The Blue-bearded Macaw (Ara glaucogularis), also called Blue-collared Macaw, is a species of bird endemic to Bolivia, where it inhabits the seasonally flooded Benian savannah, the forest islands and riverbanks. Its size is approximately 85 cm, weight between 600 and 800 grams, and its coloration is mostly blue and yellow. This species is monogamous, that is, it has only one partner for its entire life, where it is usually seen flying with it. It builds its nests in the palm trees and feeds on the fruits that they offer.
The Blue-throated Macaw is categorized on the IUCN Red List as “critically endangered” as well as on Appendix I of the International Convention on Traffic in Endangered Species of Fauna and Flora (CITES). Likewise, BirdLife International considers this bird species to be one of the most endangered in the world..
Their populations have severely declined in recent years due to illegal trafficking and indiscriminate felling of forests. Currently the export of the species is illegal since 1984, but this is carried out anyway. The price of a macaw provides a high income for the Bolivian population living in poverty.
creation of the Barba Azul Nature Reserve
As a measure to protect the species and thus be able to prevent its extinction, in 2008 Armonía and the Loro Parque Fundación created a protected area exclusively for the conservation of the Blue-throated Macaw. This is located in the Beni Sabana, in the north of Bolivia and was named the Barba Azul Nature Reserve. Despite this great progress, the bird’s population continues to decline as the forests surrounding the reserve suffer from logging and livestock expansion. It is necessary to expand the size of the reserve in order to generate more space to protect the Blue-throated Macaw.
Very little was known about the species, therefore an investment was made to better understand the bird and its reproductive biology. It was found that the Blue-throated Macaw reproduces with little success, and that the nests suffer from competition and predation from other species. A project was started to ensure the survival of the chicks by constantly monitoring these, feeding malnourished chicks, and protection against predators. Thus, it was possible to reinforce the survival and reproduction of the species.
On the other hand, hatcheries were also created within the reserve through the installation of nesting boxes and 6 individuals that came from England were reintroduced.
Loro Parque Fundación was dedicated to forming links with the residents and collaborating with local communities to find a solution to illegal trafficking and petism. Educational campaigns began to be carried out at the national level to combat the problem.
After several years of work, and 5 million dollars invested, protected areas were created, nest survival increased, and predation as a cause of nest failure was eliminated. By 2020, 137 identified individuals were registered in the Bolivian country.
SOURCES:
Harmony
Conservation International