LAPPA
Manager
LAPPA
has done significant conservation work for the Central Pacific Scarlet
Macaw population over the last decade with only volunteer help. We will
soon be hiring a part-time LAPPA manager, who will increase potential
for new and better managed projects. Potential projects include:
- Setting up a national and international volunteer program which could
assist in:
Implementing an intensive environmental education program, aimed at
adults and children;
-Reforesting with native tree species macaws in deforested watersheds
and close to local villages to attract macaws
-Coordinating a promotional campaign to inform local people about the
project;
-Fundraising for all activities
Studies
Monitoring
the Scarlet Macaw population
In August, 2005, we begin the 17th year of monitoring the Central Pacific
Scarlet Macaw population. We are anxious to see if anti-poaching activities
this year have influenced the number of chicks fledging. Two years ago
we discovered an additional fly-route along the Pacific coast, which
added about 75 individuals to the 330 we had estimated over the years
from the three fly-routes visible from the Tárcoles bridge counting
site.
Environmental Education
Vaughan
et al (2003) published results of an earlier environmental education
program involving elementary school children, their parents and other
community members. A newer, longer term (7 months vs 1 month) course
was carried out in 2004 and results are being analyzed.
Poaching
An
analysis of current and ex-poachers is in progress through interviews
with local residents, poachers and ex-poachers. In addition to creating
a socioeconomic and demographic poacher profile, it will quantify poaching
pressure in the Central Pacific, and focus on the roots of the problem
and how to stop it. |
