Six Great Green Macaws were released in Ayampe
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On May 10th, 6 individuals of Great Green Macaws (Ara ambiguus guayaquilensis) were released in the reserve Ayampe. Fundación Jocotoco, Fundación de rescate Jambelí, and Fundación Loro Parque have worked together for years on this emblematic reintroduction project of the Great Green Macaw, a critically endangered subspecies. These birds have a great importance on the ecosystem because they help to promote the natural regeneration through seed dispersal.
The six individuals born in the Fundación de Rescate Jambelí were later transferred to a big cage in the Ayampe reserve, where they passed through an adaptation phase of 6 months. During this period of time we incorporated fruits and seeds from the area on their diet and provided an adequate space for them to exercise their wings. Two of the six individuals have satellite tags to determine their site of distribution, mating, foraging, and possible conflicts people-fauna.
The main threats are deforestation, which causes the loss of their habitat, and illegal trafficking because they are worldwide highly valued pets. That is why the participation of the ancestral community of Las Tunas is key on the conservation of this species. Our project Children of the Sea include campaigns to clean the plastic from beaches and rivers, and raise environmental awareness in schools.
We were accompanied by the Environment Ministry, organization Yo Siembro, local authorities representatives, local media, the community of Las Tunas, and other conservation NGOs, among others.
Click here to watch the video.
