Great green macaw conservation center
Reintroducing the green macaw into the wild
The aim of this conservation center is to ensure the long-term future of wild parrots in Costa Rica, through restoring macaws to their historic range in Costa Rica, contributing to the scientific community, encouraging the protection of tropical forests, and educating the public to assure the benefit and enjoyment of present and future generations for many years to come.
It was found initially approximately 35 years ago for parrots to help stop the alarming decline of these magnificent birds in Costa Rica. Over time, many confiscated macaws were donated to the center by MINAE (Costa Rican Ministry of the Environment) and by private donors, where they were rehabilitated and given the opportunity to breed with the hope that their offspring could fly free in the wild.
In 2010, The Ara Project initiated a Great Green macaw reintroduction project in the South Caribbean region of Costa Rica near Manzanillo in a national wildlife refuge. This project represents the first time, to our knowledge, that the Great Green macaw species are reintroduced into the wild anywhere in the world. The objective of the project is to establish a self-sustainable population in the region. This group could eventually link up with the remaining wild populations of Great Greens of northern Costa Rica and the wild population of central and northern Panama..
The South Caribbean area of Costa Rica is selected for this project mainly because of the regions extraordinary natural habitat protected by the Gandoca-Manzanillo National Wildlife Refuge within the county of Talamanca, which has 88% of its territory under some category of environmental protection, supplying abundant food for the macaws. Another important reason for selecting this area for the project is that historically Great Greens were endemic in this region but became virtually extinct. The project has the decisive support of local property owners, the tourism sector, the public education system, local authorities including the Costa Rican Ministry of the Environment, as well as other authorities and community groups, who are committed to overcome the threats that brought the past extinction of these emblematic birds.
In 2015, its research station received a small grant to initiate an artificial nesting program to facilitate the reproduction in the wild of the macaws that were released. The program began for the 2016 breeding season with 5 nest boxes, specifically designed to attract Great Greens and spread out and installed high up in rainforest trees. As of 2018 breeding season, they have 15 artificial nests installed and from these nests 24 new Great Greens chicks have survived and joined the free flying population.
What started as an experimental release station in the South Caribbean region of Costa Rica, after eight years of consistent dedication of many volunteers from around the world and a small core of committed staff working together, guided by the technical support from global parrot experts, this Macaw center has developed into a well-established successful project. Our staff of young local Talamancans is well versed and trained in bird husbandry and wildlife monitoring, forestry and tree climbing, as well as community outreach, tourism and public relations activities. The initial objective of establishing a self-sustaining population of Great Green macaws in this region is well underway to being fulfilled.
Great Green Macaws are the largest parrots within their natural range, the second heaviest macaw species, and the third heaviest parrot species in the world. This species averages 85–90 cm (33.5–35.5 in) in length and 1.3 kg (2.9 lb) in weight.
Once prevalent throughout the entire Costa Rican Caribbean, Great Green Macaw (Ara ambiguus) populations have declined alarmingly in recent decades, due mostly to poaching and deforestation, in particular the logging of the Mountain Almond trees (Dipterix panamensis). BirdLife International states that over the past 50 years global populations have been reduced by half.
During the past 10 years has contributed through releasing captive raised birds and assisted breeding in the wild, more than 65 new Great Greens flying free in the wild..
During the past 10 years has contributed through releasing captive raised birds and assisted breeding in the wild, more than 65 new Great Greens flying free in the wild..
Threats:
- International wild bird pet and feather trade
- Land use changes causing loss of food and habitat
- Illegal trapping for in-country trade, food and feathers
- Lack of awareness of importance of conserving the species
Volunteering
The reintroduction project could not exist without the invaluable help of dedicated volunteer field assistants from across the globe. The project offers Nature lovers and conservation enthusiasts the opportunity to learn about and work closely with some of the most incredibly beautiful and charismatic birds on Earth. The exceptional experience of living in the tropical rainforest, meeting people from all over the world and experiencing rural Costa Rican life and culture in a remote coastal wildlife refuge is very special. Furthermore, contributing towards the survival of a threatened macaw species is uniquely rewarding.
Volunteer work includes
The reintroduction project could not exist without the invaluable help of dedicated volunteer field assistants from across the globe. The project offers Nature lovers and conservation enthusiasts the opportunity to learn about and work closely with some of the most incredibly beautiful and charismatic birds on Earth. The exceptional experience of living in the tropical rainforest, meeting people from all over the world and experiencing rural Costa Rican life and culture in a remote coastal wildlife refuge is very special. Furthermore, contributing towards the survival of a threatened macaw species is uniquely rewarding.
Volunteer work includes
- Managing the released population of Great Green macaws
- Maintaining supplemental feeders located in surrounding forest;
- Monitoring the released birds and offspring - depending on the season this may include walking in the forest at dawn or dusk to monitor nest sites;
- Collecting or foraging for natural foods – fruits, seeds and nuts;
- General maintenance and cleaning of the field station;
- Feeding and caring for chicks or injured bird inside the aviary when required;
- Assisting with tourism site daily visits and giving tours;
- Support of community education and outreach