PARROT CONSERVATION IN A SMALL ISLAND NATION - CASE OF THE COMMONWEALTH-OF-DOMINICA

The Commonwealth of Dominica, hereafter referred to as Dominica, is on e of only two islands in the English-speaking Caribbean with two speci es of extant, endemic Amazona parrots, namely the Imperial or Sisserou parrot (Amazona imperialis) and the Red-necked or Jaco parrot (A. ara usiaca). These birds are of national as well as international signific ance, as their populations have been on the decline for several years. During the East 15 years the local authorities, with the support and cooperation of various regional and international agencies, have mount ed a campaign to save both species from extinction. An islandwide publ ic awareness campaign has been attempted with encouraging results. An increase in the species population as well as an increased level of pr ivate and public support for parrot conservation, are among the positi ve results to date. In spite of these accomplishments, however the par rots are not out of danger and therefore continued vigilance is necess ary. Additional measures are proposed to ensure the continued existenc e and complete recovery of the Dominican Amazons.