Since 2010, One Earth Conservation has been collaborating with the indigenous people of La Moskitia, Honduras in an effort to protect their native macaws and their nesting sites. The good news is over 1,000 nests have been protected from poaching, and hundreds of birds have been returned to the wild.  The not-so-good news, about 20% of the nests continue to be poached even as the community improves its ability to protect the birds by constant patrolling and vigilance.

La Moskitia is the second-largest forest in Mesoamerica. It is the forest shared between Honduras and Nicaragua. There is significant biological diversity in La Moskitia, including parrots like the scarlet macaw (Ara macao) and the great green macaw (Ara ambiguus). Several indigenous groups inhabit this remote area. But La Moskitia faces the usual conservation challenges such as cattle ranching, illegal trafficking of flora and fauna, and illegal land grabs.

Every Nest Counts

Dr. LoraKim Joyner from One Earth Conservation has worked with the La Moskitia villagers for over 15 years. In March and April, she plans to stand in solidarity with them by camping under the trees to keep vigilance over the birds and their nests.  But there is never enough help, not only through public awareness, but also for additional people to help patrol during a time when the birds are most vulnerable.

From March through August this year, there are plans for a major campaign to bring awareness to the plight of this area and its threatened parrots. This will include public demonstrations, a report to provide updates on nest activity and bird sightings, online Facebook and Zoom meetings where you can talk with indigenous conservationists, and more exploration of the themes of Unconditional Solidarity and Transformative Conservation.

One Earth Conservation and the villagers cannot do this alone. But we can help by spreading the word through social media about Unconditional Solidarity, making a donation, or even joining the team in Honduras.  For more information about how to help either online or in person, simply fill out this Interest Form.

This month’s Lafeber donation goes to pay for some additional patrollers to help protect the parrots and their nests during this year’s breeding season. As Dr. Joyner says: “Consider taking risks as these people have, because everything is at risk.”