Reintroduction of scarlet macaws to Los Tuxtlas, Veracruz, México

Summary

The scarlet macaw (Ara macao), though globally of Least Concern, is Endangered in Mexico, where habitat loss, the pet trade and invasive African bees have driven wild populations from much of their historical range; the subspecies had disappeared from the Los Tuxtlas region of Veracruz around 40 years ago. Researchers from the Instituto de Biología at UNAM, in partnership with Bosque Antiguo AC, launched a 2014 reintroduction using captive-bred macaws supplied by the Xcaret aviary, aiming to establish a viable population of up to 500 birds within the Reserva de la Biosfera Los Tuxtlas. Birds were held in a purpose-built 12 x 18 x 6 metre pre-release aviary at the Reserva Ecológica Nanciyaga for quarantine and training in food recognition and predator awareness, run by a mixed team of biologists, veterinarians and local community members, with funding from Wildlife Without Borders-Mexico, Defenders of Wildlife Mexico, World Parrot Trust and Mexican government conservation programs. Five soft-release events took place across three sites (Nanciyaga, La Otra Opción and Reserva Ejidal Benito Juárez), with supplementary feeding at tall tree stations for six to nine months after each release and temporary beak marks used to identify and track individuals; eleven nest boxes were installed, some occupied by pairs with a few eggs laid, though chicks have not yet been confirmed and African bees have taken over two boxes. Fundraising for ongoing infrastructure and operations has been the main constraint. The project rates itself successful so far, citing the macaw's charisma and the strong local pride and cooperation its return has generated.