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Sex determination in monomorphic birds is a precondition for captive breeding programs and management and conservation strategies for threatened species. Most species of the order Psittaciformes often present complications since these birds lack external sexual phenotypic traits, making it impossible to differentiate males and females. In the present study, we used molecular techniques to determine the sex of 31 individuals belonging to nine species of the order Psittaciformes kept under human care at the Akumal Monkey Sanctuary & Rescued Animals in Quintana Roo, Mexico. This is a useful and low-cost methodology based on the analysis of the conserved region of the CHD1 gene, which was amplified by PCR with two sets of primers: P8/P2 and 2550F/2718 R. All individuals were successfully sexed with the first set of primers, while only 28 out of 31 samples (90%) could be amplified with the second set. Out of the 31 individuals analyzed, fifteen are female, and seventeen are male. This information represents a handy tool for adequately managing birds under human care, resulting in their reproduction and eventual reintegration into their natural habitat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The captivity and use of native psittacine birds is prohibited in Mexico. However, as these birds are among the groups most affected by illegal trafficking, they are commonly found as companion animals. Nevertheless, it is difficult to obtain information on their health. Therefore, a retrospective study was conducted of the clinical histories and necropsy reports of native psittacines that had been submitted to the Bird Disease Diagnostic and Research Laboratory of the Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, from 2006 to 2017. The lesions were classified according to type and anatomical location and the diseases were classified as infectious or non-infectious. During this period, 252 psittacines were submitted, the most frequent of which were the red-lored parrot (Amazona autumnalis), orange-fronted parakeet (Eupsittula canicularis) and scarlet macaw (Ara macao). The lesions were primarily located in the digestive and respiratory systems. By integrating the clinical histories and post-mortem findings, we concluded that nutritional disorders were the most frequent non-infectious diseases, systemic bacterial infections were the most frequent infectious conditions, the primary parasite was Sarcocystis spp and the most frequent neoplasm was multicentric lymphoma. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Hematophagous mites affect numerous bird species, causing severe injuries to the budgerigars. Some species can cause dermatitis in humans. Aims: The purpose was to morphologically identify the mites related to budgerigars (Melopsittacus undulatus) and their nests in Yucatan, Mexico. Methods: In May 2022, a private budgerigar hatchery was visited and mites were collected from the bodies of the birds and their nests. The morphological traits of the mites were confirmed by scanning electron microscopy. Results: Four of 30 birds showed severe clinical signs of mite infestation. The Budgerigars revealed lesions in the cere, nostrils, eyelids, beak, and paws. The bird's skin showed signs of dryness and beige coloring. The birds with severe damage also presented anorexia and had deformed paws and beaks. The parasitosis was caused by the "burrowing mites," Knemidocoptes pilae. The burrowing mites and the Grallacheles bakeri were recovered and identified from paw scabs. To eliminate mites, a topical application of Ivermectin was administered to the necks of the birds. The dose was a single, which has a residuality of 21 days. Two drops (0.115 mg/ml) of ivermectin were applied to each bird. A gradual reduction in crusted lesions due to mite mortality was noted. The "tropical fowl mite" Ornithonyssus bursa was identified in the nests, which represents the first record in Mexico. Conclusions: Three species of mites were discovered in a single budgerigar hatchery. This emphasizes the importance of deworming birds and keeping a clean environment in their cages to reduce the potential for parasitic mite infestation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Yellow-headed Parrot (Amazona oratrix) is considered globally endangered due to intense poaching pressure and extensive tropical forest loss. We examined the relationships among nesting pair density, survey area, tropical forest type, and forest conservation conditions to estimate the potential population size in central-western Mexico. The surveyed areas constitute a representative sample of forest types, property ownership, and land use in the region. We estimated the overall surveyed area and the nesting pairs in general and by each forest type. Data were analyzed in multiple and single linear regression models. We used a high-resolution vegetation model to measure the extent of each forest type and land use in the area with suitable climatic conditions for nesting. We recorded 111 nesting events in 77 distinct nest trees during the 2002–2013 study period in an area of 185.3 km2. Overall nesting density was 0.59 ± 0.28 pairs per km2. Individual areas surveyed showed a broad variation in nest densities (0.14–1.5 per km2). Primary tropical semi-deciduous forest held 64% of the nesting pairs and the highest nesting density (1.98 ± 0.82 per km2). Tropical dry deciduous forest contained 11% of nesting pairs and 0.20 ± 0.19 pairs per km2. Single linear regression models by forest type performed better and are more practical for abundance calculations than multiple regression models. We estimate the size of the nesting population in the region at 701 pairs (95% CI: 526–876), which corresponds to about 1,399–2,330 parrots, using the mature/immature ratio used by the IUCN. The results suggest that central-western Mexico may hold about 27% of the species' global population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To evaluate the consumption of nutrients intake in a traditional and a proposed diet for parrots in captivity. Design/methodology/approach The study took place at Pachuca de Soto, Hidalgo, Mexico. Twelve parrots were assessed in captivity. The traditional diet (TD) provided to the birds was evaluated and a proposed diet (PD) was the alternative. The consumption and the amount of waste of each diet were recorded for five weeks. PD formula contained fruits, vegetables, and seeds. Data were analyzed with the Student's t-test at p<0.5 significance. Results TD lacked homogeneity in the ingredients offered during the five weeks evaluation. There were significant differences in the consumption between the two evaluated diets. The individual bird consumption was 349 g for TD and 314 g for PD. The TD was 41.87% fruits and 58.12% vegetables. The PD diet included seeds supplements. From the second to the fifth week of the evaluation PD had less waste. Limitations of the study The age, weight, sex and excreta collection from the parrots were not registered due to restriction rules in the conservation area. Findings/conclusions The PD offered the requirements that parrots need. It is necessary to train technical personnel on diet preparation. Feeding frequencies and food diversity stimulated consumption and waste decreased, improving the nutritional balance of the birds in captivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

After five years of the scarlet macaw's return to the Los Tuxtlas Biosphere Reserve, México, and intense awareness campaigns with the local population, the scarlet macaw is recognized as an incentive for ecotourism activities in the region. Tourism service providers, especially those that assist tourists as guides, and less those who provide services in the nearest city, are aware of the reintroduction efforts. All agree that the scarlet macaw presence can be a trigger for this economic activity in the near future. There are also signs of recovery of the species in the cultural symbolism of Veracruz. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Parrots are a seriously threatened group because of the illegal pet trade, their habitat fragmentation and the destruction of tropical forests. This study aimed to determine the relationship between forest fragmentation and the geographic potential distribution of parrot species in the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico. The research was carried out in the Mexican portion of the Yucatan Peninsula Biotic region, which includes the states of Campeche, Quintana Roo and Yucatan. We worked with the eight species of psittacids that inhabit the selected areas: Eupsittula nana, Amazona albifrons, Amazona xantholora, Amazona autumnalis, Pionus senilis, Pyrilia haematotis, Amazona oratrix and Amazona farinosa. For these species, we used the potential geographical distribution maps that were obtained through the Maximum Entropy algorithm, published in 2014. To measure the levels of forest fragmentation in the Peninsula, we employed the land use and vegetation maps from series IV (2007-2010) of the National Institute of Statistics and Geography. We calculated different landscape metrics at 100 sites randomly distributed within the predicted presence and absence areas for the species. Multivariate methods were used to shorten dimensionality in the analysis, as well as to explore the observed patterns. We did not find any pattern regarding the number of variables that contribute to the logistic regression models (LR) and the size of the parrot's potential geographical distribution area within the Peninsula. For Pyrilia haematotis and Amazona oratrix, the fragmentation variables used did not seem to have any relationship with their potential geographical distribution in the Peninsula (intersection, Pr<0.0001). Only for Eupsittula nana, Amazona xantholora and Pionus senilis, we found that the mean patch edge, the mean shape index and the mean perimeterarea ratio were important to determine their potential distribution patterns, respectively and in general, the variables indicated the preferences of these parrots to occupy larger habitat patches. Parrots must be given a special care and protection within the states of Campeche and Quintana Roo, since there are areas with high parrot diversity and are importantly affected by human activities. The best recommendation for managers and users of protected areas within the Yucatan Peninsula is that extensive areas of forest should be maintained in order to guarantee the suvival of psittacid populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nonnative Monk Parakeets have been reported in increasing numbers across many cities in Mexico, and were formally classified as an invasive species in Mexico in late 2016. However, there has not been a large-scale attempt to determine how international pet trade and national and international governmental regulations have played a part in colonization, and when the species appeared in different areas. We describe the changes in regulations that led the international pet trade market to shift to Mexico, then used international trade data to determine how many parakeets were commercially imported each year and where those individuals originated. We also quantified the recent increases in Monk Parakeet (Myiopsitta monachus) sightings in Mexico in both the scientific literature and in citizen science reports. We describe the timeline of increased reports to understand the history of nonnative Monk Parakeets in Mexico. As in other areas where the species has colonized, the main mode of transport is through the international pet trade. Over half a million Monk Parakeets were commercially imported to Mexico during 2000–2015, with the majority of importation (90%) occurring in 2008–2014, and almost all (98%) were imported from Uruguay. The earliest record of a free-flying Monk Parakeet was observed during 1994–1995 in Mexico City, but sightings of the parakeets did not become geographically widespread in either the scientific literature or citizen science databases until 2012–2015. By 2015, parakeets had been reported in 97 cities in Mexico. Mexico City has consistently seen steep increases in reporting since this species was first reported in Mexico. Here we find that both national and international legal regulations and health concerns drove a rise and fall in Monk Parakeet pet trade importations, shortly followed by widespread sightings of feral parakeets across Mexico. Further monitoring of introduced Monk Parakeet populations in Mexico is needed to understand the establishment, growth and spread of introduced populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Outside its historical range in South America, the Monk Parakeet (Myiopsitta monachus) is considered an invasive species. Although recorded in the wild in Mexico since 1999, there are few studies of its impact on agriculture and native birds. From April to August 2015, we evaluated both impacts in agricultural parcels of the Montecillo Campus of Colegio de Postgraduados, Texcoco, State of Mexico, Mexico. We conducted band transects, focal observations on nests, and direct (on corncobs) as well as indirect assessments (polls) of the damage to the corn crops by parrots and other birds, and collected behavioral records. The approximately colony size was 35 individuals, and we found eight nests very much localized; furthermore, the average parakeet flock was of 2.59 individuals, and our observations show that their interactions – particularly aggressive behaviors (χ² = 8.2, df = 3, P = 0.05) – were intraspecific. According to the polls, the parrots damage mainly maize fields and apricot plantations, although to a lesser extent than other birds, which altogether produce an overall crop damage from 8% to 50%. Moreover, 403 ears of corn (11% of the total assessed) showed bird damage, but only 57 of these ears (14%) were definitely damaged by parrots. The average corn without damage was higher compared to the undamaged (t = -4.99; P = 0.02). Our data suggest that on the Campus, the Monk Parakeet is an invasive exotic species that causes marginal agricultural damage; however, we found no negative interaction with native birds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The Red-Tailed Amazon parrot ( Amazona brasiliensis) is an endangered species of the Psittaciformes. There is little information about hematologic and biochemical variables of this species. Objectives The purpose of this study was to determine hematologic and biochemical RIs for free-living A brasiliensis nestlings on Rasa Island, Paraná, Brazil, and to compare the results between sexes. Methods Thirty-seven parrots were taken from their nests and physically restrained for clinical examination and blood collection. The sex was diagnosed by PCR using the blood samples collected. Reference intervals were determined as recommended by the ASVCP guidelines in healthy nestlings. The difference between groups was analyzed using the Mann-Whitney test or Student's t-test. Results Sexing revealed 12 females and 25 males. The RIs for the measured variables were as follows: RBC 1.1-2.6 × 106/μL, PCV 29.1-50.3%, HGB 7.2-12.9 g/ dL, MCV 152-293 fL, MCHC 22.2-28.4 g/ dL, WBC 4.9-28.5 × 103/μL, 1.2-16 × 103/μL, lymphocytes 2.4-18.7 × 103/μL, monocytes 0.0-1.0 × 103/μL, eosinophils 0.0-0.9 × 103/μL, 0.0-1.3 × 103/μL, heterophil:lymphocyte ratio 0.0-2.2, plasma total solids 2.1-3.7 g/ dL, uric acid 0.5-2.0 mg/ dL, glucose 184.9-284.3 mg/ dL, AST 100.3-226.6 U/L, LDH 178.1-927.7 U/L, CK 149.8-1144.0 U/L, cholesterol 137.5-256.9 mg/ dL, total protein 1.8-3.0 g/ dL, calcium 7.0-8.6 mg/ dL, and phosphorus 2.9-6.1 mg/ dL. Increased concentrations of cholesterol ( P < .05) were observed in females. Discussion This is the first study to establish hematologic and biochemical RIs for free-living A brasiliensis nestlings on Rasa Island. Hematologic and biochemical variables are important tools for evaluating the health status of free-living birds, and also support conservation planning for endangered species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study that evaluates the interaction between landscape variables on the potential geographic distribution of parrots in the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico. The study is undertaken through the use of eight species of psittacines and evaluating their geographic distribution. The results of the study show that the most explanatory variables were the interactions between total edge, total forest area, and the tropical semi-evergreen medium-height forest.

Ecological niche models provide useful predictions of species distributions, but may fail to detect reductions in distribution due to factors other than habitat loss, such as hunting or trade. From 2001 to 2009, we conducted field-surveys along the Mexican Pacific coast to obtain presence-absence data for nine Psittacidae species. We applied Genetic Algorithm for Rule set Prediction (GARP) ecological niche modeling, using field-survey presence data to determine the potential current distribution of each species, and incorporated absence data to delineate extirpation areas. All parrot species showed a reduced current distribution, ranging from 9.6 to 79% reduction of estimated original distribution. The threatened and endemic species of Amazona oratrix, Amazona finschi, and Forpus cyanopygius suffered the greatest distribution reduction, higher than previously estimated by habitat-based models, suggesting that capture for trade may have caused extirpation of these species. The greatest extent of current distribution was occupied by Aratinga canicularis, Amazona albifrons and Ara militaris, which continue to occur throughout most of their original distribution. Amazona auropalliata, Aratinga strenua, and Brotogeris jugularis also occur throughout their restricted distribution in coastal Chiapas, and show a relatively small distribution reduction, but had the highest proportion of modified lands within their current distributions. Our results highlighted the regions of coastal Guerrero, northern Nayarit, and southern Sinaloa where parrot species have been extirpated even though GARP models predicted suitable habitat available. Ideally distribution models should be verified in the field to determine conservation priorities, and efforts should be directed to maintain populations of species with greatest distribution reductions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The yellow-headed parrot Amazona oratrix is categorized as Endangered on the IUCN Red List but little is known about its distribution, particularly along the Pacific coast of Mexico. We used ecological niche models, with presence records from museum collections and historical sightings, overlain on vegetation maps, to predict the historical range of the yellow-headed parrot along the Pacific coast of Mexico. We compared this with the current range of the species, estimated with ecological niche models using presence–absence data from surveys during 2003–2008. We estimate that the range of the yellow-headed parrot along Mexico’s Pacific coast has contracted by 79%. The current range may now cover only 18,957 km2, in three main areas. At one of these, a small isolated area on the coast of Jalisco, the species may be vulnerable to extirpation or genetic endogamy. There is a lack of conserved tropical semi-deciduous forest, which provides optimal habitat for reproduction of this parrot, within the current range of the species. Only the south, along the coast of Oaxaca, has extensive areas of this habitat. There are only three, small, protected areas within the species’ current range. Conservation strategies need to be implemented to restore connectivity between the three main areas of the current range of the yellow-headed parrot on the Pacific coast of Mexico. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Maroon-fronted Parrot (Rhynchopsitta terrisi) is a threatened species endemic to pine-oak (Pinus spp.-Quercus spp.) forests in "sky islands" of the Sierra Madre Oriental in Mexico. We measured parrot (n = 10) home ranges during the breeding season (1999-2001) using radiotelemetry. Home ranges varied among years: 1999 = 12,379.05 ha, 2000 = 8,633.82 ha, and 2001 = 4,736.75 ha. Differences in home range size may reflect variation in distribution, abundance, and patchiness of food. Daily movements in 1999 were estimated as 23.6 km versus 13.7 km in 2000 and 26.8 km in 2001. Habitat preferences within the Pinus forest varied among nesting seasons. Preference in 1999 was for Pinus-Abies-Pseudotsuga forest and in 2000 and 2001 it was for Pinus forest and chaparral. This variation may be influenced by nesting behavior. Rapid landscape changes may necessitate planting and conserving pine forest to regenerate areas for long term conservation of Maroon-fronted Parrots. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Military Macaw (Ara militaris) is an endangered species with a fragmented distribution and declining populations. Their diet has not been described in detail but the species is considered to be a specialized granivore, and individuals may make seasonal movements in search of food resources. This study examined the diet of Military Macaws in tropical dry and oak (Quercus spp.) forests of Cuicatlán, México. We followed macaws to identify diet composition, and quantified the nutritional content of all items which they consumed. Military Macaws used 10 plant species during the year having a standardized Levins niche breath index of B = 0.18. Their diet consisted principally of seeds but also included fruits, leaves, and latex. Foods rich in protein and lipids composed the diet of macaws, especially during the breeding season. Macaws preferred some plant species using them more than predicted by their abundances. Food resources must be considered when managing and preserving habitat to protect this endangered species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on the study regarding the potential for learned communication signals to constrain conservation strategies of thick-billed parrot. It notes that translocation and reintroduction, which is the process of transferring individual species from one part of their range to another, are the employed conservation strategies by the conservation biologists. Furthermore, acoustic analysis using both spectrogram cross-relations and parameter measurements of the surveys conducted at three geographically distinct breeding populations in the Sierra Madre Occidental of Chichuahua, Mexico showed that there are no significant differences among the three sites.

We report observations of a population of Military Macaws (Ara militaris) within the Tehuacán-Cuicatlán Biosphere Reserve in northern Oaxaca, Mexico during 2002-2004. Macaws used a series of barrancas for roosting and nesting, and foraged widely in surrounding areas. Most of the population of ~100 individuals could be counted flying to or from the major roosting areas of El Sabino Canyon and Barranca de Las Guacamayas. Reproduction appeared to be restricted to vertical cliffs of El Sabino Canyon. Most movements were associated with seasonal foraging and depended upon availability of fruits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We studied Thick-billed Parrot (Rhynchopsitta pachyrhyncha) nest-site density and social nesting behavior from 1998 to 2001 in Madera, Chihuahua, Mexico. The species formed high-density nesting clusters; 45 nesting attempts (30%) involved nesting pairs sharing nest trees, with a maximum of three nesting pairs per tree. The majority of nest trees were live or dead quaking aspens (Populus tremuloides). Clusters contained a mean of 11.5 breeding pairs (5 nests/ha). The highly social nesting behavior of Thick-billed Parrots may have important implications for management and conservation of their breeding habitat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Provides information on a study which determined the productivity and nesting success of the Thick-billed Parrot during 1995 through 2001 in nesting areas at the Sierra Madre Occidental in Mexico. Results of the timing of breeding; Productivity losses and causes of nest failure; Management and conservation implications.

[Display omitted] • We infer the largest phylogeny of Leptophis to date. • Widespread Leptophis ahaetulla sensu lato is composed of multiple species. • Species within L. ahaetulla have evolved distinct color patterns. • Widespread L. depressirostris possibly contains two species. Tetrapod taxa with broad geographic distributions across the Neotropics are often composed of multiple evolutionary lineages. In this paper, we present the most complete phylogeny of Leptophis to date and assess morphology-based species limits within the broadly distributed green parrot snake Leptophis ahaetulla sensu lato, which occurs from Mexico to Argentina. Although L. ahaetulla sensu stricto, L. nigromarginatus and L. occidentalis were recovered as paraphyletic, tree topology tests failed to reject their monophyly. Monophyly of L. bocourti , L. coeruleodorsus , L. cupreus , L. depressirostris , L. marginatus , L. riveti and L. sp. nov. was strongly supported. Our phylogenetic trees support recognition of multiple species within Leptophis ahaetulla sensu lato and suggest that color evolution and the uplift of the Andes played an important role in the diversification of parrot snakes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Maroon-fronted Parrot ( Rhynchopsitta terrisi) is an endangered parrot endemic to pine-oak forests in north-eastern Mexico. According to all present classifications, R. terrisi as well as Rhynchopsitta pachyrhyncha are treated as a separate species based on some morphological and behavioral discrepancies. Despite this formal separation of the two species, some taxonomists conjecture their conspecific character. However, mutual taxonomic position of both species/subspecies was never verified by molecular research. We sequenced full mitochondrial genome of R. terrisi and constructed phylogenetic tree using sequences of mitochondrial ND2 gene from R. terrisi. R. pahyrchyncha and some other representative species of the tribe Arini. Our results indicated that in contrast to formal classification, both Rhynchopsitta taxa should be treated as subspecies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dispharynx nasuta is a widespread nematode parasite located in the proventriculus. This parasite may cause mortality in free-living birds or in captivity. However, reports of this parasite in psittacines are scarce. In a private aviary, in Zamora, Michoacan, Mexico six red-rumped parrots (Psephotus haematonotus) died in one month, from mid-August to mid-September 2016, and one more specimen died during the examination. Prior to death, the birds presented depression, ruffled feathers, crop atony, and regurgitation. Upon necropsy, ulcers in the proventriculus, and hemorrhagic content associated with the presence of round worms was observed. At histopathology examination, the parasites were identified as Spirurida nematodes, located in the proventricular and ventricular mucosa. Specimens were submitted to the parasitology laboratory of the College of Veterinary Medicine and Husbandry, National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), where the parasites were identified as D. nasuta. This is the first report of D. nasuta in P. haematonotus and the first report of D. nasuta in Mexico., (Copyright © 2021 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

A key aspect in the conservation of endangered populations is understanding patterns of genetic variation and structure, which can provide managers with critical information to support evidence-based status assessments and management strategies. This is especially important for species with small wild and larger captive populations, as found in many endangered parrots. We used genotypic data to assess genetic variation and structure in wild and captive populations of two endangered parrots, the blue-throated macaw, Ara glaucogularis, of Bolivia, and the thick-billed parrot, Rhynchopsitta pachyrhyncha, of Mexico. In the blue-throated macaw, we found evidence of weak genetic differentiation between wild northern and southern subpopulations, and between wild and captive populations. In the thick-billed parrot we found no signal of differentiation between the Madera and Tutuaca breeding colonies or between wild and captive populations. Similar levels of genetic diversity were detected in the wild and captive populations of both species, with private alleles detected in captivity in both, and in the wild in the thick-billed parrot. We found genetic signatures of a bottleneck in the northern blue-throated macaw subpopulation, but no such signal was identified in any other subpopulation of either species. Our results suggest both species could potentially benefit from reintroduction of genetic variation found in captivity, and emphasize the need for genetic management of captive populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents observations on nest site requirements and nesting behavior of Lilac-crowned Parrots in western Mexico. Net site characteristics; Pattern of parental care throughout nestling cycle; Egg-laying and incubation; Comparison of Lilac-crowned parrot to other parrot species.

We present arguments against the recognition of Amazona gomezgarzai Silva et al., 2017 as a valid species. This putative new species was stated to have been discovered in Becanchén town in the central Yucatan Peninsula by a veterinarian, who presented two live individuals to the authors for description. This description has numerous weaknesses, as follows: 1) the Yucatan Peninsula avifauna is well-known, having been extensively explored by collectors and other ornithologists; 2) the authors were never in the relevant field area, nor did they verify that the two individuals obtained for the description came from a natural population; 3) our field trip to the type locality and distribution area failed to verify the existence of the putative new species there; instead, inhabitants of these localities denied that such a person was there and denied having given anyone the birds, nor did they recognize that there were parrots matching the "new" species in the area; 4) the description was prepared without proper voucher specimens; 5) comparisons in existing museum collections were highly inadequate; 6) the characters on which the description is based fail to support that it represents a valid taxon, instead strongly supporting an hypothesis of hybrid origin, which was untested by nuclear DNA markers; and 7) no collecting permits were mentioned in the paper. Although earlier reviewers pointed out weaknesses of the original manuscript, the authors failed to rigorously address these questions and the paper was nevertheless published.

Illegal trade constitutes a major threat for a variety of wildlife. A criminology framework has been recently applied to parrot poaching in Mexico, suggesting an opportunistic crime in which the most abundant and accessible species, and not the rare or highly priced species, were poached more often. We analyzed this information, together with additional long-term data (1981-2005) on both the legal and illegal trade of the 22 Mexican parrot species (n = 31,019 individuals), using multivariate statistics and hypothesis-testing approaches. Our results showed a selective capture of parrot species attending to their attractiveness. Parrot species widely differed in attractiveness to people (as reflected by their combined measures of body size, coloration, and ability to imitate human speech), and their attractiveness strongly correlated with their prices both in the Mexican and US markets. The most attractive and valuable species (amazons and macaws) were disproportionally caught attending to the number of years they were legally trapped. Similar patterns were found for parrots poached for the domestic Mexican market, for those smuggled to the USA, and for those legally exported before or after 1992, when the USA ban led parrot exports to be mostly directed to European countries. Finally, the long-term cross-cultural preference for the most attractive species has led them to be among the most threatened species today. Since current parrot poaching mostly responds to local demand, socio-ecological work is needed to reverse the long-standing pet-keeping tradition that may decimate the most desired species in Neotropical countries.