Chapter 1: The Blue-Throated Macaw's Journey

The news is uplifting in the realm of conservation: a macaw species that was once believed to be Extinct-In-The-Wild is now experiencing a resurgence in numbers.

I have previously discussed various critically endangered macaw species and the rigorous conservation initiatives aimed at restoring their populations (for more details, see my earlier articles). However, there is another rare macaw species that was considered extinct until a small group of 50 individuals was found in Bolivia in 1992. This extremely rare bird is the blue-throated macaw, scientifically known as Ara glaucogularis. Also referred to as the Caninde macaw, Wagler's macaw, or locally as barba azul (meaning 'blue beard' in Spanish), this parrot is gradually making a comeback, as reported by Asociación Armonía, a partner of The Rainforest Trust in Bolivia.

These critically endangered macaws have a highly restricted habitat, residing solely in a small region of Bolivia's Bení Savanna. This extensive tropical savanna spans an area of 126,100 square kilometers (48,700 square miles) in northern Bolivia, with minor extensions into Brazil and Peru.

The Bení Savanna, located in the southwestern Amazon basin and bordered by lush tropical rainforests, experiences distinct wet and dry seasons. The wet season, lasting from December to May, inundates this relatively flat savanna with heavy rainfall and snowmelt from the nearby Andes, leading to flooding.

Numerous rivers traverse the Bení Savanna, draining the Amazon forest and the eastern slopes of the Andes.

Like many parrots, the blue-throated macaw has faced significant threats from the illegal pet trade and habitat destruction. They breed on private cattle ranches, where activities such as logging and grazing have severely diminished their nesting and food tree options. Additionally, these macaws have been hunted for their feathers, used in traditional Indigenous headdresses. Due to their lengthy maturation period, the growth of the breeding population is slow, and diseases pose an ongoing risk, particularly for such small populations.

To assist these critically endangered macaws, the 1,680-acre Laney Rickman Reserve was established by Asociación Armonía in 2018, strategically located where the largest known population of wild blue-throated macaws nests. Following the acquisition of the land, cattle were removed, hunting and logging ceased, and grassland burning was minimized, allowing the area to naturally rehabilitate.

A successful nest box initiative launched in 2007, under the guidance of Laney Rickman, has been expanded in this area. As of 2021, 105 blue-throated macaw chicks had fledged from these artificial nests. Recent reports indicate 16 nesting attempts in the 100 monitored boxes, successfully resulting in eight fledged chicks this year.

The video “April 13 - Blue-Throated Macaws - YouTube” highlights ongoing conservation efforts for the blue-throated macaw. It showcases the beauty of these birds and the dedication of those involved in their protection.

“Rainforest Trust and our donors prioritize all endangered species, but blue-throated macaws are particularly special—vibrant and social. Our ecosystems would be significantly poorer without them. We are proud to support Asociación Armonía in their commendable efforts to save this species,” stated James Deutsch, CEO of The Rainforest Trust.

Thanks to these conservation initiatives, the wild population of blue-throated macaws is now estimated at between 350 and 400 individuals, roughly equivalent to the number in captivity.

Efforts to preserve the habitat and increase the population of this critically endangered macaw also aid many other species. The Motacú Palm (Attalea phalerata), abundant in Bolivia, is economically significant and serves various purposes, including construction and food products. Additionally, this palm is also prevalent in the Amazon rainforest.

Research indicates that blue-throated macaws play a vital ecological role as seed dispersers. Their preferred food consists of Motacú palm nuts, which are also their favored nesting and roosting trees. Parrots are known to be somewhat careless eaters, often dropping about half of what they collect, which contributes to the distribution of seeds across large areas.

Moreover, preserving the savanna supports a range of threatened and endemic species. This area is home to at least five wild macaw species, numerous other bird species, and 146 mammal species.

Asociación Armonía's conservation efforts have positively impacted local communities as well. They are raising awareness about the blue-throated macaw's situation, promoting alternatives to hunting by creating synthetic feathers for traditional attire, and tackling poaching and illegal trade through education and monitoring.

It is crucial to remember that, despite the achievements of the nest box program, a recent study I referenced suggested that species with unique traits are more likely to go extinct, which could eliminate their ecological roles from ecosystems.

The video “Spix's Macaws RETURN TO THE WILD - Back From the Brink of EXTINCTION - YouTube” provides insights into similar conservation efforts and highlights the importance of protecting these species.

“As agricultural expansion and fires continue to threaten their habitat, the Laney Rickman Reserve offers a sanctuary for these birds to thrive. The blue-throated macaw breeds in this safe haven each season, a promising indication that our protective measures are effective. The success of this reserve fills us with hope for the future of this species,” said a representative from Asociación Armonía.

I encourage everyone to contribute to the conservation of this ecologically significant and critically endangered macaw species.