Quetzal Conservation!

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Photo:Tobi Wallace

Photo:Brian Schwartz

Photo:Brian Schwartz

Monteverde Cloudforest Reserve is one of the few remaining places in the world where it is still possible to see the Replendant Quetzal. We are very lucky to be able to view these beautiful, exotic, birds which pre-date the ancient Mayan civilizations of Central America.

This privilege has resulted in the QuetzalCam project in which we have tried to share this opportunity with those who also wish to observe and learn about one of the rarest birds in the Americas. Both QuetzalCam 2000 and 2001 have been a success. In 2000 we showed the first ever live broadcast inside a Quetzal nest and the fledging of Quetzal chick Kukul. This year we broadcasted live over the internet Quetzal chicks Rayo Verde and Milagro, who have fledged (check out the 2001 Highlights)

We have also just discovered another nest near the laboratory. We were hoping to film this as the second QuetzalCam of 2001. However, just as we were preparing to install the camera, the male quetzal appeared near the ladder and became extremely agitated and aggressive. We were very surprised, because it is commonly thought that the Quetzals are docile birds. We quickly removed the equipment from the area and after a long debate, decided that it was best to abandon the second project. It has been known for adult Quetzals to abandon the nest if they become scared.

Despite the importance we feel that the QuetzalCam has in terms of education, we decided that to risk the safety of the chicks in the nest would contradict the emphasis on conservation, which we are trying to encourage. We hope you agree and understand.
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Photo:Sergio Vega

Photo:Mateo Clark

Photo:Tobi Wallace