Justification This species is classified as Near Threatened because its population is suspected to be declining moderately rapidly owing to habitat loss and capture for the cagebird trade.

Family/Sub-family Psittacidae

Species name author (Cabanis, 1885)

Taxonomic source(s) SACC (2005 + updates), Sibley and Monroe (1990, 1993), Stotz et al. (1996)

Population estimate

Population trend

Range estimate (breeding/resident)

Country endemic?

unknown

decreasing

69,200 km²

No

Range & population Amazona tucumana is found in north-west Argentina and southern Bolivia (where it is known from a few scattered localities in Tarija and Chuquisaca departments¹, and from recent records in Santa Cruz department²). A recent study of the status and distribution of the species in Argentina recorded 5,500 individuals, and estimated the Argentinean population to be approximately 10,000 birds³, but around 20,000 individuals were exported from Argentina in the mid to late 1980s³ suggesting a substantial population decline may have occurred. After it was placed on Appendix I of CITES in response to this, international trade was effectively cut off, although local exploitation continues³. However, it does not seem as if populations recovered, and habitat loss is of concern, particularly in Argentina where it is highly degraded and there are only a few, small and isolated remnants³. Threats to habitat are less severe in Bolivia, but the species has declined there and is projected to continue to do so¹. A dedicated national population census and monitoring initiative is required to provide an estimate of the Bolivian population and to locate, measure and monitor local populations and post-breeding roosts¹.

Important Bird Areas Click here to view map showing IBAs where species is recorded and triggers any of the IBA criteria.

Ecology: The species inhabits open mountain woodland in Andean yungas forest dominated by pure stands of Alnus acuminata or Podocarpus parlatorei, from 1,600-2,600 m. In winter it is present in several protected areas, including El Rey National Park.

Threats Around 20,000 individuals were exported from Argentina in the mid to late 1980s³. After it was placed on Appendix I of CITES in response to this, international trade was effectively cut off, although local exploitation continues³. Habitat in Argentina is highly degraded and consists of small, isolated fragments.

Conservation measures underway CITES Appendix I. Present in several protected areas including El Rey National Park, Argentina in the non-breeding season.

Conservation measures proposed Enforce ban on trade. Obtain current population estimate. Clarify extent of current threat from trade. Effectively protect core areas of remaining habitat.

References del Hoyo et al. (1997). 1. A. Maccormick in litt. (2005). 2. R. Hoyer in litt. (2005). 3. L. Rivera in litt. (2004).

Text account compilers Stuart Butchart (BirdLife International), Jonathan Ekstrom (BirdLife International), Matt Harding (BirdLife International), Andy Symes (BirdLife International)

Contributors Rich Hoyer, Aidan Maccormack (University of Glasgow), Luis Rivera

IUCN Red List evaluators Stuart Butchart (BirdLife International), Andy Symes (BirdLife International)

Recommended citation BirdLife International (2009) Species factsheet: Amazona tucumana. Downloaded from http://www.birdlife.org on 10/2/2010

This information is based upon, and updates, the information published in BirdLife International (2000) Threatened birds of the world. Barcelona and Cambridge, UK: Lynx Edicions and BirdLife International, BirdLife International (2004) Threatened birds of the world 2004 CD-ROM and BirdLife International (2008) Threatened birds of the world 2008 CD-ROM. These sources provide the information for species accounts for the birds on the IUCN Red List.

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