Comments on the ecology and status of the Hispaniolan Crossbill (Loxia leucoptera megaplaga), with recommendations for its conservation

Abstract

The rare and unique Hispaniolan White-winged Crossbill (Loxia Ieucoptera megaplaga) is endemic to the mountains of Hispaniola. It is specialized for harvesting seeds from the cones of Pinus occidentals, and is dependent on the perpetual production of cone crops. Because large cone crops are produced only once every three or so years in any single area, crossbills require large areas to sustain their population. Pine forests throughout the mountains of Hispaniola need protection from cutting to ensure that sufficient pine seed is available every year. Such protection is necessary to reduce the risk of extinction to a crossbill that I argue should be recognized as a distinct species, and whose population size may number less than a thousand.