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Species distribution models are widely used in conservation planning, but obtaining the necessary occurrence data can be challenging, particularly for rare species. In these cases, citizen science may provide insight into species distributions. To understand the distribution of the newly described and Critically Endangered Amazona lilacina, we collated species observations and reliable eBird records from 2010–2020. We combined these with environmental predictors and either randomly generated background points or absence points generated from eBird checklists, to build distribution models using MaxEnt. We also conducted interviews with people local to the species’ range to gather community-sourced occurrence data. We grouped these data according to perceived expertise of the observer, based on the ability to identify A. lilacina and its distinguishing features, knowledge of its ecology, overall awareness of parrot biodiversity, and the observation type. We evaluated all models using AUC and Tjur R2. Field data models built using background points performed better than those using eBird absence points (AUC = 0.80 ± 0.02, Tjur R2 = 0.46 ± 0.01 compared to AUC = 0.78 ± 0.03, Tjur R2 = 0.43 ± 0.21). The best performing community data model used presence records from people who were able recognise a photograph of A. lilacina and correctly describe its distinguishing physical or behavioural characteristics (AUC = 0.84 ± 0.05, Tjur R2 = 0.51± 0.01). There was up to 92% overlap between the field data and community data models, which when combined, predicted 17,772 km2 of suitable habitat. Use of community knowledge offers a cost-efficient method to obtain data for species distribution modelling; we offer recommendations on how to assess its performance and present a final map of potential distribution for A. lilacina.
Rebecca Biddle; Ivette Solis-Ponce; Martin Jones; Stuart Marsden; Mark Pilgrim; Christian Devenish. The value of local community knowledge in species distribution modelling for a threatened Neotropical parrot. Biodiversity and Conservation 2021, 30, 1803 -1823.
AMA StyleRebecca Biddle, Ivette Solis-Ponce, Martin Jones, Stuart Marsden, Mark Pilgrim, Christian Devenish. The value of local community knowledge in species distribution modelling for a threatened Neotropical parrot. Biodiversity and Conservation. 2021; 30 (6):1803-1823.
Chicago/Turabian StyleRebecca Biddle; Ivette Solis-Ponce; Martin Jones; Stuart Marsden; Mark Pilgrim; Christian Devenish. 2021. "The value of local community knowledge in species distribution modelling for a threatened Neotropical parrot." Biodiversity and Conservation 30, no. 6: 1803-1823.
We located rural communities with pet parrots and used these locations to predict the probability of illegal parrot ownership across coastal Ecuador, using variables related to demand for pets, parrot availability, and trapping accessibility. In 12 pet keeping communities, we carried out in-depth interviews with 106 people, to quantify ownership, trapping, and interviewees’ attitudes towards these behaviours. We combined these data to calculate a trapping pressure index for four key roosting, feeding and nesting sites for the Critically Endangered Lilacine or Ecuadorian Amazon Parrot Amazona lilacina. We found that 66% of all communities had pet parrots and 31% had pet Lilacines. Our predictive models showed that pet parrot ownership occurs throughout coastal Ecuador, but ownership of Lilacines by rural communities, is more likely to occur within the natural distribution of the species. The number of people per community who had owned Lilacines in the last three years varied from 0–50%, as did the number of people who had trapped them—from 0–26%. We interviewed 10 people who had captured the species in the last three years who reported motives of either to sell or keep birds as pets. Attitudes towards pet keeping and trapping differed among the 12 communities: 20–52% believed it was acceptable to keep pet parrots, and for 32–74%, it was acceptable to catch parrots to sell. This being said, most people believed that wild parrots were important for nature and that local people had a responsibility to protect them. We conclude that trapping pressure is greatest in the southern part of the Lilacine’s range, and urgent conservation measures such as nest and roost protection, and local community engagement are needed.
Rebecca Biddle; Ivette Solis-Ponce; Martin Jones; Mark Pilgrim; Stuart Marsden. Parrot Ownership and Capture in Coastal Ecuador: Developing a Trapping Pressure Index. Diversity 2021, 13, 15 .
AMA StyleRebecca Biddle, Ivette Solis-Ponce, Martin Jones, Mark Pilgrim, Stuart Marsden. Parrot Ownership and Capture in Coastal Ecuador: Developing a Trapping Pressure Index. Diversity. 2021; 13 (1):15.
Chicago/Turabian StyleRebecca Biddle; Ivette Solis-Ponce; Martin Jones; Mark Pilgrim; Stuart Marsden. 2021. "Parrot Ownership and Capture in Coastal Ecuador: Developing a Trapping Pressure Index." Diversity 13, no. 1: 15.
Summary Amazona lilacina is a threatened species endemic to Ecuador, existing across a patchwork of mangroves, lowland coastal forests, agricultural and community owned land. The species was described in 2014 and listed as ‘Endangered’ on the IUCN Red List, however, full assessment of the population was lacking. Using a combination of field observations, roost surveys and community questionnaires, conducted over the last 20 years, we provide up-to-date information on the species’ Extent of Occurrence, estimate its global population size, and evaluate its level of threat. Our results suggest the species occurs across an area of 19,890 km2 in three distinct geographically isolated subpopulations. Roost surveys across the range estimate the minimum remaining population at 741–1,090 individuals and we present evidence to suggest a 60% decline over the past 19 years in one part of the species’ range. We conducted community questionnaires with 427 people from 52 communities. The presence of pet parrots was reported in 37 communities, including 17 communities which reported pet A. lilacina. From this we predict that over half of all communities within our study area keep parrots as pets and at least 96 communities keep A. lilacina. Our findings justify an IUCN Red Listing of at least ‘Endangered’ for this species and highlight the need for conservation support. In order to assess population health in more detail, further research is required to assess genetic diversity and roost dynamics, and to identify areas that may be important for feeding and nesting throughout the range. As many of these areas are likely to overlap with community owned land, we suggest that future conservation actions should revolve around, and be led by, these communities.
Rebecca Biddle; Ivette Solis Ponce; Paul Cun; Simon Tollington; Martin Jones; Stuart Marsden; Christian Devenish; Eric Horstman; Karl Berg; Mark Pilgrim. Conservation status of the recently described Ecuadorian Amazon parrot Amazona lilacina. Bird Conservation International 2020, 30, 586 -598.
AMA StyleRebecca Biddle, Ivette Solis Ponce, Paul Cun, Simon Tollington, Martin Jones, Stuart Marsden, Christian Devenish, Eric Horstman, Karl Berg, Mark Pilgrim. Conservation status of the recently described Ecuadorian Amazon parrot Amazona lilacina. Bird Conservation International. 2020; 30 (4):586-598.
Chicago/Turabian StyleRebecca Biddle; Ivette Solis Ponce; Paul Cun; Simon Tollington; Martin Jones; Stuart Marsden; Christian Devenish; Eric Horstman; Karl Berg; Mark Pilgrim. 2020. "Conservation status of the recently described Ecuadorian Amazon parrot Amazona lilacina." Bird Conservation International 30, no. 4: 586-598.