The Tropical Center for Demographic Science

Introduction-

The Llanos is vast wetland of South America that provides habitat for huge numbers of birds, mammals, fish and other wildlife. However, conversion to agriculture, pollution and over hunting are serious threats to biodiversity.  Climate models predict that certain species will change their distributions, which requires movement of individuals. Predicting local effects requires following known individuals in time and space combined with historical data on demography, food abundance and climate. 

This project represents a diverse collaboration that expands on decades of avian research and natural resource conservation in the Llanos of Venezuela.

Our goal is to integrate long-term demographic models into regional conservation tools, by continuing a 22-year study of reproduction and demography in a marked population of parrots. Parrots are charismatic icons of the Tropics and the most threatened order of birds in the world. 

Incorporating long-term demographic models into a cohesive campaign for the conservation of this and other parrots can serve as a model for the region at a variety of scales.  However, this requires innovative, in-situ activities in pivotal areas of the Llanos and inspiring the next generation of local scientists to further engage the public.