The Puerto Rican Parrot, known locally as the “Iguaca” by the Taíno people, is a striking green bird with a red forehead and blue-tinted wing feathers. This unique species holds a significant place in Puerto Rico’s natural heritage. As the island’s only native parrot, it once thrived across the forests of Puerto Rico. Its existence has become precarious, making it an iconic symbol of conservation efforts.
Current Population and Status
The Puerto Rican Parrot is currently classified as critically endangered, making it one of the most endangered birds globally. As of early 2025, the wild population in El Yunque National Forest has reached a historic high of at least 75 birds. The Río Abajo State Forest supports a wild population estimated to be between 22 and 28 individuals. Overall estimates in early 2022 suggested approximately 250 wild parrots across El Yunque, Río Abajo, and Maricao State Forests, indicating a positive trend in recovery efforts.
These wild populations are complemented by a robust captive breeding program. Two main aviaries, the Iguaca Aviary in El Yunque and the José L. Vivaldi Aviary in Río Abajo, house a substantial number of birds. These facilities shelter over 228 parrots, with some reports indicating close to 469 birds in captivity as of early 2022. Captive-bred birds are essential for augmenting wild numbers through reintroduction efforts.
Factors Contributing to Decline
The decline of the Puerto Rican Parrot population stems from several interconnected historical and ongoing threats. Habitat loss is the primary reason for its near extinction. Before European colonization, an estimated one million parrots inhabited the island. Extensive deforestation for agriculture and development, including timber production, destroyed over 90% of their original forest habitat. This removal of mature forests, particularly old-growth trees like the Palo Colorado that provided nesting cavities, severely impacted the species.
Natural disasters, especially hurricanes, have also played a role in population setbacks. While historically part of the island’s ecology, the reduced and fragmented parrot populations are now vulnerable to these storms. For example, Hurricane Hugo in 1989 reduced the wild population from 47 to just 22 birds. Hurricane Maria in 2017 nearly wiped out the wild population in El Yunque, leaving only one survivor from 56 birds. Hurricanes destroy nesting trees and deplete food supplies, leading to starvation and increased vulnerability to predators.
Predation poses a significant challenge to the parrots. Introduced species like brown and roof rats, and small Indian mongooses, prey on eggs and chicks. Native predators such as the red-tailed hawk and the pearly-eyed thrasher also target parrots, with thrashers competing for nesting cavities and preying on young. Historical human impacts, including hunting for food, persecution as a crop pest, and illegal trapping for the pet trade, contributed to the species’ decline.
Restoring the Population
Significant efforts are underway to restore the Puerto Rican Parrot population, primarily through a comprehensive recovery program initiated in 1968. A cornerstone of this strategy is the captive breeding program, established in 1973 with the Luquillo Aviary. This program breeds parrots in facilities like the Iguaca Aviary and José L. Vivaldi Aviary, carefully managing genetic diversity and ensuring a sustainable source of birds for reintroduction.
Reintroduction efforts involve releasing captive-bred birds into protected areas to establish new wild populations. Initial releases began in El Yunque National Forest in the 1980s, followed by the Río Abajo State Forest in 2007, and more recently, the Maricao State Forest. These releases are sometimes augmented by fostering captive-bred chicks into wild nests, enhancing the survival of young birds in natural settings. Biologists continuously monitor these released birds, sometimes using small tracking devices, to assess their adaptation and survival.
Habitat protection and restoration initiatives are also integral to the recovery plan. This includes managing existing forest areas to ensure suitable nesting and foraging sites, and actively placing artificial nest boxes in younger forests where natural tree cavities are scarce. The recovery program involves a collaborative partnership between various entities, including the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the U.S. Forest Service, the Puerto Rico Department of Natural and Environmental Resources, and several conservation organizations. This sustained, multi-faceted approach aims to ensure the long-term viability of the Puerto Rican Parrot in its native habitat.