Globally, human populations have caused increased demands on natural resources and the endangerment of numerous
species, particularly on oceanic islands with limited resources. In such cases, attitudes and perceptions of resident human
populations regarding natural resources are often the deciding factor in the success or failure of local species conservation
efforts. As part of a proposed Hispaniolan Parrot (Amazona ventralis) conservation program on Saona island, Dominican
Republic, local residents were surveyed to determine their knowledge of basic parrot biology as well as their opinions and
attitudes regarding the importance of various aspects of parrot conservation. Comparative survey data were also collected
on residents’ opinions and attitudes regarding an ongoing Hawksbill Sea Turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) conservation program
on Saona. The study found that residents differed by gender in their knowledge of parrot biology, and also differed by
gender in their opinions on the consumptive use of both parrots and sea turtles. Residents also differed in the underlying
basis for their opinions and perceptions of each species, with most opinions based on biological factors in the case of sea
turtles, as opposed to personal or philosophical reasons in the case of parrots. The sea turtle conservation program
apparently has influenced local perceptions toward sea turtles on Saona. Future parrot conservation efforts on Saona should
incorporate components of the ongoing sea turtle program, particularly those related to environmental education and direct
involvement of local residents in conservation activities.