Protecting an enigmatic species of the Beni Savannas
The Blue-throated Macaw (Ara glaucogularis) is a Critically Endangered species with an estimated total population of 312-455 individuals, found only within the Beni Savannas of Bolivia. The threats to its survival include habitat loss, illegal pet trade, and use of feathers in headdresses for traditional dances. Thankfully, this final threat has been addressed and mostly eliminated through the use of artificial feathers.
Habitat Protection
The Beni Savannas flood for the better part of each year, as seasonal rainfall merges with melt water from the Andes. This highly inaccessible habitat, made up of grasslands dotted with forest islands, is under threat. The ecosystem suffers from the overgrazing and regular burning associated with traditional cattle ranching, as well as the newer invasion of soy farming.
In 2008, we created the Barba Azul Nature Reserve to protect the Beni Savannas in northern Bolivia, where one of the three subpopulations of the macaw resides. Seeing how quickly seemingly small changes in land use resulted in measurable effects, the Laney Rickman Reserve was established in 2018 to protect the breeding range of another subpopulation. Both Reserves are currently being expanded.
Nestbox Program
In addition to protecting acreage, an important aspect for the recovery of the Blue-throated Macaw species is the Nest Box Program, begun in 2005 at what eventually became the Laney Rickman Reserve. Many lessons have been learned through the years and have been put into practice to improve nest box design and their usefulness as far as reproductive success. The nest boxes of Laney Rickman have resulted in just over 100 successful chicks – no small contribution when the entire population is so small!
Barba Azul Nature Reserve is following suit with a similar nest box program; recent surveillance trips have identified nesting habitats that are distinct from those at Laney Rickman and nest box design has been modified accordingly. Macaws are highly intelligent, learning behaviors from their parents; if they learn to use nest boxes at Barba Azul, the need to migrate to breeding habitat may be eliminated and allow them to live their entire lives within a protected area.
Sustainable Ranching
An important measure for protecting habitat while recognizing the need for economic productivity in the region is sustainable ranching. At Barba Azul we have designed a sustainable ranching model, being implemented in stages, that will serve as one component of sustainability for the Reserve, as a teaching model for ranchers throughout the Beni, and to protect Blue-throated Macaw habitat without losing productivity. Often perceived as the enemy of conservation, we have shown that, with proper design and management, low-density cattle ranching can actually work towards improving habitats and achieving conservation goals.
Thank you for your support
The Blue-throated Macaw Conservation Program and all of Armonia’s programs rely on generous donations of those willing to support a healthy future for all. Please consider donating today.
We thank our international partners and individual donors for the achievements of Blue-throated Macaw program – we cannot save the species or empower our people without your generous support.