The Republic of Nicaragua is the third most populated and the geographically largest country in Central America. The largest freshwater lake in Central America is Lake Nicaragua, and in its center is Ometepe Island. This island is formed by two volcanoes and is home to the highly endangered yellow-naped Amazon.
One Earth Conservation (OEC) conducts parrot conservation work in the field in six countries in Central and South America. In Nicaragua, it works in partnership with two local non-governmental organizations (NGOs) – Biometepe and Fauna and Flora International, Ometepe.
Parrot Rangers in Action
Parrot rangers from Biometepe, as well as staff from Fauna and Flora International, Ometepe, are now working with six communities on the island to protect yellow-naped Amazon parrots. Rangers patrol and protect the nests, and they also hold meetings and talk regularly with the community.
In addition, they hire members of the community to help with conservation work, and facilitate educational activities with schools and children to promote the value of protecting the parrots. These methods show some positive outcomes, although there are still significant pressures for poaching. Habitat disturbance and loss also seem to have increased in the last three years.
In 2023, there were fewer nests than the year before, likely due to increased habitat loss and disturbances in nest areas. But climatic variations cannot be ruled out. One of OEC’s goals is to look at climate changes over the years to see if rainfall patterns correlate with nesting success. There is now enough data to begin this analysis soon.
It is normal for parrot reproductive output to vary year-by-year, but sometimes the change is due to fewer active nests or higher predation. While there were fewer nests in 2023 as compared to prior years, there was also lower poaching (only one nest was poached!) which allowed for a higher overall fledgling success rate.
One Earth Conservation has also increased the number of communities conducting an annual parrot population count. Originally four communities participated and now there are six. The count is conducted every July, and many volunteers, students, and community members participate. The annual count serves as much as an educational and awareness program as it does to assess the parrot population and conservation success.
Join the Parrot Pilgrimage
Image courtesy One Earth Conservation
Last, but far from least, One Earth Conservation and Biometepe host an annual Parrot Pilgrimage that consists of a walking tour on the road that goes around the Maderas Volcano. Participants learn about parrot conservation, grow awareness in the world about the beautiful people and parrots of the region and their often-dire status, and help support conservationists whose families have been severely impacted by economic pressures caused by the pandemic and civil disturbances. If you’d like a chance to soar on Ometepe Island, check out OEC’s website in the coming months for information about next year’s December 2025 Parrot Pilgrimage!
This information is courtesy of LoraKim Joyner, DVM and Gail Koelln from One Earth Conservation. Lafeber’a Global Conservation Spotlight donation this month goes to support the efforts to protect Ometepe Island, Nicaragua’s yellow-naped Amazon parrots. To learn more about OEC’s projects or donate, visit its website.