.
The squirrel monkey
There are less than 2,000 squirrel monkeys of the sub species Saimiri
oerstedi citrinellus which is endemic to the central pacific coast
of Costa Rica. Due to fragmentation of its original habitat, 42 separated
subpopulations are found in the area. The best known population (Wong, Thesis,1990)
is in Manuel Antonio National Park (MANP).
Six troops live in the park, and eight more in the surrounding area (Wong,
1990). This habitat has been reduced by 30% (estimate) in the past 5 years
and currently planned developments will reduce this habitat another 30%
in 5 years (estimate).
The squirrel monkey is the most endangered primate in all Central America.
Trapping for the pet trade (1950-1960), a yellow fever epidemic (50's),
the tropical storm Gert (September, 93) and the hurricane Caesar (July,
1996), commercial development and habitat destruction have all combined
over the years to reduce the population of the species.
Other problems include a skewed sex ratio, failure to locate mates, disease,
genetic drift, inbreeding, depression, fighting, reduction of populations
of prey animals, and poaching. These populations will require intensive
management to survive in its current fragmented distribution or in re-established
populations.
Red Lored Parrot
NOTE: Differs from the yellow-cheeked Amazon in being larger and having
bright green cheeks and ear coverts, the margin of the feathers of the crown
and nape broadly marked with lilac.
RANGE: Southeastern Nicaragua, eastern and southwestern Costa
Rica, south to western Colombia and extreme northwestern Venezuela.
REPRODUCTION: Lives in pairs or small groups. Nest in natural cavities and
lays 2 - 4 eggs in the dry season. Young are born 25/26 days later, and
will leave the nest in 8 weeks. Aviculture: first record in Holland in 1979
.
FOOD: Fruits, nuts, and seeds of different trees; also citrus fruits and
mangoes.
THREATS TO SURVIVAL: Hunted both for the pet trade, and for damages in agriculture.
CITES: No information available for this species probably because the young
look like the other Autumnalis species
Yellow Naped Parrot
RANGE: From S Mexico to NW Costa Rica. IN COSTA RICA: Widespread but generally
uncommon; prefers the tropical dry forest (Guanacaste and Nicoya peninsula);
the southern limit is the Rio Tarcoles evergreen forest (Carara Nat.Park
); elevations up to 500 mt.
REPRODUCTION: Lives in pairs or small groups, and nests in dead trees during
dry season. Gestation is 28/30 days, and young will leave the nest 75 days
later. Aviculture: first record in Australia in 1949 .
FOOD: Fruits and seeds of different trees , sometimes flowers and buds.
THREATS TO SURVIVAL: One of the species most endangered, due to both deforestation
and the pet trade, because it is considered one of the "best talkers".
A recent report states that only 1,500 individuals are left in entire country.
CITES: 6,000 birds were legally exported from Central America in 1980, and
28,000 by 1984.
White Fronted Parrot
RANGE: From NW and SE Mexico to NW Costa Rica .
IN COSTA RICA: In the tropical dry forest, lives up to the evergreen forests
of Guanacaste and the Peninsula de Nicoya; from lowlands up to elevations
of 3,500 ft. Needs at least secondary forest growth.
REPRODUCTION: Usually travels in flocks of 30 - 50 individuals, and in pairs
during the dry season . Nests in natural cavities and palm stubs, where
they lay up to 5 eggs. Aviculture: first record in Japan in 1922.
FOOD: Figs, seeds, nuts, and blossoms; sometimes mangoes and corn.
THREATS TO SURVIVAL: Wild populations endangered due to deforestation, the
pet trade, and hunting by farmers.
Mealy Amazon
RANGE: From Mexico to W Ecuador, Bolivia and SE Brasil .
IN COSTA RICA: Prefers forested areas up to middle elevations (1100 to 1500
mt); also in the lowlands of the S Pacific, and humid tropical forest in
the Caribbean.
REPRODUCTION: Travels in pairs, or more often in flocks of 15-20, during
the breeding (dry) season. Nests in natural cavities, laying on average
2 - 4 eggs. During the rainy season, large communal roosts may contain up
to 100. Aviculture: no record before 1980.
FOOD: Palmnuts, fruits and flowers.
THREATS TO SURVIVAL: Wild population have decreased due to deforestation
and the pet trade.
CITES : Legally exported in U.S.A. in 1980 2,300 birds and 11,300 until
1984 .
Red Lored Parrot/Amazon
RANGE: From Mexico to W Ecuador and C Brazil.
IN COSTA RICA: Frequents forest edge, and scattered groves in open country.
Resident of humid lowlands and foothills of virtually the entire Carribean
slope, with elevations up to 2600 ft here, and up to 3300 ft in the S Pacific.
REPRODUCTION: Travels in pairs and small groups, but after breeding season
(dry months) can be seen in larger groups. Nests in dead trees and high
palm stubs; lays 3 - 4 eggs and gestation is 26 days.
Aviculture: first time in England in 1957 .
FOOD: Fruits, including mangoes and citrus, palm nuts, and leaf buds.
THREATS TO SURVIVAL: Although this species is fairly adaptable to deforestation,
it is in high demand as a pet.
CITES: Is legally exported to the U.S.A. from Central and South America;
1,000 birds in 1979 and more than 14,400 between 1980 and 1984.
Orange Chinned Parakeet
RANGE: From S Mexico to N Colombia and N Venezuela.
IN COSTA RICA: Prefers open country with scattered trees. Common abundant
resident of N Pacific lowlands, ranging locally to 4000 ft on Cordillera
de Guanacaste and Cordillera Central.
Is expanding its range in wet lowlands as forests are cut.
BREEDING: Flys erraticly in flocks of up to 50 birds. During the dry season,
and beginning of the rainy, they form pairs and fly in small groups that
may nest together in old woodpeckers holes or large termitaries. Each pair
digs its own hole and lays 4/5 eggs.
Gestation is 22 days . Aviculture: first record in Germany 1873.
FOOD: Fruits, seeds, flowers and nectar of several trees. This bird is an
important dispersal agent.
THREATS TO SURVIVAL: Even though is often seen in cages, in general, its
wild populations are considered stable.
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