Changes in parrot diversity after human arrival to the Caribbean

Area of Science:

• Paleogenomics
• Island Biogeography
• Conservation Biology

Background:

• Islands offer unique opportunities to study human impacts on biodiversity due to recent human colonization.
• Caribbean *Amazona* parrots have rich fossil and archaeological records, making them ideal subjects for historical ecological studies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the timing and extent of human impacts on Caribbean *Amazona* parrot diversity and distribution using genetic data.
• To reconstruct the diversification and extinction dynamics of these parrots throughout the Holocene.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of ancient and modern DNA from *Amazona* parrots.
• Radiometric dating of fossil and archaeological samples.
• Phylogenetic analysis to infer diversification and divergence patterns.

Main Results:

• A significant decline in parrot diversity occurred during periods of human occupation.
• An extinct lineage of the Cuban Parrot (*Amazona leucocephala*) persisted until Indigenous settlement on the Turks and Caicos.
• The Hispaniolan Parrot (*Amazona ventralis*) expanded its range naturally and was likely introduced by Indigenous peoples to other islands.

Conclusions:

• Genetic data from multiple time periods are crucial for understanding human-driven alterations to biodiversity.
• Human activities have profoundly reshaped the diversity and distribution of Caribbean parrot populations.
• Island ecosystems are particularly vulnerable to anthropogenic pressures, necessitating careful conservation strategies.