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Jan
13
Going Green: Great Green Macaws Back in Talamanca
Posted by Colline | January 13, 2012 | Categories: Environment, Helping Out, Nature | 4 Comments
For the first time in many years, Great Green macaws (Ara ambiguus) are back in the Talamanca area! Great Greens are listed as endangered, with the last remaining population in Torteguero numbering only 300 individuals, with only 25-35 breeding pairs left. They are endangered due to deforestation and extensive poaching, primarily for the illegal pet trade. They are perfectly adapted for living in the rainforest and may live over 60 years in the wild. They depend mainly on the mountain almond tree, or almendro de montaña 
(Dipteryx panamensis) for food and nesting. These birds take ten years to reach breeding age and will mate for life!
The Ara Project, based in Alajuela, breeds Scarlet (Ara macao) and Great Green macaws with the sole intention of release into the wild. Find out more and donate at: www.thearaproject.org
We are now re-introducing Greens here with the hopes that once a sustainable population is established, they will eventually meet up with the wild population and re-create the Caribbean corridor. A reintroduction has never been attempted officially with the Great Green species, so the Talamanca area is witnessing the first release of these birds in the world! The first release consists of ten birds, nine of which have been released since August and are doing extremely well.
The success of this release is not solely dependent on the macaws; the community must be supportive of this effort if it is to be successful. We are encouraging people let us know if any macaws are in your area. This lets us know not only how they are using the release range, but also helps us identify birds that can fly farther and faster than we can keep up! With the help of reports, we have estimated they have established a range of 41 square kilometres! People can also help the macaws by planting fruit trees such as the almendros, and enjoying the birds from afar. They do best when left alone, and we hope people watch out for anyone trying to harm the birds.
Thank you so much for your support and interest in the Ara Project and the macaws! Please feel free to contact us at any time:
colline@thearaproject.org (506) 8524-4675
allan@thearaproject.org (506) 8971-1436
 Colline W. Emmanuelle is the Education & Community Outreach Manager for The Ara Project. She is originally from Baltimore, Maryland and has been involved with the Project since February 2011. In addition to macaws, Colline’s favourite animals include anteaters and yeti crabs. |
Comments
4 Comments so far
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You guy are doing a great job. This a awesome article. I’ve seen them on my rides with my riding guest. They are so beautiful. Keep up the good work.
Colline and Allen.
Bruce
Being a mom of two Macaws who mean the world to me, it is wonderful to see everyone getting involved with these beautiful and smart birds!
Wow, gorgeous photos, and a beautiful bird. Best of luck to you
Awesome! Well done and best wishes!