SURVIVAL AND CAUSES OF MORTALITY IN JUVENILE PUERTO-RICAN PARROTS

Fifteen juvenile Puerto Rican Parrots (Amazona vittala) from wild nest s in 1985, 1986 and 1987 were radio monitored an average of 110 +/- 15 .9 (SE) d (range 4-209 d) post-fledging. Minimum survival was 67% (n = 3) in 1985, 100% (n = 4) in 1986 and 43% (n = 7) in 1987. Most mortal ity (three of five deaths) occurred during the first 35 d following fl edging. A major cause of mortality was predation by raptors. This rese arch shows that additional studies are needed to define mortality caus es to juvenile and adult free-flying Puerto Rican Parrots and to devel op management guidelines to increase survival.