Abstract
The populations of hyacinth macaws (Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus), an emblematic species, have suffered declines due to many environmental factors. The Hyacinth Macaw Institute’s actions are showing positive outcomes for the conservation of A. hyacinthinus. However, environmental issues, such as fires and deforestation due to inefficient and unsustainable cattle ranching practices, are a threat to the biodiversity. Another major threat is the reckless use of pesticides. The objective of this manuscript is to describe the findings, in the Pantanal, of three dead hyacinth macaws and to investigate their cause of death and conservation implications. A necropsy was conducted on two individuals and biological samples were collected and sent to conduct toxicological exams to test for organophosphates, organochlorines, and carbomates. Compatible with other findings, results showed a highly dangerous level of organophosphate, 158.44 ppb. We describe for the first time, a rare, isolated but unusual mortality event associated with organophosphate pesticide poisoning of hyacinth macaws. Mortality reports for bees and other bird species on how the improper use of pesticides can potentially cause the contamination of food and water resources are discussed. These factors are antagonistic to long-term efforts to preserve wildlife and carry out other conservation efforts in Brazil’s southern Pantanal.
Highlights
The Hyacinth Macaw Institute (HMI = Instituto Arara Azul) is part of a 30 year old conservation program in which, at the start of the project in 1987, it was estimated there were approximately 2500 wild hyacinth macaws[1]
The hyacinth macaw is specialized in its choice of food and nest site, and it has experienced population declines due to habitat degradation, such as deforestation and forest fragmentation, and illegal wildlife trade[5,6,7]
The HMI has successfully reduced the number of macaw seizures for the illegal wildlife trade primarily due to environmental awareness programs that focuses on educating the local population, and the expansion of effective patrolling[1,3,5,6]
Summary
The Pantanal has one of the highest conservation practices in Brazil, where numerous threatened animal species can still be seen, such as jaguars, tapirs, giant anteaters and hyacinth macaws. Some animals can be directly affected during pesticide application, because they consume the contaminated food and water, or by secondary poisoning from the residual pesticide effects on air, water and soil contamination. Pesticide residue impact have affected several animal groups, especially bees, one of the most studied groups regarding the consequences and damages caused by synthetic or phytomolecular poisons[13,14,15].
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