Scarlet macaws in Honduras

Context

In Central America, Ara macaw populations are dramatically declining. Indeed, these birds are facing the destruction of their natural habitat, and are also hunted and poached to be sold as pets. Consequently, the species may be extinct in some areas of its range.

Created in 2001, the Macaw Mountain and Bird Park Reserve, with its local and international partners, have implemented a care center for confiscated and injured birds. Encouraged by these first results, the Macaw Mountain started in 2010 a release program in natural environment, combined with public awareness actions, especially on the archaeological site of Copán, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. In 2018, about 60 ara macaw birds fly safely around the area now known as “The Sacred Valley of the Scarlet Macaw”.

On the basis of these results, the Macaw Mountain intends to expand its effort in other areas of Honduras to reinforce ara macaw wild populations in other territories.

Objectives

• Rescue and care confiscated or injured birds before releasing them into the wild
• Reinforce the breeding program for new releases into natural environment, in several areas in Honduras
• Use the Ara macaw species as a symbol to promote sustainable conservation projects, such as reforestation or water sources preservation programs
• Make the future generations aware of the preservation of Ara macaw and its natural habitat

First results

The eight years of experience of the Macaw Mountain and Bird Park reserve in birds reintroduction has helped to develop a model of “Rescue, Rehabilitation, Reproduction and Release” that can be used elsewhere in Honduras and hopefully in neighboring countries.

The Macaw Mountain expects to increase the birds breeding by both expanding the current nest box program at release sites and establishing an in-country breeding center. Its mission is also to expand the interactive environmental education effort to protect the birds and their natural habitat.