Monitoring parrots and macaws in the Peruvian Amazon
Research Aims
Research was initiated in December 2005 at Posada Amazonas under Alan's direction. The principal aim to understand the impact of clay licks on parrot abundance and ecology.
The work being carried out in 2007 at Posada Amazonas and Refugio Amazonas combine the research aims of Alan Lee and Daphne Matsufuji. Alan’s research is focused on population monitoring and the ecological aspects that affect parrot counts, while Daphne is focusing on the breeding habits of parrots and parakeets, focusing on artificial nest sites. The project is also supporting Peruvian students, one of whom,Yesenia Quispe, who is working as a project field leader. In addition, the project provides the framework for internships whereby students who help with the long term monitoring are able to build in their own research projects, examples of which can be found in the Research Reports section.
The projects objectives are:
1. Determine the density of macaw, parrot, parakeet and other cavity nesting species in different habitat types
2. Determine if the sustainable harvest of wild parrots and parakeets using artificial nests is a viable economic activity.
3. Determine if artificial nests have viable ecotourism potential.
4. Monitor seasonal changes of group sizes of members of the parrot family for clues as to breeding season, breeding population and fledging success.
5. Monitor seasonal changes in clay lick visitation of Psittacine species at clay licks as a further clue to breeding season
6. Determine the influence of raptors and toucans (Ramphostidae) on nesting behaviour of parrots and parakeets in terms of abundance and nest site competition
7. Monitor the monthly fruiting and flowering status of marked trees in key habitats to identify which are keystone food sources for breeding parrots and parakeets.
8. Find and monitor natural nesting sites.
9. Determine the influence of tourism on local parrot behaviour and flight patterns.
9. Train and employ the people of the surrounding Condenado Community in details pertaining to the achievement of the above listed objectives.