Endangered parrots reintroduced to the wild in Belize

October 7, 2015
by Belize Hub +

Programme for Belize (PfB), the Belizean partner of World Land Trust (WLT), is set to reintroduce into the wild five Yellow-headed Parrots (Amazona oratrix) in the Rio Bravo Conservation Management Area.

Classified by IUCN as Endangered, the Yellow-headed Parrot is native to Belize, Guatemala and Mexico, but populations are in rapid decline. In Belize, the species is hunted and persecuted for damaging crops and it is also a victim of the illicit pet trade.

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The parrot chicks were first discovered by Keeper of the Wild Milgar Molina, while he was climbing trees to inspect nests. The chicks were at risk of being poached and for their own safety PfB staff removed them from the nest, working in partnership with Belize Bird Rescue (BBR).

From April until early September BBR staff cared for the young parrots. Prior to their release, the young birds were moved to a flight cage at East Gate, near Hill Bank Field Station, to familiarise them with the surrounding area.