The Tucumán Amazon (Amazona tucumana) is a medium-sized species of parrot in the Psittacidae family. It is mainly green and has red at the front of its head above its pale beak. It is found in woodland (especially with Alnus acuminata or Podocarpus parlatorei) in the Yungas of Argentina and Bolivia. It is threatened by habitat loss and capture for the parrot trade.
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Habitat loss is a main concern. In Argentina, more than 60% of the yungas forests have disappeared and remaining Tucuman Amazon habitat is highly degraded and occurs in small, isolated fragments. In Bolivia, where the largest fragments of suitable habitat remain, the Southern Yungas ecosystem is considered to be highly threatened due to escalating forest destruction through logging and conversion for agriculture and pasture. Illegal capture for the pet trade continues in Bolivia and, as a compounding factor of this, nest trees are usually cut down to collect chicks.
A priority site for conservation measures is the Laguna Esmeralda Departmental Reserve in Quirusillas in the department of Santa Cruz, at the northern limit of the species’ range. Here, Armonía has been working with nine communities to raise awareness and build support for the conservation and protection of the Tucuman Parrot and its habitat. Significant progress has been made. In 2009, the Tucuman Parrot was recognized as a natural heritage symbol of Quirusillas and is now included as the central figure in the municipal coat of arms. In addition, the mayor of Quirusillas signed a declaration in support of the ban on capture and trade of the Tucuman Parrot. Armonía is assisting the development of a conservation and management plan for the Laguna Esmeralda Reserve.
Bolivia is in the southern South America region so the mileage requirements would be the same as for Brazil. It’s pretty easy to get there on miles using Avianca Taca which is a member of the Star Alliance or LAN which is a member of One World Alliance. If you need to get more miles, check out my resource pages.
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ECO-TOUR OPERATORS
Bird Bolivia – Tucuman Parrot Amazona tucumana: The most accessible spot is a site called Quirusillas, near Santa Cruz and part of a popular birding route, about two hours drive from Samaipata. It is probably easier to see the birds at Taraquia reserve in the southern department of Tarija is also a good area. We have no guide information on this site yet.
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