Red-fronted Macaw
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 At the National Aviary
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| Ara rubrogenys Lafresnaye, 1847 |
The Red-fronted Macaw, Ara rubrogenys, is a parrot endemic to a small area of Bolivia 200 km west of Santa Cruz, in the department of the same name. It is highly endangered, and there may only be 150 or so birds left in the wild; it has been successfully bred in captivity, and is available, if not common, as a pet.
The area is termed medium altitude semi-desert. The natural vegetation consists mostly of cactus (large and small) and thorny trees and scrub. The climate is semi arid with cold nights and hot days. Rain comes in infrequent heavy storms.
This macaw is unusual in that it is the only one to inhabit such a climatic zone. There are no very large trees therefore it nests in vertical fissures in cliff faces. The bird has been captured for the pet trade in the past and killed by local farmers because it raids their crops.
For an ornithologist wishing to see this bird, the nearest villages are Pampagrande and Tambo. There are no hotels, however there are bunkhouses adjoining the local churches. The nearest town with tourist facilities is Samaipata.
[edit] References
- BirdLife International (2004). Ara rubrogenys. 2006 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. IUCN 2006. Retrieved on 11 May 2006. Database entry includes a brief justification of why this species is endangered and the criteria used
[edit] External links
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