Puerto Rican Parrot Project-Fundraising trip: SOPI-AOS
Hacienda La Esperanza, ManatíHacienda La Esperanza, Manatí
Rio Abajo State Forest is the home of the most successful population of the extremely endangered Puerto Rican Parrot. Because El Yunque National Forest in eastern Puerto Rico’s highlands was the last place the parrots survived in the wild, biologists had long believed the parrots should be reintroduced there. But after years of frustrating attempts to establish a healthy population at El Yunque, they decided to try another site, selecting Rio Abajo, a region of rugged terrain 60 miles to the west. Parrots disappeared from Rio Abajo in the 1920s following the loss of primary forests, but today the area supports dense second-growth woodlands suitable for the birds. In 2006, scientists introduced a new flock to the region, and since then, “the population in Rio Abajo has taken us by surprise,” says Tom White, a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service biologist with the Puerto Rican Parrot Recovery Program. “We had no idea it would work so well.”
The Rio Abajo flock numbers at as many as 160. At least this past year, around 60 birds have fled from wild nests, a record! Many continue to settle around the aviary cages, creating a flock of captive and wild birds. The sight of wild parrots wheeling through the forest and the sound of their clown-horn squawks stimulate captive birds to lay. A member of the team who works daily with them will show us how they do their excellent job.
NOTE: Proceeds will be donated to World Parrot Trust.
Prices
Meeting Point
Name:
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Centro de Convenciones
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City:
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San Juan
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Map
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Difficulty Level
Level 1: EASY / Recommended for participants of all ages (children, young adults and adults).
Level 2: MODERATE / Requires enough physical condition to carry out hikes along fairly inaccessible areas. Children participation is left up to the parents and/or legal guardians' discretion.
Level 3: DIFFICULT / Requires good physical condition to carry out hikes of a considerable distance along rough terrain. Children participation is not recommended.
Level 4: EXTREME / Requires excellent physical condition in order to carry out hikes of a considerable distance along rough terrain, sometimes under very poor lighting. The participants’ physical condition and gear will be evaluated prior to the hike in order to make sure everyone is well-prepared.
787.722.5882
According to the current situation and following the screening protocols it has been determined that at the time of showing up for your reservation you must present evidence of vaccination (card or VacuID) or negative laboratory test of COVID-19 with no more than 72 hours before your reservation.
The laboratory tests that are being considered are antigens or PCR, the negative test will also apply to visitors with a single dose (Pfizer or Moderna).
Any doubts, questions or concerns can be communicated with the Reservations division from Monday through Friday from 9am-5:30pm at 787-722-5882.