Abstract
The Great Green Macaw Ara ambiguus is an endangered species whose most important food resource and nesting site in Costa Rica is the mountain almond tree Dipteryx panamensis, threatened mainly by deforestation. In this study, we analyse the suitability of reintroducing A. ambiguus in the South Caribbean Coast of Costa Rica by examining whether the ecological and socio-cultural conditions required for the reintroduction are met in the area. The methods developed in this work include biological sampling, cartographical analysis and semi-structured interviews, among others. We set La Ceiba Nature Reserve as study unit and starting point of the analysis due both to its conservation status, favouring the potential release of individuals, and its ecosystem representativeness. Our results suggest that the habitat is suitable for reintroduction, with frequent presence of D. panamensis in the region, as well as other feeding options and potential nesting sites in the study area. The cartographic study reveals that the species could rely on a forested surface of up to 7000 hectares, which would be sufficient for sustaining a viable population. As for the socio-cultural analysis, illegal logging and low protective frameworks were identified as the main potential threats for the species. Nevertheless, we perceived positive conservation attitudes among local people and a pro-active commitment of political stakeholders. We conclude that a viable South Caribbean reintroduction of A. ambiguus is possible in conjunction with a threat mitigation programme.
Highlights
IntroductionBecause there is a broad range of methodologies and assessments that can be potentially employed in reintroduction programmes [7], the use of reintroductions as a tool for conservation certainly needs further research and improvement to ensure the chances of success (based on King’s et al definition of “success” [12])
A total of 46 specimens of D. panamensis were counted, which resulted in a density of 1.1 ind./ha
Fraixedas et al tion of the species was regular for all the sampled area and the average DBH was 1.51 ± 0.15 m (n = 46; s = 0.504; γ = 95%). This value was significantly higher than 1.24 m (n = 46; t = 3.63; P < 0.001), being 71.7% of the sampled trees potential holders of suitable cavities for A. ambiguus nesting
Summary
Because there is a broad range of methodologies and assessments that can be potentially employed in reintroduction programmes [7], the use of reintroductions as a tool for conservation certainly needs further research and improvement to ensure the chances of success (based on King’s et al definition of “success” [12]). In this sense, it is crucial to update and refine the reintroduction process based on the lessons learned from different case studies (e.g., [7])
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