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CONSERVATION  

OF THE  SCARLET MACAW

CAUSE .

In Mexico, the scarlet macaw was originally distributed in the humid tropical forests of Mexico, from southern Tamaulipas to the southeast in the state of Chiapas. Deforestation in the Mexican tropics and the intense poaching of chicks for wildlife trafficking have drastically reduced its populations throughout its range of distribution, specifically the population of the Lacantún River basin, in the Lacandon Rainforest, Chiapas. The stability of this population remains threatened by not allowing for generational replacement.

OBJECTIVE AND ACTION .

Our project aims to understand, conserve and recover the last viable wild population of the scarlet macaw ( Ara macao cyanoptera ) in Mexico.

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Through constant and long-term monitoring, Natura y Ecosistemas Mexicanos has generated extensive knowledge about the population dynamics and reproductive succes of the species.

ACHIEVEMENTS .

  • More then 250 chicks have been protected from the illegal wildlife trade, representing more than 20% of the monitored wild population in the Lacantún River basin.

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  • 200 of these chicks have been rescued and reintegrated to the wild through the Scarlet Macaw Recovery Plan; individuals that would have ended up on the black market have now been added to the population in the south of the Lacandon Rainforest.

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  • The offer of safe nesting sites has been increased by placing artificial nest boxes in protected sites, reducing the chances of poaching.

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  • We have established a community monitoring network, where the participation of landowners is encouraged and environmental education sessions are held in schools and with the region's residents.

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