Después de más de una década y media, los tricahue parrots have returned to Río Clarillo National Park in Pirque, a milestone that biologists celebrate with enthusiasm.
This event marks the first time in over 15 years that a resident population has been observed and not just passing birds in this protected area near Santiago.
This discovery not only means that the parrots are breeding and staying in the park, but it also adds a new responsibility to the authorities, given that the park is near a densely populated area.
The initial notice came from a nearby neighbor who alerted the park rangers, who then identified a nesting area in a pomacite ravine near the El Principal sector, according to the CONAF.
The importance of this finding lies in the fact that for years only transient specimens were seen without evidence of feeding or reproduction in the park.
Now, with this confirmation, it is established that the place once again offers suitable conditions for the reproductive cycle of the tricahue parrot (Cyanoliseus patagonus bloxami), an endemic species of Chile.
Classified as “Endangered” in Atacama and Coquimbo, and “Vulnerable” in O’Higgins and Maule, the presence of this bird in the Metropolitan Region is significant. Conservation has been crucial since the 1980s when the species was close to extinction, according to park ranger Catalina Parra Loyola.
The SAG highlights that this parrot is the largest in Chile, measuring approximately 45 cm, with distinctive plumage in green, yellow, and orange tones, which facilitates its identification.
Its natural environment includes semi-arid pre-Andean areas near rivers, where they dig their nests in cliffs. Without these elements, their reproduction would be unlikely.
The Return of the Tricahue Parrots
The return of the tricahues does not eliminate persistent problems, such as hunting and the extraction of chicks, which have historically contributed to their decline. The hunting and capture of these birds has been prohibited since 1972, but threats continue.
According to the Ministry of the Environment, 85% of their population is concentrated between regions VI and VII. In CONAF censuses, between 1987 and 2001, around 1555 individuals were estimated in the VII region, with only 12 active nesting sites in the central area.
In agricultural contexts, tricahues may approach crop fields, requiring harmonious coexistence, highlights Parra Loyola. Additionally, it is crucial not to confuse them with the Argentine parrot, an invasive species.
Río Clarillo, the SNASPE park closest to Santiago with an area of 13,134.15 hectares, offers trails and picnic areas, although it does not have food sales, so it is advisable to plan the visit well.
The SAG advice is to observe the parrots from a safe distance to avoid disturbing them, especially during the nesting season. If an injured specimen is found, it is best to contact the authorities.
The conservation efforts since the 1980s, including the release of 20 parrots in 2011 when the area was still a national reserve, have been fundamental for this resurgence. Vigilance and protection continue to be key to their permanence.
