Project brings two copies of blue macaw back to Brazil

SÃO PAULO

Two copies of the blue macaw (Cyanopsitta spixii), who were held captive in Germany arrive today (26) in Sao Paulo. The repatriation of the birds is one of the project's actions Ararinha in Nature, which aims to return to the Brazilian Caatinga species that disappeared from this region for more than a decade.

The Spix's Macaw is known for having "starring" the animated "Rio" - this is the kind of protagonist Blu. Today, only four macaws make up the breeding population in Brazil, according ICMBio (Chico Mendes Institute for Biodiversity Conservation).

Disclosure

Blue macaw breeding in SP, one of the four copies that currently make up the breeding population in Brazil

Blue macaw breeding in SP, one of the four copies that currently make up the breeding population in Brazil
"The goal is to have enough individuals in captivity for reintroduction perform in their natural habitat in a few years," said Camile Lugarini, coordinator of the PAN (National Action Plan for the Conservation of the Spix's Macaw), coordinated by ICMBio.

The birds have undergone clinical examinations following the requirements of the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Supply and were shipped in crates in commercial flight special. After landing, the macaws will be taken to the quarantine station of Canaanite (SP), where they will be quarantined. After the birds will join other copies that are in captivity in Brazil, for reproduction.

The NAP was established by ICMBio in February 2012 and provides a series of measures to increase the population of birds handled in captivity, and to recover and conserve the habitat of the species by 2017.

The transfer of poultry is partnered ICMBio, civil society organizations, non-profit (Brazil and SAVE FUNBIO via portfolio Fauna Brazil) and Vale.

ABROAD

The repatriation is part of the Brazilian government's actions and partners to reintroduce the blue macaw in nature. The species is native to the Brazilian Caatinga. Considered extinct in the natural environment since 2000, there are currently only 80 individuals in the world, kept in captive breeding programs. The majority is in maintainers abroad (Spain, Germany and Qatar).

In April, the repatriation will be a new group of macaws to come from Spain.

Currently the Spix's Macaw is one of the most endangered animals on the planet, due to historical habitat destruction and capture intense for illegal trade. Therefore, the species has become a global symbol of the importance of preserving biodiversity.

As the possibility of individuals exist in nature is remote, the population increase in captivity for reintroduction into the wild is the only hope for the recovery of macaw in their original habitat.

Source: www.uol.com.br