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 In
April 2002, with an invitation from BioBrasil, Dave Cruz, staff
for the World of Birds Show at the Minnesota Zoo, assisted in
the on-going observation of a critically endangered species of
parrot, the Lear's macaw (Anodorhynchus leari). The Minnesota
Zoo has made significant monetary contributions to BioBrasil's
programs and this was a new opportunity to become actively involved
in field-based research of this extremely rare parrot.
The Lear's macaw population is estimated at approximately 200
individuals. If this species is to survive, extensive research
is needed. Wild populations of Lear's were not officially discovered
until 1978 so there is still very little known about this species.
BioBrasil manages 50,000 acres in Bahia, Brazil. This is a dry,
almost desert-like area. This land is extremely important to the
resident Lear's macaw population due to sandstone cliffs that
serve as nesting sites for the adults and their offspring. Before
BioBrasil began managing this property, it was plagued by recurring
poaching. The chicks were taken from nests and sold illegally
into the pet trade.
 Dave
assisted in a survey of the cliffs to determine the areas being
used as nests and try to confirm the presence of chicks in these
nests. This helps chart population trends and breeding success
along with species natural history. BioBrasil's "around the
clock" presence also insures that poachers are not coming
in undetected. Dave was able to estimate that nine nests were
in use in the 300 ft. section of cliff he was viewing. He could
actually see one chick but behavioral observations suggested the
possibility of six successful nesting pairs.
This year appears to have been a productive one. With the help
of favorable weather (rain) along with BioBrasil's continued patrols,
there appear to be more active nests than in past years. The number
of chicks fledged has yet to be determined but it appears there
has been a significant boost to the population. Each breeding
season is critical to Lear's macaw survival and proper management
of their habitat helps insure their continued existence.
The number of successful breeding pairs may be a direct result
of an adequate food supply that is limited by lack of precipitation.
Lear's macaws depend upon licuri palm nuts (Syagrus coronata)
and when these nuts are unavailable, the birds turn to area corn
fields as their food source. This is a difficult place to make
a living and local farmers do not tolerate "marauding"
animals. BioBrasil is working to insure the productivity of the
thousands of licuri palms on the property. Productive trees will
keep the macaws from roaming in search of alternate food sources.
With about 1/3 of parrot species threatened or endangered, conservation
programs are important. The more that can be learned, the better
equipped we will be to make decisions that affect their survival.
For more information visit: http://www.biobrasil.org
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