05.06.2008 - New study analyzes why endangered parrot populat...

The parrot's population began its dramatic descent towards the end of the 19th century as extensive deforestation destroyed much of its habitat. Additional stresses have come from poachers smuggling the birds out of Puerto Rico for the pet trade, competition for nesting sites with other birds and, significantly, hurricanes. The researchers also considered whether the low population numbers have been affected by inbreeding, which reduces the genetic health of the population.

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After testing the range of hypothesized factors impacting the Puerto Rican bird's struggle to increase its population growth rate, the researchers found that hurricanes play the largest role in hindering the parrot's recovery. In 1989, for example, Hurricane Hugo cut the population of Puerto Rican parrots down from 47 to 22 birds.

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