The Red-masked Parakeet, Aratinga erythrogenys
A "pandemonium" of parrots dance above the forests of the south-western region of Loja province in Southern Ecuador (tumbesian region; tumbes). A flock of parrots is called a pandemonium because of the wild uproar and noise they make as you can see in this video (taken in 2006). The parrots live in a unique tropical forest ecosystem that is home to many endemic bird species that are endangered.
Music of the The Nutcracker by Tchaikovsky courtesy of the Due Duo Quartet.
Video by Bolívar Tello (2006)
In June 2010, Nature & Culture International was saddened by the loss of its great friend and colleague, Bolívar Tello. Bolívar was a core part of a committed group of friends that initiated the environmental movement in southern Ecuador back in the 1980s. He was one of the founding members of Nature and Culture International and was a key player in its success, growth and its impact on southern Ecuador. Bolívar succeeded where many others had not, by establishing protected areas for conservation while improving the livelihoods of local people in the region. He was a highly skilled professional, respected by local staff and admired by community members for his love of life, people and the responsibility he assumed for both his family and his work. Both Ecuador and the world owe Bolívar a debt of thanks for the forests he was instrumental in protecting. Without Bolívar and Nature and Culture International, these forests would now be gone and people's lives severely disrupted. Those who shared the privilege of being his friends and colleagues will miss Bolívar's commitment, vision and good sense of humor. Bolívar chose to live a life of meaning and impact -- the world is a better place because of that.
