Information booklet on the Projeto Arara Azul (Hyacinth Macaw Project) available to visitors to the Pousada Caiman where the project is based and other lodges in the southern Panatanal.

The Hyacinth Macaw Project involves research, management and conservation of the species. In carrying these out, biologists, veterinarians, field workers, ranchers and university students share in activities ranging from technical studies on reproduction; behavior, and habitat to environmental education.

Begun in 1990 by the biologist Neiva Guedes the project monitored about 3,000 individuals distributed over an area of 400,000 hectares in the Pantanal region of Mato Grosso do Sul where there are 284 natural nests and 154 artificial ones.

Its activities and achievements involve a large part of the population of Mato Grosso do Sul and expand to cover the rest of Brazil and neighboring countries. Farm workers and ranchers began to support the work and today take pride in the macaws that live in the region.

Some of the Project's activities can be observed at its base located at the Cayman Ecological Refuge, or at the IPPAN/UNIDERP (University for Development of the State and the Pantanal Region) and also at the Azara Azul, Aguape, Rio Negro, Campo Neta and other lodges.

South America is known as the continent of birds, because almost a third of the planet's species are found there. Brazil stands out in this regard as it has 1 /5 of all existing Psittacidae (parrots, parakeets, macaws, conures, etc.).

Threatened with extinction, the hyacinth macaw (Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus) is outstanding because of its beauty and because it is the largest macaw in the world; approximately one meter from the tip of its bill to its tail and weighing about 1.3 kg.

Predominantly blue in color, which contrasts with the yellow of its cheeks and eyes, it is also known by its Indian name, "araraúna".

In the characteristically green Pantanal landscape, they can be distinguished because they fly in small flocks. The so-called "dormitorios", places where they congregate at the end of the day, have the function of being "centers for exchanging information", as the birds are highly socialized. The adults mate for life and share the task of caring for their young.

REPRODUCTION

Hyacinth macaws are weak at birth and stay on average, a little more than three months in the nest, under the attentive care of their parents. At the end of this time, they venture forth on their first flights. Family life, however, doesn't stop there. Even without returning to the nest, the young birds remain in its proximity and are fed by their parents until they reach six months of age.

At seven years of age, the macaw is ready to start its own family. The female will usually have two chicks and, as she is responsible for hatching them, she spends most of the time on the nest where the male feeds her. The eggs (the size of chickens' eggs) hatch after 28 to 30 days.

The chicks gain weight and grow rapidly But for the first 45 days, their lives are in danger from cockroaches, ants or other birds, such as toucans and hawks, which raid their nests. For the majority of adult pairs, only one chick survives.

HABITAT

In the Pantanal, 90% of hyacinth macaw nests are found in a single type of tree, the "manduvi". Because they have a soft kernel, which is easily hollowed out, they are the trees most sought after by the species.

The macaws do not begin the nest-hole, but dig out the small cavities left by woodpeckers or by branches breaking off, or even those caused by fungus or left by termites. The hole used for the nest is deep and cozy, and lined with sawdust, which they scrape from the tree itself.

As it is very difficult to find natural cavities, and there is much competition with other species, the Project has developed and installed artificial nests.

The first nests were put in place in 1997, on ranches in the Pantanal. The occupancy rate was low, but nonetheless contributed to the species' short-term conservation because the red-and-green macaws, toucans, hawks, owls, ducks and vultures also occupied some of them, thus reducing the struggle for natural nests.

FEEDING

Hyacinth macaws have a high-energy diet, based on nuts from the fruit of two species of palm trees, the "acuri" and the "bocaiuva". They usually eat the "acuri" nuts after they have fallen to the ground whether on open land or in the pastures. They take the seeds, which have been husked by cattle or by wild animals. In the case of the "bocaiuva", the nuts are plucked and eaten directly from the tree. As the birds are very social in their behavior, they gather early in the morning or at the end of the day, to eat together.

THREATS

By the beginning of the 80's, it was estimated that traffickers, catering principally to international demand, had captured over 10,000 macaws. The species' situation became more critical as its natural habitat was destroyed by deforestation and burning. They were also hunted by Indians, who sold traditional ornaments made from their feathers.

Today, although the traffic in animals continues to represent a threat, there has been a significant fall in this illegal trade, especially in Mato Grosso do Sul thanks to heightened awareness through the work the Project has carried out. This success has allowed their principal focus to be re-directed towards conservation of the environment in which the species lives.

RESULTS

· The macaw population is increasing and has practically doubled in the monitored area,
· 284 natural nests have been recorded on 41 ranches,
· 154 artificial nests have been set up on 12 ranches,
· Over 90 nests are being managed and recovered,
· Academics and graduates from Brazil and overseas are being trained,
· Red-and-green macaw and blue-and-yellow macaw are also being monitored.

PANTANAL REGION

With around 170,000 km² the Pantanal is the largest continental wetland on the planet It is located in the States of Mato Grosso and Mato Grosso do Sul and extends into Bolivia and Paraguay. The Pantanal's landscape is the result of the flood cycle. During the wet season, up to 80% of the region is under water, a perfect environment for aquatic birds, reptiles and fish.

How can you help?<

* Don't breed wild animals
* Don't buy wild animals and denounce trafficking
* Don't buy handicrafts made with the feathers, teeth or beaks of animals
* Buy the Project's promotional products
* Donate materials or equipment or provide financial support for our work
The Projeto Arara Azul

is operated by UNIDERP and Fundação Manoel de Barros

in partnership with WWF

is sponsored by Toyota

and supported by the Hyacinth Macaw Fund, Conservation International do Brasil, Refugio Ecologico Caiman and Vanzin Escapamentos.

The research work of the Projeto Arara Azul/UNIDERP

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