Family: Psittacidae (Parrots)
Authority: Richmond, 1899
Red List Category
Criteria: A4acd; C1+2a(i,ii); D
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Justification of Red List categoryOnce common within its small range, this species has been undergoing dramatic declines since the late 19
th century due to the combined effects of habitat loss and trapping. As a consequence of comprehensive conservation measures commencing in 1980 and accelerating since 1990, the species increased slowly from fewer than 50 (post-hurricane David in 1979) to over 300 mature individuals. After hurricane Maria hit Dominica in September 2017, the population plummeted again, so that is is now extremely small. Preliminary post-Maria surveys suggest the species may have fared better during Maria than during David, largely due to effective
in situ conservation efforts prior to the hurricane. However, the frequency of intense hurricanes is projected to increase, with potentially severe consequences for the species. Imperial Amazon is therefore assessed as Critically Endangered.
Population size:
40-60 mature individuals
Population trend:
decreasing
Extent of occurrence (breeding/resident):
240 km
2
Country endemic:
yes
Attributes
Land-mass type - oceanic island
Realm - Neotropical
IUCN System - Terrestrial