Lears Macaw

Lear´s macaw rescue program

The Lear's Macaw (Anodorhyncus leari) is at home in the Caatinga, a very special area in Brazil with rich biodiversity and many endemic species of flora and fauna. This macaw is considered globally endangered by the IUCN. Despite the current conservation efforts, it suffers the pressures of irregular deforestation, fires and traditional livestock farming on its favourite food, the licuri coconut (Syagrus coronata). Additionally, there are direct conflicts with the local communities, such as illegal pet trade and macaws being shot due to consumption of maize crops. The most common injuries found in rescued Lear´s macaws are firearm projectile lesions and open fractures, which requires fast and proper transportation to advanced specialized veterinary care. Rescued wild birds that can recover from their injuries can return into the wild, but also can serve the additional purpose to help the restocking of the population with captive-born animals. The wild recovered animals are integrated into a captive flock and are teaching those naïve birds how to survive in the wild. Hence this project aims to provide the quick and appropriate care to those rescued wild birds, so that better survival rates can be achieved and more birds can be released back into nature.