Scarlet macawAra macao cyanopteraconservation programme inMexico

Abstract

InMexico, theScarlet macawAra macao cyanopterahas been extirpated from the states ofTamaulipas,Veracruz,Oaxaca (with the possible exception of a subpopulation ofc.50 birds in theChimalapas region, although there have been no recorded sightings of these birds in the last decade),Tabasco andCampeche. At the time of writing, the wild population comprises only 150–250 birds mainly located in theLacandonJungle inChiapas. The drastic reduction in theScarlet macaw population inMexico is related to an accelerated loss of their habitat and anthropogenic factors, such as illegal trade. It is evident that theScarlet macaw is currently subject to very high pressures with clear indications that wild populations will disappear from theJungle in the next 10 years. In 1993,Xcaret began a programme ofScarlet macaw reproduction in captivity, developing and using the best protocols for hand rearing, and establishing new procedures to facilitate parental rearing of the chicks without human intervention. The aim is to rear captive‐bred macaws that will adapt to the wild successfully and not require post‐release supplemental feeding. Endoscopy techniques have been used to determine gender and match the pairs in more than 100 enclosures. Since 2007 reintroduction procedures, developed in partnership withAcajunglaA.C.,AluxesEcoparquePalenque and some scientists of theUniversidadNacionalAutónoma deMéxico, have culminated in the release of 36 Scarlet macaws in 2013 in three events, on 21April (17), 29June (11) and 11August (8).