Ara Militaris Research Articles

Guacamaya verde en la Sierra de Huautla, Morelos, México

The Military Macaw (Ara militaris) is not considered within the avifauna of Morelos due to a lack of solid evidence confirming the presence of the species in the state. We conducted systematic surveys from elevated viewpoints in the tropical dry forest of the Sierra de Huautla Biosphere Reserve from August to December 2017 and 2020-2022 to confirm the presence of the Military Macaw in the reserve. We obtained 36 records of the Military Macaw, with photographic evidence, and observed a mean of 10.0 ± 11.2 macaws per record, registering flocks of 32-39 individuals on three occasions. We identified sites within the reserve that Military Macaws recurrently used for resting, foraging, and roosting. We also observed macaws foraging in three tree species, with another six plant species reported in the diet by local people. We could not confirm nesting by macaws in the reserve as observations were conducted outside the breeding season. Some sightings occurred outside the biosphere reserve, in an area of the Mixteca Baja Poblana (Puebla) proposed as a new protected area. Our findings provide the first systematic and photographic evidence of the presence of the Military Macaw in Morelos state, confirm the relevance and effectivity of the Sierra de Huautla Biosphere Reserve for regional conservation of the species and the tropical dry forest, and provide additional support for the proposal to create a new protected area and conservation corridor in the Balsas Basin that could benefit the conservation of this endangered bird species.

Phylogeography of Ara militaris (Military Macaw): Implications for Conservation

The Military Macaw (Ara militaris) is an endangered bird species with disjunct geographic distribution across the Neotropics, consisting of three recognized subspecies: One in Mexico (A. m. mexicanus) and two in South America (A. m. militaris and A. m. bolivianus). However, due to the limited phenotypic differentiation between these allopatric taxa, their taxonomic status has been the subject of debate. In this study, we explored mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) variability to determine the phylogeographical pattern through phylogenetic and ecological modelling analyses. We also aimed to describe the evolutionary relationships of twelve A. militaris populations. We identified 41 haplotypes in the 300 bp region of the Cytochrome b (Cyt-b) gene of the mtDNA and low nucleotide diversity. The observed phylogeographic structure suggests the existence of two clades: One composed of A. m. militaris and A. m. bolivianus and another consisting solely of A. m. mexicanus. The A. m. mexicanus clade further divides into two recognized subclades: Sierra Madre Oriental and northeastern portion of the Sierra Madre Occidental. Ecological analyses revealed that the niche similarity between these lineages was lower than expected by chance. Additionally, results from low cross-prediction tests indicated that the two lineages have inhabited different environmental spaces since the Late Pleistocene. This divergence may be associated with a steep ecological gradient and contemporary geographical barrier. Based on our results, we suggest that at least the A. m. mexicanus has a divergent evolutionary history; therefore, it should be considered as a different evolutionarily significant and management unit. We recommend that future conservation strategies in Mexico incorporate effective protection measures, including habitat preservation and the reduction of illegal trade, to ensure the preservation of viable populations.

The Preclassic military macaw (Ara militaris) from the Cueva de Avendaños (Chihuahua, Mexico) was not locally procured

AbstractThe oldest macaw specimen in Pre‐Hispanic Mexico and the southwestern United States was recovered in Cueva de Avendaños, Chihuahua, Mexico, at the base of the Sierra Madre Occidental. It dates to the Late Archaic/Early Agricultural period (1929–2057 cal BP). The head is the only preserved element of the macaw and it was mummified through natural causes. Research on this specimen examines its sex identification and its geographical range, questioning whether this specimen belongs to a local population living in the vicinity of the cave. A species distribution model over the last 2000 years was elaborated to ascertain the presence of military macaw in the study area. Our results show that the macaw was non‐local, sustaining the idea that the practice of early animal husbandry existed in the early stages of the Pre‐Hispanic world, and also suggest that a significant and rapid climate changes characterized the Holocene, affecting the military macaw's distributional range.

Behavioural Changes in Zoo Animals during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Long-Term, Multi Species Comparison

Visitors are a prominent feature of the zoo environment and lives of zoo animals. The COVID-19 pandemic led to repeated and extended closure periods for zoos worldwide. This unique period in zoological history enabled the opportunity to investigate the consistency of behavioural responses of zoo animals to closures and subsequent reopenings. Bennett’s wallabies (Notamacropus rufogriseus), meerkats (Suricata suricatta), macaws (red and green: Ara chloropterus; blue and yellow: Ara ararauna; military: Ara militaris) and rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus domesticus) held at four zoological collections in the United Kingdom were studied during COVID-19 closures and subsequent reopening periods. Facilities were closed for three time periods during 2020 and 2021: March–June/July 2020; November–December 2020; January–April/May 2021. Behavioural data were captured during closures (maximum n = 3) and reopening periods (maximum n = 3) during five-min scans using instantaneous scan sampling with a one-minute inter-scan interval. General linear models (GLMs) and general linear mixed models (GLMMs) were used to investigate the relationship between observed behaviours and open/closed periods. Changes were observed in behaviour between open and closure periods in all species, and in some instances changes were also observed over time, with animals responding differently to different closure and reopening periods. However, no overt positive or negative impacts of the closures or reopening periods were identified for these species. The study species may have different relationships with zoo visitors, but no clear differences were seen across the species studied. The unique opportunity to study animals over a long period of time during repeated closure periods enabled a greater understanding of the impact of zoo visitors on animals. As with other work in this sphere, these data support the adaptability of zoo animals to zoo visitors. This work contributes to the growing field of research undertaken during the COVID-19 periods and enhances our understanding of the impact that these zoological closures had on a wider body of species in a number of facilities.

First Documentation of Exophiala spp. Isolation in Psittaciformes.

Simple SummaryThe microbiomes of birds are not yet widely understood, although they are increasingly being studied. After the successful medical management of a suspected traumatic lesion in the left choana of a military macaw (Ara militar), in which Exophiala spp. was consistently reported, another 24 psittaciform birds from a Portuguese zoological collection were sampled to study the role of Exophiala spp. as part of the avian microbioma. Swab samples were collected from the trachea and/or choanae and proceeded for fungal isolation, in which fungal species were identified through their macroscopic and microscopic morphology. Exophiala spp. was identified in 60% of the birds sampled and no statistical association was found between the clinical record of the birds and the fungal isolation. This is the first report of isolation of Exophiala spp. in the upper airways of avian species.Several fungi species are reported to act as opportunistic agents of infection in avian species. After the isolation of Exophiala spp., a dematiaceous fungal pathogen associated with a mucosal lesion in a military macaw (Ara militar), samples were collected from another 24 birds of the order Psittaciformes to study the possibility of Exophiala spp. being part of the commensal microbiota of these animals or its possible association with other clinical conditions. Swab samples were collected from the trachea and/or choanae of the birds and inoculated in Sabouraud chloramphenicol agar for fungal isolation. After incubation, fungal species were identified through their macroscopic and microscopic morphology. The presence of Exophiala spp. was identified in 15 of the 25 birds sampled and no statistical association was found between the clinical record of the birds and the fungal isolation. Our results suggest that Exophiala spp. can colonize the upper respiratory airways of psittaciform birds and has a low pathogenic potential in these animals. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first report of Exophiala spp. isolation from samples of the upper respiratory tract of Psittaciformes.

An important new record of Military Macaw, Ara militaris (Linnaeus, 1766) (Psittacidae), in Santo Domingo Narro, Oaxaca, Mexico

Military Macaw, Ara militaris (Linnaeus, 1766), is in danger of extinction in Mexico and Vulnerable internationally. We recorded a new locality with a notable presence of this species and identified its nocturnal resting site by the Tehuantepec River, near the community of Santo Domingo Narro in the state of Oaxaca, Mexico. We discuss the importance of considering this population as different from those previously identified in Oaxaca state and discuss the threats to this species’ conservation and implications for its survival at Santo Domingo Narro and in the region.

Nesting resource availability for cavity adopter birds in a tropical dry forest of Central Mexico

Nesting resources for cavity-adopter birds commonly have spatial aggregation patterns within tropical dry forests. Spatial aggregation occurs because large trees, carrying large cavities, are restricted within small semideciduous forest areas. In contrast, deciduous forests occupy most of the coverage with smaller trees and cavities. Consequently, semideciduous forest loss could imperil cavity-adopter birds with large bodies. To test this hypothesis, we performed an intensive search in a tropical dry forest in Central-Mexico. We survey five 0.2 Ha transects in both deciduous and semideciduous forest, totalizing a survey of 2 Ha. There were no differences in resource density between deciduous (4 ± 6.51 cavities/Ha) and semideciduous forest (11 ± 6.51 cavities/Ha). However, semideciduous forest cavities had wider entrances and were in larger trees. Besides, 90% of nesting resources for birds with bodies > 6 cm were restricted within the semideciduous forest, including Megascops seductus, an endemic owl, and Ara militaris, a threatened macaw. Bird-excavated cavities were associated with deciduous forest and Pachycereus weberi cacti. In contrast, decay cavities were associated with semideciduous forest and Enterolobium cyclocarpum trees. Our results suggest that the conservation of large-bodied cavity-adopter birds within dry forest depends on semideciduous forest coverage.

Uveal Malignant Melanoma in a Hybrid Macaw Parrot (Ara chloropterus × Ara militaris).

An adult male green-winged (Ara chloropterus) × military (Ara militaris) hybrid macaw of unknown age was presented to the Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital for evaluation of left periocular swelling, blepharospasm, and ocular discharge. Complete ophthalmic examination and B mode ocular ultrasonography were performed to evaluate the affected eye. Ocular examination revealed a blind left globe with exophthalmos, periocular swelling, diffuse corneal edema, and severe anterior fibrinous uveitis obscuring visualization of the intraocular structures. An ultrasound examination revealed a hyperechoic mass that filled the posterior segment of the globe. Focal discontinuity of the posterior sclera suggested scleral rupture. Enucleation with histopathology was recommended and performed 1.5 months later. Intraoperatively, a heavily pigmented and friable soft tissue mass extruded through the posterior sclera and extended into the orbit. Histologically, the mass was consistent with a malignant melanoma. The patient died 18 hours after the surgical procedure because of unknown complications. Postmortem examination did not identify evidence of metastasis. This study described the clinical appearance and histopathologic findings of a rare ocular neoplasm with extrascleral extension in a hybrid macaw. Although uncommon in psittacine birds, primary ocular melanocytic neoplasms may display features of malignancy with scleral or orbital invasion, or both.

Differentiation of Military Macaws (Ara militaris) in captivity using photo-identification

The Military Macaw (Ara militaris) is an endangered species with scarce available information on its natural history. One of the main problems regarding its study has been the identification of individuals, which rapidly reach adult size and lack sexual dimorphism. Traditional marking techniques used to identify individuals require their capture; however, there is a high risk of injury. Also, marking can influence behavior, reproduction, and survival, so there is a high probability of disturbing the population. To minimize such disturbances, it is advisable to use natural markings to identify individuals. Photo-identification is one marking technique that can help to identify individuals without disturbing populations. In the case of the Military Macaw, the face lines (feather patterns) present natural marks that can be used for the photo-identification of individuals using specialized software. In this study, we tested the utility (effectiveness) of photo-identification in 24 Military Macaw individuals in captivity. Significant differences were found between the feather patterns on the right and left sides of the face of the same individual and also between the feather patterns on the right and left sides among individuals. We propose here that photo-identification is a reliable technique for distinguishing Military Macaws individuals within a population, opening the door to more specific ecological studies.

Genetic Assignment Tests to Identify the Probable Geographic Origin of a Captive Specimen of Military Macaw (Ara militaris) in Mexico: Implications for Conservation

The Military Macaw (Ara militaris) faces a number of serious conservation threats. The use of genetic markers and assignment tests may help to identify the geographic origin of captive individuals and improve conservation and management programs. The purpose of this study was to identify the possible geographic origin of a captive individual using genetic markers. We used a reference database of genotypes of 86 individuals previously shown to belong to two different genetic groups to determine the genetic assignment of the captive individual of unknown origin (captive specimen) and five individuals of known geographic origin (as positive controls). We evaluated the accuracy of three assignment/exclusion criteria to determine the success of correct assignment of the individual of unknown origin and the five positive control individuals. WICHLOCI estimated that eight loci were required to achieve an assignment success of 83%. The correct geographic origin of positive controls was identified with 83% confidence. All of the analyses assigned the captive individual to the genetic group from the Sierra Madre Oriental. Bayesian assignment tests, tests for genetic distance and allele frequency tests assigned the unknown individual to the locations from the Sierra Madre Oriental with a probability of 71.2–82.4%. We show that the use of genetic markers provides a promising tool for determining the origin of pets and individuals seized from the illegal animal trade to better inform decisions on reintroduction and improve conservation programs.

Assessing spatial dispersion, abundance, and conservation perspectives of Military MacawAra militarispopulations in Mexico

SummaryThe preservation of Military MacawAra militarisin Mexico required the implementation of a nationwide assessment evaluating its vulnerability using IUCN criteria. With the combined effort of several institutions, the abundance, location, dispersion, habitat availability, and climatic conditions of areas occupied by the species were determined. Although the species’ extent of occurrence is extensive (263,919 km2) only 29% of this constitutes area of occupancy. Published estimates indicate a series of isolated populations containing from four macaws to 215. Macaws occurred in 35 populations in four regions of 16 states containing an estimated 1,563–3,263 macaws; lower than required for long-term viability. Within regions, neighbouring populations were separated by an average of 68 km. The extent of occurrence is heterogeneous, and macaws inhabit areas that differ in elevation, precipitation, temperature, and forest cover. Higher local abundances occur in landscapes where annual precipitation is ≥1,100 mm, and primary forest availability ≥1,800 km2. Although the existence of undetected macaw groups in Mexico is possible, these are likely to contain only small numbers of individuals, as most detected areas with macaws contain less than 40 individuals, and larger concentrations are more likely to be noticed due to their conspicuous behaviour. The species is threatened primarily by its low overall abundance, fragmented distribution, and forest loss around populations with the highest abundance. With the information generated, it is possible to design and implement specific management and conservation strategies at different geographic scales for the recovery and maintenance of the species in Mexico. It is necessary to strengthen collaborative programmes among conservation organizations, government agencies, and local communities in each region of the country to organize and finance community-based actions such as monitoring, habitat restoration, protection from poaching and the creation of a network of conservation corridors and macaw reserves focused on conservation.

An Early Military Macaw from Cueva de Avendaños, Chihuahua

During a 2016 archaeological salvage project in the municipality of San Francisco de Borja, Chihuahua, the mummified head of an adult military macaw (Ara militaris) was recorded from a rock shelter. Because of their aesthetic beauty and colorful plumage, macaws occupied an important place within the collective imagination of the pre-Hispanic communities. Macaws and macaw feathers also were important ritual and social symbols, often used in Pueblo ceremonial regalia. Radiocarbon analysis of the macaw has produced a Late Archaic calibrated date range of 150 BC – AD 20, making this the earliest macaw by several hundred years in northwestern Mexico or the southwestern United States. Stable carbon isotopes in this macaw were comparable to maize-fed domesticated turkeys from the Southwest suggesting some form of animal husbandry by this time. Our discussion includes comparison with the handful of other military macaws from pre-Hispanic contexts in northwestern Mexico and the southwestern United States.

Bird species at risk in the cloud forest of five IBASIBAs of the Sierra Madre Oriental, Mexico

The presence of 125 species of birds at risk or endemic to Mexico’s montane mesophyll forest has been suggested. These birds need to be conserved. At a time of global defaunation and reduction of these forests, it is important to determine which bird species still inhabit this ecosystem. For the mesophyll forest located in the Sierra Madre Oriental of Mexico, no recent field data have been published to indicate their presence. In this analysis we report the records of bird species at risk made in 2016 in five Important Bird Areas with mountain mesophyll forest (Sierra Gorda, Tlanchinol, Huayacocotla, Cuetzalan and Metlac River) located in four states of Mexico (Querétaro, Hidalgo, Veracruz and Puebla). In total we recorded 60 bird species (48%) of the 125, 29 are considered nationally threatened and 34 have some type of endangerment. Six of the species are globally protected (Dendrortyx barbatus, Ara militaris, Contopus cooperi, Ridgwayia pinicola, Setophaga chrysoparia and Passerina ciris). This information can serve as a basis for their preservation and to establish monitoring, studies and conservation actions aimed at species in mesophyll forest areas.

Differential Use of Forest Patches by the Military Macaw Ara militaris (Psittacidae) in Coastal Tropical Forests of Jalisco, Mexico

Bahia de Banderas in Jalisco, Mexico, contains important vegetation areas for the maintenance and nesting of Military Macaws Ara militaris. However, the forests of the region are not used randomly by Military Macaws across the landscape. This study aimed to evaluate differences in floristic composition, diversity and structure among forest patches used by the macaws for nesting/ roosting or for feeding, and at sites from which the macaws are absent. Field sampling was conducted in 16 plots of 1,000m2 of tropical subdeciduous forest. Statistically significant differences were found in the floristic composition between patches used and avoided by Military Macaws. The used areas were approximately twice as diverse as the avoided areas. The forests at used sites presented a great abundance of species registered as part of their diet, in addition to non-food species such as Oxandra lanceolata, a tree that may be an important component of macaw habitat. In contrast, the dominant species in avoided areas are those associated with disturbed areas and do not provide food for Military Macaws. Our results indicate that Military Macaws select forest fragments in response to disturbance, using forest patches that offer suitable opportunities for nesting and feeding.—Flores-Lopez, E., Montero-Castro, J.C., Monterrubio-Rico, T.C., Ibarra-Manriquez, G., Lopez-Toledo, L. & Carlos Bonilla-Ruz, C. (2020). Differential use of forest patches by the Military Macaw Ara militaris (Psittacidae) in coastal tropical forests of Jalisco, Mexico. Ardeola, 67: 423-432.

Especies de aves en riesgo en el bosque mesófilo de montaña en cinco AICA de la Sierra Madre Oriental, México

Para el bosque mesófilo de montaña en México se ha sugerido la presencia de 125 especies de aves que se encuentran en riesgo o son endémicas. Esas aves requieren ser conservadas. En un tiempo de defaunación mundial, y de reducción de estos bosques, es importante determinar qué especies de aves aún habitan en este ecosistema. Del bosque mesófilo localizado en la Sierra Madre Oriental de México no se han publicado datos recientes de campo que indiquen su presencia. En este análisis reportamos los registros de especies de aves en riesgo realizados en 2016 en cinco Áreas Importantes para la Conservación de las Aves con bosque mesófilo de montaña (Sierra Gorda, Tlanchinol, Huayacocotla, Cuetzalan y Río Metlac) ubicadas en cuatro estados de México (Querétaro, Hidalgo, Veracruz y Puebla). En total registramos 60 especies de aves (48%) de las 125, 29 son consideradas amenazadas a nivel nacional y 34 presentan algún tipo de endemismo. Seis de las especies están protegidas globalmente (Dendrortyx barbatus, Ara militaris, Contopus cooperi, Ridgwayia pinicola, Setophaga chrysoparia y Passerina ciris). Esta información puede servir como base para lograr su preservación y establecer monitoreos, estudios y acciones de conservación dirigidos a especies en las zonas de bosque mesófilo.

Geographic variation in vocalisations of the Military Macaw in western Mexico

ABSTRACT Geographic variation in acoustic signals may arise in vocal learning species due to processes of cultural evolution and population dynamics, but few studies have evaluated geographic vocal variation for large-bodied non-oscine species such as parrots. We evaluated similarity in a contact call of the Military Macaw (Ara militaris) among three populations along the coast of Jalisco, Mexico. We compared contact calls among sites using two approaches i) analysis of specific acoustic parameter measures using GLMM on Principal Components; and ii) evaluation of spectrogram similarity using cross-correlation with a Mantel test to evaluate site and distance effects. Acoustic parameter analysis found that incorporating the site where recordings were obtained significantly explained variation in call features, for both the complete and reduced, balanced dataset. The spectrogram cross-correlations similarity analysis indicated an association with site in spectral similarity of calls, and that call similarity decreased with distance. Our results demonstrated the accumulation of small, fine-scale changes in Military Macaw calls with distance, suggesting that large-bodied non-oscines such as macaws may be able to maintain connectivity among sites by dispersal, facilitating call diffusion, while limited movements among some populations may account for the differentiation among sites in call features.

Cuicatec ethnozoology: traditional knowledge, use, and management of fauna by people of San Lorenzo P\xe1palo, Oaxaca, Mexico

BackgroundThe Tehuacán-Cuicatlán Valley is a region of outstanding biocultural diversity, harboring eight indigenous ethnic groups and a remarkable biodiversity in a territory 10,000 km2 extent. Ethnobotanical studies of the region are among the most complete in Mexico; contrarily, ethnozoological studies are still limited. But information on both flora and fauna use and management is relevant for understanding local cultural and ecological issues, and for planning integral strategies of biodiversity conservation. Our study focused on analyzing knowledge and use of animals and their relationship with faunistic management by the Cuicatec, an ancient human culture whose distribution is restricted to the region. We hypothesized that wild animals still have significant contributions to diet, medicine, and spiritual life of the Cuicatec people. In addition, we expected to find a gradient of interactions, from simple gathering and hunting to communitarian regulations of use, specialized management techniques and care, nurturing, and domestication of animals. Such gradient of management interactions would be influenced proportionally with cultural and economic values, viability maintenance, and scarcity of animals.MethodsOur study was carried out in San Lorenzo Pápalo, Oaxaca. We conducted surveys and semi-structured and open interviews to people to document the Cuicatec nomenclature, classification, use, and management of fauna, as well as their perceptions about abundance, risks of disappearance, and availability of wild animals. We used images of animal species reported for the area as communication stimuli for confirming their local presence. Also, we recorded skins and skulls used as trophies and ornamental objects, pawprints, and excretes. Through free listing, we identified the most meaningful species of different animal groups. Whenever possible, we evaluated amounts of animals obtained from the wild, and for some species, we compared this information with data on their distribution and abundance evaluated through ecological sampling, to explore indicators on their sustainable use.ResultsThe Cuicatec name all animals through the term i-ti and classify them in several groups of vertebrates, arthropods, and mollusks, some of them coinciding with the formal taxonomy and some others based on their social-cultural role. The most meaningful animals are 23 species of edible organisms, outstandingly the chicatana ants (Atta mexicana) and the cuetla Lepidoptera larvae (Arsenura armida), the lizard Sceloporus grammicus, and among the mammals some squirrels (Sciurus spp.), badgers (Nasua narica), and deer (Odocoileus virginianus). Some species were reported to be used for medicinal purposes, among them opossum (Didelphis spp.) and macaws (Ara militaris), used to ease childbirths, but this use almost disappeared. Local perception of availability of animal resources is associated to forest conservation. Regulations for protecting forests and the most used animal species were recorded; the rules are mainly associated to hunting and gathering seasons, respecting females of vertebrate species, and permits for gathering and hunting given by local authorities. Nurturing of animals was recorded in bird and mammal species, but in no case, their breeding was achieved.ConclusionsAnimals are important elements of the Cuicatec culture and subsistence, complementing their diet based on agricultural products. Animals used as medicine were still reported but substituted by modern medicine. There is a consensus about the need to conserve forests to ensure the maintenance of animals, which are valued as part of nature, the beauty of their territory, and culture. Communitarian regulations are the main ways for conserving fauna, but local techniques of animal management may help in designing conservation strategies.

Status and distribution of Paraguayan macaws (Aves: Psittacidae) with a new country record

Eight species of macaw (Psittacidae: Anodorhynchus, Ara, Primolius) have previously been reported from Paraguay. We discuss all verifiable reports of the species from Paraguay and provide comment on their statuses. Ara chloropterus and Primolius auricollis are both widespread species known from multiple reports across a wide geographic area. We report minor range extensions within Paraguay for both species. Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus is documented as a breeding resident with a restricted distribution in the Upper Paraguay River basin. The first modern records of Ara ararauna and the first record of Diopsittaca nobilis for the country are documented with photographs. We are unable to find any confirmed records of Anodorhynchus glaucus from Paraguay and thus consider it of possible occurrence. Two species are rejected as erroneously cited, Ara militaris and Ara glaucogularis. Consequently six species in four genera are now confirmed to occur in Paraguay.

Optimal diet strategy of a large-bodied psittacine: food resource abundance and nutritional content enable facultative dietary specialization by the Military Macaw

BackgroundDietary specialization should arise when there is a relatively high abundance of a particular resource, where animals may select food items to obtain an optimal diet that maximizes energy intake. Large-bodied psittacines frequently exhibit a narrow dietary niche with specific habitat use, but few studies have determined whether psittacines select food resources, and how this influences habitat use.MethodsWe established fruiting phenology transects to evaluate food resource availability for the large-bodied Military Macaw (Ara militaris) in semi-deciduous, deciduous, and pine-oak forest at two sites along the coast of Jalisco, during the dry season when macaws are nesting. We also determined Military Macaw diet by observations of foraging macaws along transect routes, and conducted bromatological analysis of the nutritional content of the most consumed resource.ResultsMilitary Macaws used six plant species as food items during the dry season, and had a narrow dietary niche (Levins’ B = 0.28), with 56% of foraging macaws consuming the seeds of Hura polyandra. No food resources were recorded in pine-oak forest during the dry season, with food resources and foraging by macaws concentrated in tropical deciduous and semi-deciduous forest, where H. polyandra was the most abundant fruiting tree species. When considering the proportional availability of food resources, we determined a broad Hurlbert dietary niche breadth of H = 0.67, indicating that Military Macaws consumed food resources according to their availability. Furthermore, the seeds of H. polyandra were an important source of protein, carbohydrates, minerals and moisture, and the hard fruit-casing means that these seeds are exclusively available for macaws.ConclusionsBy concentrating their diet on the most abundant resources, Military Macaws may increase foraging efficiency in the dry season. The high nutrient content also means that concentrating the diet on seeds of H. polyandra may be an optimal foraging strategy for Military Macaws to meet their energy requirements during the breeding season.

Population assessment of Military Macaw (Ara militaris) inhabiting the southern coastal forests of Bahía de Banderas, Jalisco, Mexico

Population assessment of Military Macaw (Ara militaris) inhabiting the southern coastal forests of Bahía de Banderas, Jalisco, Mexico