ENDANGERED ANIMALS (GUACAMAYA ROJA)

Scarlet Macaw

 

In Mexico, the scarlet macaw (Ara macao) exists only in the Lacandon Jungle. It is located only in the extreme south and east of the Biosphere Reserve Montes Azules, in particular the Rio Lacantún.The scarlet macaw is an endangered species. It is estimated that in Mexico there is only a population of 400 individuals who depend on the forest for their survival well preserved. The Reserve Montes Azules Biosphere protects a portion of the forest along the river Lacantún, however, the other side of the river is also an important area for nesting scarlet macaw, is severely deforested for agriculture and livestock from neighboring coastal suburbs.The few remaining nesting trees in these suburbs, are often poached for obtaining chickens, as they have a high commercial value in the black market, even reaching down the tree to get the chickens, not only lost nest, but the very future nesting tree.

Species description:

 

The scarlet macaw is fourth in size among the 17 species of macaws in America. Adults are 85-96 cm from head to tail, body weight a little more than 1 kg, in average wing length 41 cm, and an average queue length of 53 cm. In general plumage color is scarlet, and secondary coverts and wings appear yellow. The tail coverts have a light blue, while the primary coverts are red. At the peak, the upper jaw is off-white, while the lower jaw is matte black. The iris is yellow, and dark gray legs. Juveniles are similar, except for the iris is light brown.

Distribution in Mexico:

 

South of Tamaulipas, San Luis Potosi, Veracruz, Campeche, Tabasco, Oaxaca, Chiapas. In Mexico only two areas is now well preserved in the jungles of Chiapas borders Guatemala and Chiapas Oaxaca border

Habitat:

 

Lowland rainforest and savanna, also in remote portions of rainforest. Often near rivers throughout its range.

FOOD:

Especially eat seeds and fruit of all classes, the most common being that the proportion of ingested seeds is twice that of fruits. They love the fresh fruit, so every day they must be supplied seasonal fruits and vegetables, grasses and sprouts.Occasionally, the diet must be supplemented with other foods rich in carbohydrates and proteins, as some cooked pasta, chicken bones with meat scraps, etc..

Threats

The strongest threat to wild populations of scarlet macaws in Mexico and large parts of its range, was and is rampant extraction for trade in the species. The demand and the economic value of the scarlet macaw in the market, boosted its illegal for both the international market for the country. This pressure has led to local extinction in much of its original distribution.