Loro Parque Fundación visits Sigchos-Ecuador
In July Cristoph Kiessling, President of Loro Parque Fundación, and Rafel Zamora, Scientific Director of Loro Parque Fundación, visited both of their properties in Sigchos-Ecuador purchased over 20 years ago to conserve the Yellow-eared Parrot (Ognorhynchus icterotis). This species is endemic of the Andes in Colombia and Ecuador, and it is thought to be extinct for more than 20 years in the country.
Loro Parque Fundación acquired two properties in 1995 after the re-discovery by Francisco Sornoza and Niels Krabbe (Jocotoco members). Back then, the last 19 individuals of Ognorhynchus icterotis were spotted. Since the years 1995-1998 this small population declined until its disappearance in the country. With support of Loro Parque Fundación, we are currently monitoring the properties to see whether this species could still be present in the area.
The team of Loro Parque Fundación was pleased with their visit and acknowledged the potential of both properties. Our Conservation Director Michael Moens, Research Coordinator José León, Vicente Pazmiño and Felix Calota (members of the community nearby) joined this delegation during their visit.
