates the main areas that parrots use for shelter and feeding. The largest concentrations occur in the dormitories of the Superagui National Park and the islands of Rasa, Mel, and Rasa da Cotinga. The areas around the dormitories are heavily used by parrots throughout the day for foraging, with the plains of the municipality of Pontal do ParanĂĄ standing out, as more than half of the population uses this region at certain times of the year. In the dormitory located in the municipality of Guaratuba, the southernmost area of the species’ occurrence, a reduced population has been monitored. In Santa Catarina, there has been no record of the species for over five years.
Despite the population’s stability, the potential development of enterprises on the ParanĂĄ coast, especially in the plains areas, poses a significant threat to the species.
Photo: Gabriel Marchi ©
The Red-tailed and Purple-breasted Parrot
Given the success of activities with the Red-tailed and Purple-breasted Parrot and its experience, SPVS extended its activities to the monitoring and conservation of the Red-tailed and Purple-breasted Parrot (Amazona vinacea). The species is heavily captured for illegal trade, leading to a population decline in many areas. This species is in the Vulnerable category on the National List of Endangered Species. Among the activities carried out to reverse this scenario are active searches for nesting sites and monitoring of found nests with the support of local residents to prevent chick theft. The project also conducts conservation education activities and monitors the movement of populations living in Araucaria Forest areas between the states of SĂŁo Paulo and ParanĂĄ. All information obtained contributes to identifying priority locations used for shelter, feeding, or reproduction, as well as providing better knowledge about the species’ behavior. Additionally, partnerships are strengthened with protected area management teams, regulatory bodies, and other conservation projectsâsuch as the Conservation Program of Red-tailed and Purple-breasted Parrot and the Parrots of Brazil initiative.
Photo: Gabriel Marchi ©
Be aware: wild animals should live in a free environment
Animal trafficking poses a significant risk to biodiversity and ecosystem balance, as well as being responsible for the introduction of diseases into society. At first glance, it may seem like a distant practice, which is not true.
It is the third-largest illegal activity in the world, surpassed only by drug and arms trafficking. According to the National Network to Combat Wildlife Trafficking (Renctas), approximately 38 million animals are removed from Brazil’s nature each year.
Raise awareness and stay alert, wildlife trafficking or illegal trade should be reported to the competent authorities. Call: 0800 61 8080 – IBAMA.
Foto: Zig Koch ©
Meet those who
support the project's actions
OF THE RED-TAILED AND PURPLE-BREASTED PARROT CONSERVATION
The project is supported by
the University of SĂŁo Paulo (USP)
Access
also
Sites and Links
- The silence of the Red-tailed Parrots on the coast of ParanĂĄ
- Learn about the Purple-breasted Parrot Monitoring Project (partnership with the Loro Parque Foundation).
- The partnership with the Loro Parque Foundation
- Jornal Nacional covers the saga of Red-tailed Parrot chicks until their first flight
- Results of the 2019 Red-tailed Parrot census
- First artificial nest found occupied in the State of SĂŁo Paulo
- 20 years of the Red-tailed Parrot Conservation Project
