Status

The Red-fronted Macaw (Ara rubrogenys) is a Bolivian endemic to a small area on the east Andean slope. The exact population number is not known but estimated to as few as 1.000 - 2.000 in 1993.
This magnificent bird is threatened by conversion of the natural dry vegetation of the high valleys within its range to agriculture, mainly groundnuts and maize crops. An estimated 50% of its natural habitat has been destroyed during the last 40 years. On the other hand, since the macaw is now used to feed on these crops, the species is exposed to persecution by the local people with stones and more and more firearms...
Illegal poaching for the pet trade continues and seems to be still important.

Objectives

Initiated in June 2002, the conservation program aims to :

• survey precisely the populations of this macaw (specially a breeding bird survey), its range and the characteristics of its habitat,

• quantify the threats on the species,

• identify several priority conservation areas and provide practical solutions to lower its decline,

• organise a collaboration with the local populations in order to provide appropriate methods to minimize attacks on crops for example subsidised or alternative crops, reforestation with endemic edible plant species.

On the other hand, the Bolivian education reform includes subjects such as ecology and wildlife conservation. Majority of the rural schools in the Red-fronted macaw's range have not trained teachers : training them and increasing their awareness of the macaw protection is part of the program.

Implementation : Armonia (Birdlife Bolivia), coordinator : Felix Huaquipa.
 

Armonia