Regina Barber

Okay, Rachel, so earlier we talked about how the thick-billed parrots were really struggling. Like, in the 1990s, scientists think the population could have been at its lowest. And that's the same time period when these researchers at the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance and OVIS started doing a census of these birds every couple years to keep track of how they were doing.

Okay, Rachel, so earlier we talked about how the thick-billed parrots were really struggling. Like, in the 1990s, scientists think the population could have been at its lowest. And that's the same time period when these researchers at the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance and OVIS started doing a census of these birds every couple years to keep track of how they were doing.

And at the same time they're keeping an eye on the parrot population, these researchers are also working to help the people who make a living from the forest. Remember, logging is historically the largest threat to these parrots.

And at the same time they're keeping an eye on the parrot population, these researchers are also working to help the people who make a living from the forest. Remember, logging is historically the largest threat to these parrots.

And at the same time they're keeping an eye on the parrot population, these researchers are also working to help the people who make a living from the forest. Remember, logging is historically the largest threat to these parrots.

Yeah, and this is the first facet of their approach, identifying and protecting forests in partnership with both the government and the local community. And this work has come a long way. Ernesto says that at the beginning, decades ago, he approached the issue pretty differently from locals.

Yeah, and this is the first facet of their approach, identifying and protecting forests in partnership with both the government and the local community. And this work has come a long way. Ernesto says that at the beginning, decades ago, he approached the issue pretty differently from locals.

Yeah, and this is the first facet of their approach, identifying and protecting forests in partnership with both the government and the local community. And this work has come a long way. Ernesto says that at the beginning, decades ago, he approached the issue pretty differently from locals.

Even with these efforts, finding a tree to build a nest is still difficult for the thick-billed parrot. So researchers and community members came up with a second facet to their conservation efforts, wooden nesting boxes in the forest.

Even with these efforts, finding a tree to build a nest is still difficult for the thick-billed parrot. So researchers and community members came up with a second facet to their conservation efforts, wooden nesting boxes in the forest.

Even with these efforts, finding a tree to build a nest is still difficult for the thick-billed parrot. So researchers and community members came up with a second facet to their conservation efforts, wooden nesting boxes in the forest.

But these birds are also figuring out how to thrive on their own. Ernesto says the parrots are also learning how to use different trees to nest and different food to eat.

But these birds are also figuring out how to thrive on their own. Ernesto says the parrots are also learning how to use different trees to nest and different food to eat.

But these birds are also figuring out how to thrive on their own. Ernesto says the parrots are also learning how to use different trees to nest and different food to eat.

And these backpacks are powered by the sun.

And these backpacks are powered by the sun.

And these backpacks are powered by the sun.

And with this data, the researchers have been able to document the migration patterns and the nesting habits of these parrots, which in turn help them keep track of the parrot's recovery. And that gradual recovery makes Ernesto pretty confident they'll keep getting funding to continue this work through the end of the decade.

And with this data, the researchers have been able to document the migration patterns and the nesting habits of these parrots, which in turn help them keep track of the parrot's recovery. And that gradual recovery makes Ernesto pretty confident they'll keep getting funding to continue this work through the end of the decade.

And with this data, the researchers have been able to document the migration patterns and the nesting habits of these parrots, which in turn help them keep track of the parrot's recovery. And that gradual recovery makes Ernesto pretty confident they'll keep getting funding to continue this work through the end of the decade.