Relative Abundance of Parrots throughout the Yucatan Peninsula: Implications for their Conservation

Abstract

Information on species' abundances of members of the Family Psittacidae (parrots) is scarce. We determined relative abundances of parrots in nine areas of the Yucatan Peninsula; six sampled during the years 2011–2012, and three during 2008–2010. We counted parrots on 360 plots, calculated relative abundance, and constructed dominance - diversity graphs. Six species were identified in the study areas: Amazona albifrons, Eupsittula nana, Amazona xantholora, Amazona autumnalis, Amazona oratrix and Pionus senilis. The southern Yucatan Peninsula harbored the highest number of species. Overall, E. nana was the most abundant species, although in the southern portion of the peninsula A. albifrons was dominant. Using the abundance values obtained in this research, we can begin to identify and establish new priority sites for parrot conservation within the Yucatan Peninsula and develop new proposals for conservation and sustainable management practices in the region.