Predation of nest of the El Oro Parakeet Pyrrhura orcesi (Psittaciformes: Psittacidae) by the Crimson-rumped toucanet Aulacorhynchus haematopygus (Piciformes: Ramphastidae), in the Buenaventura Reserve, Ecuador

Abstract

Nest predation is considered one of the main factors that regulate bird populations. Currently, the available information on nest predation is extensive, however, little is known about the identity of predators worldwide. Documentation of toucans depredating nests of the Psittacidae family is scarce. Here we report the first predation event of the Crimson rumped Toucanet (Aulacorhynchus haematopygus) on nests of the El Oro parakeet (Pyrrhura orcesi) in the Buenaventura Reserve, Ecuador. Pyrrhura orcesi is an endemic and endangered species (EN), inhabiting only a narrow strip of cloud forests in southwestern Ecuador. In the period 2002 to 2006 in Buenaventura Reserve, we conducted intensive searches for nests of P. orcesi, finding a total of 12 nests. The first known active nest for this species was located in December 2002. The nest was monitored and after a month the eggs were preyed on by a pair of A. haematopygus. We observed these types of predatory events in four more nests located in especially wooded areas of the Buenaventura Reserve. Four successful nests were located in wooded pastures. Although the number of identified nests was not representative, we believe that the nests located in wooded open areas are related to preventing predation, as is the case with other psittacids, although this hypothesis must be proven. Due to these predation events, in 2007 50 artificial nests were placed in wooded pastures, in an area of approximately 2,000 ha. This strategy increased cavity availability and the number of P. orcesi nesting groups. In 2019, artificial nests continue to be occupied by P. orcesi, contributing more to our knowledge of its reproductive biology and promoting the conservation of this species.