New Reserve Safe Haven for Blue-throated Macaws
The Blue-throated Macaw (Ara glaucogularis) is a critically endangered bird that inhabits the savannas in the Beni province of Bolivia. This rare macaw faces a variety of threats, the most serious of which include habitat destruction and capture for the pet trade. Now, their valuable habitat is to be protected in the hope that the species will find a safe sanctuary in which to breed. The Asociacion Armonia, a Bolivian conservation organization, has joined forces with the American Bird Conservancy and World Land Trust to create the Barba Azul Nature Reserve. The protected land, formerly a ranch, was recently purchased by the conservation groups. The new reserve encompasses 8,785 acres of grasslands in eastern Bolivia and is home to 20 of the critically endangered macaws during the nesting season.
The wild population of Blue-throated Macaws is estimated to be only 300 individuals and the entire population has, until the establishment of the new nature reserve, survived on provate ranch land that is burned each year and heavily grazed by cattle. Within their habitat, the macaws rely on clusters of motucu palms which they use for nesting sites. These palms grow in clusters embedded within the seasonally-flooded savannas.
The Barba Azul Nature Reserve will protect a number of other vulnerable species in addition to the Blue-throated Macaw. Species such as the Sharp-tailed Tyrant, Cock-tailed Tyrant, Black-masked Finch, Greater Rhea, and Orinoco Goose also inhabit the area.
Conservation organizations have identified other ranches near the Barba Azul Nature Reserve that could be purchased and used to expand the protected area. Conservationists warn that if these ranches are not protected they could be vulnerable to land development and habitat destruction.
View photographs from the expedition →References:
- First Protected Area Established for Critically Endangered Blue-throated Macaw (American Bird Conservancy)
- Asociacion Armonia Fact Sheet (BirdLife International)
- World Land Trust-US
Photo © Joe Tobias / Armonia.
Comments
It is so important to create these areas–especially in places like Bolivia which are prone to habitat destruction. I hope that this helps save this beautiful bird.
jh