Flying Rainbows: Scarlet Macaw Reintroduced to Southern Mexico Liz Shaw - ARKive
go to original June 11, 2013

Xcaret Macaw Exhibition (JCVdude)

A flock of scarlet macaws has been released in southern Mexico as part of a reintroduction project to return this charismatic bird to its former range.

The macaws were released into the jungles of Aluxes Ecopark, near Palenque National Park in Chiapas, and all 17 individuals so far appear to be doing well. The project comes after years of coordinated efforts between Aluxes Ecopark, Xcaret Ecopark, the Institute of Biology of the University of Mexico (UNAM), and the Mexican environment agency (SEMARNAT).

The scarlet macaw is widespread across Central and South America, and is currently classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. However, this vibrantly coloured species has all but disappeared from southern Mexico, mainly due to the destruction of its rainforest habitat and over-collection for the pet trade.

Fortunately for the macaw, forest restoration projects, awareness campaigns and protection of Palenque National Park have significantly reduced tropical rainforest destruction in the region, and the wildlife trade has also declined. Sufficient protection for the scarlet macaw and its habitat means that reintroduction is now a viable option to restore this species to its former range.

Read the rest at ARKive

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