Parrot breeding grounds are hard to reach. Counts conducted by Fondo Pro Naturaleza (PRONATURA) at the the The Humeadora Mountain National Park (PNMH) show that the populations of both the Hispaniolan parrot (Amazona ventralis) and the Hispaniolan parakeet (Psittacara chloroptera) are in sharp decline. Biodiversity specialist, Juan Llamacho reports that during the monitoring of the populations in this years nesting season only 40 pairs of the parrot could be observed compared to 300 pairs 2 decades ago.
Hispaniolan parrot (Amazona ventralis)
Following this decline the Hispaniolan parrot should be listed as endangered instead of vulnerable under IUCN standards.
The parakeet is more abundant and possibly migrates between Valle Nuevo park and Humeadora Mountain. Further studies in both areas are needed to confirm.
Hispaniolan parakeets are more abundant and can even been seen flying over Santo Domingo like these 4. Image by Seven Seas of RhyeThe alarming decrease has lead to increased efforts to protect the parrots against nest poachers during the breeding season. If this resulted in a population increase remains to be seen but signs are promising. Counting the parrots is a difficult task as the breeding grounds of the parrots is difficult to access.
Hispaniolan parakeet (Psittacara chloroptera). Image by Carlos De Soto Molinari