NGO SEEKS SUPPORTERS TO ADOPT PARROT NESTS IN THE PANTANAL
The Artificial Nests Program, developed by the Neotropica Foundation of Brazil, aims to expand its operations this year by building structures to aid in the reproduction of Blue-fronted Amazon parrots (Amazona aestiva), one of the most trafficked birds in Brazil. This initiative focuses on the Pantanal region of Mato Grosso do Sul, in the country's Central-West.
The project seeks to compensate for the loss of natural nesting trees due to the extensive forest fires that ravaged the region in 2024. The program is led by Gláucia Seixas, a zootechnician with a post-doctorate in Ecology and Nature Conservation, and extensive practical experience in nest replacement for the species.
The project originated in response to the damage caused by bird traffickers. Due to their vibrant color and ability to mimic human speech, true parrots have become one of Brazil's most coveted birds. In Brazil, they have been classified as "Near Threatened" (NT) by the Ministry of the Environment since 2014, and internationally (IUCN) since 2019.
Chicks remain under parental care for approximately 65 days. It's during this period that traffickers break into nests to steal chicks and even eggs.
Around 80% of nests are broken into annually by traffickers, who create openings to steal true parrot chicks or eggs. This leaves the nests fragile or in terrible condition, making them vulnerable to predators and flooding from rain. As a result, the parrots' reproductive success is diminished or even impossible in subsequent years. True parrots are monogamous and reproduce once a year.
To increase access to breeding sites, over the past five years, the foundation has created approximately 450 artificial nests in the Cerrado and Atlantic Forest biomes of Mato Grosso do Sul.
Gláucia states that on several occasions, immediately after nest installation, the team recorded occupation by a pair of true parrots, confirming the significant scarcity of natural cavities in the region.
"Following a 'do-it-yourself' approach, we developed a nest model based on natural nests found in palm trees, which are frequently used by true parrots," explains Gláucia. "The nests are made of wood, with sufficient depth and diameter to accommodate a pair and produce one to four chicks. After being built, the nests are carefully installed in secure areas, such as conservation units or partner private properties designated 'Parrot-Friendly Properties,' in the Cerrado and Atlantic Forest of MS. Monitoring is done monthly, when the team assesses the nest's integrity, as well as occupation by parrots or other birds, the number of eggs, the hatching of chicks, and the fledging of juveniles. The good news is that several pairs of true parrots have approved and occupied the artificial nests."
The project's goal is to produce, install, and monitor 200 new nests each year until the losses of natural nests are stabilized.
It relies exclusively on donations from individuals or companies. All donated funds are fully applied to the project for the production, installation, and monitoring of the species, in addition to mapping chick trafficking and conducting conservation education actions for parrots in nature.
Any amount can be donated to the Adopt a Nest campaign. Donations can be made via PayPal at [email protected] or via PIX at +55 67 99252-8866.
To learn more about the True Parrot Project, visit the Neotropica Foundation of Brazil website at http://www.fundacaoneotropica.org.br and the project's social media @projetopapagaioverdadeiro, or contact the coordinator directly via email: [email protected].