Dr

In 1992 I read the book “New World Parrots in Crises” and realized that parrots in the Americas were in trouble and that more scientists were needed to address this conservation crisis. Since that time I have spent most of my career studying the ecology, natural history, and conservation of parrots and macaws.

My first parrot study was on the nesting of Brotogeris parakeets (Tui Parakeet and Cobalt-winged Parakeets) in the nests of arboreal termites in
the rain forests of Manu National Park, Peru. Next I did a brief field survey and wrote a paper on populations of escaped Canary-winged and Yellow chevroned Parakeets in Miami. Since 1999 I have worked in Tambopata, Peru running the Tambopata Macaw Project .

Since I began my work with parrots, I have always seen the aviculture community and pet owners as great potential allies in the fight to conserve parrots. As a board member for Parrots International I will help the organization make a difference by ensuring they support solid scientific investigation and worthwhile conservation initiatives.

Donald Brightsmith