New Nationalpark in Dominica

In Dominica a new National Park has been created to preserve the rare Imperial Amazon (Amazona imperialis). The Morne Diablotin National Park, occupying 5 % of the nations land are, is regarded as one of the most significant bioreserves in the Caribbean by many conservation groups.

Despite its fragile economy Dominica is known as a staunch conservation leader. But the creation of the Nationalpark was difficult, because a parcel of 1,300 acres held by the Dominican Fruit Syndicate and situated within the boundaries of the new Park had to be bought. Dominica was able to carry one third of the purchase price of $1.086 million, additional $ 750,000 was paid by the Rare Species Conservatory Foundation in Florida, now facing near bankruptcy. The foundation's small group of volunteer biologists had not delt with land purchase before, but they had to go beyond science and education because the parcel had been the last stumbling block to overcome. Now the foundation board tries to recoup funds to keep the Foundation alive and to continue field-based research and conservation programs.

The Imperial Amazon is endemic to Dominica and its status threatenend although a recovering program has led to population increase. The amazon parrot is considered a political and cultural icon, being the national bird of Dominica. But above this, native folklore contends the Dominican Carib people are reincarnated as parrots.


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March/April 2000