Keywords
Amazona tucumana
Austral Yungas
feeding
nesting
priority areas
Abstract
The Alder Amazon (Amazona tucumana) is an endemic parrot from the subtropical montane forests of northwestern Argentina and southern Bolivia (Austral Yungas). We collected published and novel information on the species biology, ecology, and conservation. We recorded Alder Amazon feeding on seeds, fruits, and flowers of 18 native and 5 alien species. We identified nests in 10 tree species along an elevation gradient between 1470–2200 masl and we found a high variability in nest density. We found six roosts harbouring whole or most of the populations of an area; therefore, to monitor population trends it would be a good strategy to conduct roost counts yearly. We recorded 7650 individuals in 26 sites in Argentina and Bolivia. The current population size is probably lower than the level before the 1980’s when captures for the international pet trade attained a maximum. Our data suggest that Alder Amazon meets the criteria to be categorized as Vulnerable under the Red List of IUCN. Due to the specific reproductive and feeding requirements it is necessary to delineate forest management guidelines and create protected areas that can assure the species conservation.
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