Research Puerto Rican parrot

I have been very fortunate to have the opportunity to work as a biologist on the Puerto Rican parrot recovery project for the past 17 years. As a doctoral student at New Mexico State University, I have developed a study that will aid the conservation program of the Puerto Rican Parrot. I am very interested in how we as biologists and scientists can apply behavioral knowledge to conservation efforts. Behavioral studies can assist in the development of management techniques that better inform biologists about methods that will improve production of chicks and fledglings for endangered bird species. After my doctoral studies are completed, I plan to continue my efforts to save the beloved Puerto Rican parrot.

Mostly external factors have been studied to understand why these parrots have such low reproductive success, but no study to date have analyzed how behaviors inside the nest may affect the production of new chicks. I proposed a study that document breeding behavior of males and females in both wild and captive populations with the purpose of increasing chick and fledgling production. This study will reveal unknown social and breeding behaviors of nesting pairs of Puerto Rican parrots that will benefit recovery efforts of the species. Implementing this study is very important because a third wild population will be established during 2016 in the west central region of Puerto Rico and the success of this program depends on adequate numbers of parent-raised chicks being produced in current breeding programs.

To complete the research, I need the acquisition of recording equipment that will allow me to analyze the behaviors inside the nest. The equipment consists of infrared cameras, cables, and a station DVR and must be installed before the breeding season starts in January. The parrots and I will be deeply grateful for any help provided to accomplish this quest.


Puerto Rican parrot laying an egg differently

Looking for the egg after laying