Again another success today, result of several years of work, the success of Yellow-eared Conure (Ognorhynchus icterotis) reproduction in Colombia. This conure was listed as a critically endangered species because its nesting habitat rapidly disappeared. This bird is closely related to the Wax Palm (Ceroxylon quindiuense) for feeding and nesting, and declined in a dramatic way due to deforestation and hunting. In order to stop it, the Loro Parque Foundation has since 1999 financed an extensive conservation programme, including the rehabilitation of suitable nesting sites for this species.

Already in 2001, another population had been discovered in the Andes, appreciably increasing the rather restricted numbers of these conures. But also, in order to continue the increase, artificial nest-boxes were installed in 2003 to prevent the lack sooner or later of cavities, because the Wax Palm is also threatened with extinction. Even if it is now forbidden to cut it down, they are very few.
Today, in 2007, thanks to the close cooperation of Loro Parque Foundation of Tenerife and ProAves Foundation of Colombia, between the natural cavities offered by dead Wax Palm trees and artificial nest-boxes, the Yellow-eared Conure has bred successfully, making possible new hope. We currently have more than 600 birds of this species in Colombia.