Tricia J. Peterson

Conservation of the Red-Fronted Macaw in the Caine River

Red-fronted macaw (Photo taken by Veronica Pasquier).

LocationCountryCategoriesDate
ToroToro National Park, Northern PotosíBoliviaBirds, Central and Latin America21 Jul 2005

The Conservation of the Red-fronted Macaw in the Caine River project’s overall aim is to protect the Red-Fronted Macaw (Ara rubrogenys) in the ToroToro National Park and Caine River communities of Northern Potosí, Bolivia. The species, which the IUCN categorises as Endangered[1], has seen its population diminished in the area because:

(i) it is considered a pest by local peanut farmers and is therefore killed;

(ii) it is poached and sold in markets as pet due to its attractive colours. The project proposes to implement a portfolio of methods to work with local farmers, community groups, and youth to protect the bird and conserve its natural habitat.

Key activities include:

1) Scientific monitoring of the Red-fronted Macaw and its local habitat in order to have a complete understanding of the species and its population in the area (throughout project duration; June05—June06).

2) Production and dissemination of training and educational materials and workshops that encourage the protection of the Macaw (pamphlets, hats) among farmers, local schools, community and municipal leaders (first 6 months of project; June—December).

3) Training of community youth promoters from the local communities in environmental issues and conservation of the Macaw (August—December).

4) Training of farmers in innovative methods to protect their peanut crops from the Macaw; other inexpensive types of scare tactics beside fencing such as tape from old cassette tapes may prove useful (the sound of the tape in the wind was found to effectively scare the Macaws for a period and may be used with other methods) (January—June).

5) Reforestation—planting 6,000 native trees, mainly Soto (whose seeds are eaten by the Macaw), Molle, and Jacaranda between November—February (just before and during the rainy season), in order to expand the natural habitat of the Red-fronted Macaw as well as contribute to soil protection, water retention, and the stabilization of altered areas.

Project Update: August - December 2005

Progress has been achieved during 2005 in the conservation of the Red-fronted Macaw in the Caine River valley. Key results include: a population census, behavior studies to see patterns in relation to damage inflicted by the bird on different local crops, and reproduction behavior. Other key activities included environmental education, coordination with other institutions in training in ecotourism and artisan products to promote the conservation of the Red-fronted Macaw.

A small organization for women was formed for training in protecting the Red-fronted macaw. Women were very interested in the recycling of plastic bags to make bags to carry their harvest; protecting the macaws’ habitat through proper waste management. Our biologist participated in the 1st National Workshop about Illegal Wildlife Trading which was sponsored by the Bolivian Network against the Traffic of Wild Animals (REBOCTAS) to learn more about preventing the traffic of Red-fronted macaws. Support was given to the nearby Torotoro National Park through training for park guards about the Red-fronted macaw to teach ways to do ecotourism with park guests without causing any damage to the macaw.

Project Update: January - March 2006

Scientific monitoring of the Red-fronted macaw has continued in this time period along with environmental education activities. 5,000 native trees were planted in efforts to help restore the Red-fronted macaw’s natural habitat. These activities have helped raise awareness with local farmers of how their agricultural activities have impacted the macaws.

When the macaws have the native fruits to eat from the trees, they will limit attacks on local peanut crops. Veronica Pasquieri, biologist, participated in the 1st Bolivian Congress on Ecology presenting a brief summary of the project entitled, “Study and Conservation of the Red-fronted Macaw (Ara rubrogenys) in the Caine River” to help raise awareness of what is being done to protect this specie in Bolivia.

An observation of the species, written by a student

Marcelino Encinas 9th Grade

(Translation to English)

The Red-Fronted Macaw is very beautiful for its colors, which represent our country, but many of us are killing them without realizing that many of them in this place are disappearing little by little. We are killing them because they come with their whole group to the peanut crops. Many of them die and some of them escape to another place because they are scared away by the sounds of the shotgun, rifle, or gun.

There are no great quantities of macaws anymore in this place; maybe there would have been thousands of them or more in this place. Maybe it would have been the most beautiful valley because in them you could see the colors of our country. The people that would come from other countries would see the caverns and Umajalanta (famous cavern). Before seeing the caverns and the dinosaur tracks, passing through this valley they could see the colors of the flag of Bolivia: red, yellow and green. Because of this we should take care of every living thing, but above all, a bird that carries the three colors of our beloved country.

Final Report

Read Tricia's final report below and view examples of the educational materials produced.

File DownloadSize
Detailed Final Report69.5 KB
Educational Materials2.56 MB

Other Projects in: