A
devastating forest fire in Nicaragua has destroyed a vitally important nesting
and roosting site of the Yellow-naped Amazon, one of the most endangered
parrots in Central America.
Peña
Inculta, a haven of biodiversity on the twin-peaked volcanic island of Ometepe
in the middle of Nicaragua's largest freshwater lake, was officially designated
as a wildlife refuge in 2010 in view of its ecological and cultural importance.
It is
home to almost 50 species of resident and migratory birds, including the
Yellow-naped Amazon. This charismatic but seriously threatened bird is one of
the more conspicuous and exotic inhabitants of Peña Inculta. And this forest is
- or was - one of the most important roosting, feeding and nesting sites for
Ometepe's iconic parrot, harbouring a population of more than 400 individuals.
The
ecological impact of the fire is wide-reaching, and the destruction of parrot
habitat will undoubtedly have a detrimental effect on a broad spectrum of other
wildlife, including capuchins and howler monkeys, agoutis, sloths, armadillos
and bats, as well as a variety of reptiles. But it's the Yellow-naped Amazon
that is likely to be hardest hit in view of the species' rarity and limited
range.
As if it
wasn't enough to run the gauntlet of nest-robbers who poach their eggs and
young to supply the local, regional and international pet trade, these
beleaguered parrots have now been deprived of a sizeable chunk of their forest
home. Although it doesn't sound massive, the 120 hectares lost to the fire
represents 40% of the most densely forested area within the wildlife refuge.
The widespread loss of mature trees - on which the parrots depend for nest
holes - is a particularly serious blow to their breeding prospects in the
coming seasons.
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