Is The Blue Macaw Extinct?
Following a study conducted by BirdLife International, the Spix’s Macaw was declared extinct in 2018. Compared with previous reports, the latest report emphasizes mainland birds’ hardships and the greater threats they face than island birds. During that time, it seemed unlikely that the species would survive. It is because fewer than 100 blue macaws were living in captivity at this time, and the number of them has decreased over time. In the wild, there was no known blue macaw bird. However, despite all the odds, the number of birds has increased more than expected. As a result of efforts undertaken by various organizations around the world, the Spix’s Macaw still has a chance of surviving. It was announced in 2020 that the Association for the Conservation of Threatened Parrots would fund 52 Spix’s Macaws’ reintroduction into the wild. So how many blue macaws are left in the world now? Let’s take a look at the current population of these animals to see how they are doing.
How Many Blue Macaws Are Left In The World?
Blue macaws are listed as “vulnerable – decreasing” on the Red List of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). According to them, there are approximately 4,300 left in the wild, and that number is declining. Even though it is discouraging to see the numbers decreasing, there is some good news to report. To begin with, there are more birds kept in safe captivity than ever before. The conservation of the genes among birds is becoming increasingly important to zoos and sanctuaries because of the need to maintain active birds. Consequently, as time passes, it will be more and more likely that macaws will be able to be reintroduced back into the wild. Furthermore, in addition to what we mentioned above, several Brazilian nationals and other international organizations are actively monitoring the macaw population in Brazil. Furthermore, they are working on reintroducing these animals into the wild. To help macaws make a recovery to healthy and stable populations, understanding the challenges is the first step in helping them to overcome them.
Why Is The Blue Macaw Critically Endangered?
Blue macaws have been endangered for decades. However, this issue isn’t just impacting the blue macaw. Nearly half of all parrot species are endangered, and nearly 25% of species are critically endangered. So what are the main factors that are threatening these gorgeous parrots? The top factors threatening blue macaws include:
Habitat Destruction
Countless species on our planet are threatened by habitat destruction. There is a golden ratio when it comes to the habitat of blue macaws. They need an environment that is both not too dense and not too open. The continued existence of these species also depends upon the survival of several other species. As a result of European colonization, the Rio Sao Francisco region suffered deforestation, resource exploitation, and agricultural development in the late 1800s. As human populations grew and rainforests were decimated, the blue macaw’s habitat was destroyed.
Wildlife Trade
There is little regulation of the exotic pet industry, but it is extremely profitable. National laws and international agreements protect blue macaws, and trade in them is strictly prohibited. The only specimens that can be legally traded are those born in captivity, which cost at least $10,000. A CITES Appendix I listing makes international trade illegal except for legitimate conservation, scientific, or educational reasons. Despite this, illegal trade still happens. The 1980s were the worst for illegal bird collecting, with 10,000 birds gathered. One bird can cost as much as USD 12,000. As a result of the illegal bird trade, the species’ survival is immediately threatened.
What Conservation Efforts Are Being Made To Help The Blue Macaw?
Blue macaws are being protected through a variety of measures. With the help of researchers and local ranchers, one Brazilian-funded conservation initiative, the Hyacinth Macaw Project, has monitored the blue macaw population and nesting sites in the Pantanal for nearly 20 years. Since the project began 12 years ago, the hyacinth macaw population has doubled. In May 2012, Brazilian ICMBio published a five-year National Action Plan (PAN). In the plan, 150 specimens will be kept in captivity (by 2020), a breeding facility will be constructed in its native habitat, and additional areas will be acquired and restored before the species is released. For the eventual release of Spix into the wild, NEST, a privately owned aviary near Avaré, State of Sao Paulo, Brazil, was established in 2012 as a breeding and staging center. Finally, in 2021, The Association for the Conservation of Threatened Parrots (ACTP) hatched three Spix chicks, the first in 30 years born in Brazil.
