The canopies of the tropical dry forest of Cotsa Rica are home to a diverse range of species, including the critically endangered Yellow-Naped Amazon (Amazona auropalliata) a favourite of the illegal pet trade because of their bright plumage, impressive speech ability and social nature.

Together with illegal trade, habitat destruction from urban development and other activities such as farming has pushed the bird to the brink but with a Grant from MBZ and special assistance from the UAE Embassy in Costa Rica led by H.E. Rawdha Mohamed Jumaa Mohamed Alotaiba who facilitated the grant, Abraham Hernández Bacca and his team at the Toucan Rescue Ranch refuse to accept what seemed to be the Yellow-Naped Amazon’s fate.

Their latest project is focused on boosting the bird’s numbers and raising awareness in local communities. The 6 present Yellow-Naped Amazon pairs were given new breeding enclosures and nest boxes at the Toucan Rescue Ranch’s release site in Sarapiqui. With this helping hand, and continuous monitoring, the team are hopeful to see an increase in chick numbers and survival rates, securing the next generation of Yellow-Naped Amazons.

By continuing the education of local communities and forming alliances with other conservation groups fighting for the Yellow-Naped Amazon, Abraham and the team hope to see these brilliant birds take over the skies of Costa Rica once more.