American Bird Conservancy (ABC), ProAves Colombia
The Rufous-fronted Parakeet (Bolborhynchus ferrugineifrons) is rapidly losing its habitat to agriculture, grazing and conversion to firewood.
In 2001, the WPT granted American Bird Conservancy funds to help the NGO Proyecto Ognorhynchus preserve and study Andean parrots, which included Yellow-eared Conures (Ognorhynchus icterotis) and Rufous-fronted Parakeets.
A report by researchers found that of the thirty-two species of parrot restricted to the Andes and the temperate zone of Patagonia fifteen, including the Rufous-fronted Parakeet, are threatened with extinction primarily because of habitat loss through deforestation. Poaching was another main concern. The study determined that knowledge of the species’ distribution and population status was required for planning and beginning conservation measures. It also decided that Andean parrot conservation through in-country programs would result in the best outcome.
Status: IUCN Vulnerable / CITES Appendix II
Population: 20,000-50,000 mature individuals, decreasing.
Threats: This species has a restricted range. Is affected by forest clearing for agriculture and grazing and widespread slash burning of páramo vegetation. Wildfires are increasing, threatening large areas within the species’ range.
Range: Found in Cordillera Central, C Colombia.
Natural history: The Rufous-fronted Parakeet is found in cold and sparsely wooded hillsides at 2400-4000 m (7872-13,120 ft). Birds feed on grass seeds on the ground, herbs and flowers. It may be found in potato fields and may be nomadic outside of the breeding season; birds are gregarious and easily approached.
