Once abundant and widely distributed, the Bahama parrot (Amazona leucocephala bahamensis) currently inhabits only the Great Abaco and Great Inagua Islands of the Bahamas. In January 2003 and May 2002–2004, we conducted point‐transect surveys (a type of distance sampling) to estimate density and population size and make recommendations for monitoring trends. Density ranged from 0.061 (SE = 0.013) to 0.085 (SE = 0.018) parrots/ha and population size ranged from 1,600 (SE = 354) to 2,386 (SE = 508) parrots when extrapolated to the 26,154 ha and 28,162 ha covered by surveys on Abaco in May 2002 and 2003, respectively. Density was 0.183 (SE = 0.049) and 0.153 (SE = 0.042) parrots/ha and population size was 5,344 (SE = 1,431) and 4,450 (SE = 1,435) parrots when extrapolated to the 29,174 ha covered by surveys on Inagua in May 2003 and 2004, respectively. Because parrot distribution was clumped, we would need to survey 213–882 points on Abaco and 258‐1,659 points on Inagua to obtain a CV of 10–20% for estimated density. Cluster size and its variability and clumping increased in wintertime, making surveys imprecise and cost‐ineffective. Surveys were reasonably precise and cost‐effective in springtime, and we recommend conducting them when parrots are pairing and selecting nesting sites. Survey data should be collected yearly as part of an integrated monitoring strategy to estimate density and other key demographic parameters and improve our understanding of the ecological dynamics of these geographically isolated parrot populations at risk of extinction.
Wide application of genetic approaches has enhanced the detection of cryptic diversity, even in historically well-studied organisms. In addition to improving our knowledge of biodiversity, detection of cryptic diversity can have important management implications within imperiled groups, such as the Cuban parrot complex (Amazona leucocephala). Bahama parrots (A. l. bahamensis) were once widespread throughout the archipelago, but are now restricted to the two largest islands (Abaco and Inagua). Mitochondrial DNA-based population genetic and phylogenetic analyses revealed the distinctiveness of the Abaco, Inagua and now extirpated Acklins populations, detecting diagnostic character support and reciprocal monophyly indicative of three phylogenetic species. Congruent results were obtained for the Abaco and Inagua populations based on Bayesian clustering analyses of microsatellite genotypic data. Genetic signatures of demographic contraction were identified on Abaco, but not Inagua. These findings were consistent with lower genetics-based estimates of effective population size on Abaco, as well as the disproportionate human impacts reported on the island relative to Inagua. Overall, our results suggest that the taxonomy of the Cuban parrot complex requires revision and that the conservation status of the Abaco phylogenetic species should be immediately elevated to reflect its historical isolation, recent population decline and continued threats to its persistence.
Psittacidae is one of the most endangered families of birds in the world. Knowledge of their nutrition is important for understanding their survival and productivity in the wild, as well as for their adequate husbandry under human care. Hand‐rearing is a common practice for psittacines, however research on their nutrition is limited. We analysed the predicted metabolisable energy, crude protein, crude fat, minerals and the essential amino acid profiles of the crop contents from free‐living nestlings of scarlet macaws (Ara macao) and red‐and‐green macaws (Ara chloropterus) from southeastern Peru, Cuban Amazons (Amazona leucocephala bahamensis) from the Bahamas, lilac‐crowned Amazons (Amazona finschi) from northwestern Mexico and thick‐billed parrots (Rhynchopsitta pachyrhyncha) from northern Mexico. The crop content of the different parrot species displayed remarkably similar nutritional profiles, considering their diversity in habitats, geographic ranges and food sources. The crude protein and crude fat concentrations in crop samples were particularly similar for the Ara and Amazona species, while the thick‐billed parrot stood out for its higher crude fat and lower crude protein content. Wider variations were found among the concentrations of sodium (Na) and iron (Fe), proline and tryptophan. Compared with the requirements of 6−12 weeks leghorn chickens, all free‐ranging parrot diets contained lower crude protein, calcium (Ca), potassium (P) and Na concentrations. The hand‐feeding formulas contained lower crude fat, magnesium (Mg), arginine, valine and phenylalanine concentrations, as well as much higher levels of Ca and zinc (Zn), in comparison with parrot crop samples. Our data suggest that a single formulation could be used to hand‐rear Ara and Amazona sp. of 3 weeks of age and older, while a different formulation would likely be more appropriated for Rhynchopsitta sp. Experimental studies should evaluate if increasing the concentration of crude fat, Mg, arginine, valine and phenylalanine enhances psittacine chick growth and health.
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