Species: Lear’s Macaw
Type of species: Anodorhynchus leari, a rare Brazilian parrot
Breeding habitsIts: rate of reproduction is 1 to 2 eggs each year during their mating season which occurs from December to May. Not all pairs of birds mate often or at all. These birds reach sexual maturity at around 2 to4 years of age.
Habitat: These birds live in northeastern Brazil. They are also found south of the Amazon River in central and southwestern Brazil, eastern Bolivia, and northeastern Paraguay. It lives in lightly forested areas, swamplands, open savannas, and palm groves, usually near water.
Diet: The nuts of Licuri palm which form a prominent part of its diet. The Lear's Macaws also feed off other fruits found in the area such as pinhao, umbu and mucuma.
Sample food chain:
Why it is endangered: Lear’s Macaw had become endangered due to illegal bird traders, habitat loss caused by human-made fires to clear forest, and goats devouring the birds’ primary food source: licurí palms. In addition, the cows that live near its nesting grounds often stand on the roots of young Licuri palms causing a large loss of food for these birds.
Current conservation efforts: reforestation efforts of the licurí palms are being planned to protect their habitat. All present Lear's Macaw conservation projects are managed under the authority of IBAMA. The Committee For The Conservation And Management Of The Lear's Macaw advises IBAMA on the conservation of the Lear's Macaw. n 1997 the Committee for the Preservation of the Lear's Macaw, {Anodorhynchus lean') was formed. In 1999 this Committee was amalgamated with the Committee of Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus and was renamed "The Committee for the Recovery and Management of the Anodorhynchus lean Lear's Macaw and Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus Hyacinth Macaw", with the objective of continuing the work already started.
In addition in 1997 the FNMA (Fundo Nacional do Meio Ambiente) donated funds, thus enabling various projects to be completed. However, much work remains to be done. It is necessary to maintain in the field one biologist, two trainees and an assistant, together with a means of getting around. This requires a four-wheel drive vehicle, i.e. Toyota and includes maintenance and spare parts. Besides this basic infrastructure various priorities should be established in order to carry out the field study.
What can we do to help conserve them: Establish laws to ban the trading of these birds. Do not buy these birds to keep as pets. Support conservation efforts to protect the birds by spreading the words and donating money to the cause.
sources:
__Feiyi
