The La Esmeralda Rescue Center, in the provincial capital of Santa Fe, is the temporary home of around 30 talking parrots. These specimens are part of a conservation program aimed at preserving one of the most trafficked birds in Argentina.
Additionally, they play a crucial role as seed dispersers in one of the areas most affected by deforestation.
Rescue and conservation efforts for Argentina’s most trafficked birds
The parrots are part of the more than 1,400 wild animals rescued by the provincial Ministry of Environment and Climate Change. Out of that number, 570 specimens of different species have been released. The situation of the talking parrot (Amazona aestiva) in the province is critical, especially in the northernmost region, near the borders with Santiago del Estero and Chaco.
The talking parrot is under threat due to the loss of red quebracho trees and the capture of young individuals for illegal trafficking. At the La Esmeralda Rescue Center, the talking parrots undergo behavioral, physical, and health rehabilitation before being released.
Furthermore, work is done with the communities in the northern province to raise awareness about their importance in the ecosystem as seed dispersers.
Rehabilitation and release programs for the talking parrot
The rehabilitation of parrots includes a quarantine stage, medical check-ups, and health and behavioral assessments.
If they have spent a long time as pets, some may not recognize their own behavioral repertoire, making them incompatible with wildlife. Others may have injuries that require chronic treatments.
Continuation and expansion of conservation efforts
The idea is to continue forming a network to prevent illegal trafficking of the species.
The province also has other conservation programs, such as those focused on the preservation of the maned wolf, the crowned eagle, the yellow cardinal, the howler monkey, and the caiman.
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