Conservation of the Lear’s Macaw, Brazil
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| Lears Macaw. Photo Fundacion ProAves |
Introduction: The
Critically Endangered Lear's Macaw (Anodorhynchus leari)
occurs only in northern Bahia State, Brazil, where it roosts
and nests in narrow red sandstone canyons. Although it had first
been illustrated a century earlier and individuals had been
kept in zoos, the macaw was rediscovered and recognized as a
species only in 1978. Its population is small, with recent estimates
of only 751 individuals, and it is only known to nest and roost
at two sites, with the largest number at Canudos Biological
Station and a smaller group at Serra Branca Farm about 80 km
away. The macaw feeds mainly on licuri palm (Syagrus coronata)
fruits and maize.
This large blue macaw faces several severe
threats to its continued existence in the wild. It requires
constant protection from the illegal wild bird trade while
the licuri palm, on which the bird depends, is becoming increasingly
scarce due to over-exploitation for cattle fodder and destruction
of its seedlings by overgrazing by goats and pasture burning.
The most critical habitat for the birds is the sandstone cliffs
in the region in which it roosts and nests and where it is
vulnerable to illegal trappers.
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| Photo Fundacion ProAves |
Objective:
To secure the survival of Lear's Macaw in the wild by protecting
the key nesting and foraging habitat of the species.
Actions:
1. Significantly increase the size of the Canudos Biological
Station to include all known roosting and nesting sites.
2. Identify and acquire additional foraging areas outside
Canudos Biological Station or elsewhere.
3. Increase the food availability of the macaw through fencing
key areas of licuri palms to protect them from overgrazing
by goats and intensive planting of licuri seedlings in fenced-in
areas.
3. Promote environmental awareness involving the protection
of Lear's Macaw through a video campaign to be presented in
the region.
4. Build lodging facility to accommodate ecotourists.
Accomplishments:
1. In 2007 Canudos Biological Station was expanded to include
1,477 hectares (3,649 acres).
2. Two field bases have been strategically located at critical
access points.
3. Four park guards have been hired for surveillance, monitoring,
and support for research.
For more information about this project
or ABC’s work with Lear’s Macaw, contact
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