Lear's Macaw

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Lear's Macaw

Conservation status
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Psittaciformes
Family: Psittacidae
Genus: Anodorhynchus
Species: A. leari
Binomial name
Anodorhynchus leari
Bonaparte, 1856

The Lear's Macaw, Anodorhynchus leari, (also more commonly known as the Indigo Macaw) is a Brazilian parrot with a highly restricted range. The bird is metallic blue tinged with green, and a yellow patch of skin by the bill. It weighs around 950 g (2 pounds) and is 75 cm (30 inches) long. It is named after the poet Edward Lear, who published many drawings and paintings of parrots. Although Lear never visited Brazil (or anywhere else in South America), several of his "Illustrations of the Family of the Psittacidæ, or Parrots" strongly resemble this species, unrecognized until much later, believing it to be a Hyacinth Macaw.

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[edit] History

For over a century after its being described, the whereabouts of the wild population was unknown. It was eventually discovered in 1978 by naturalist Helmut Sick in the interior northeast of Brazil, in the country's Bahia state. Originally, the bird was thought to be some sort of hybrid derived from the very similar Hyacinth macaw. However, this idea was soon abandoned, as the Lear's Macaw has plumage that differs slightly from that of its close relatives. The macaw was actually first seen by the public in 1950 in a Brazilian zoo, but was not classified as its own species until 1978, as stated above.

[edit] Habitat

The Lear's Macaw lives in stands of licuri palm, the nuts of which form a prominent part of its diet. This habitat, while never plentiful, is currently estimated to be around 1.6% of its original cover. The Lear's Macaw also requires a sandstone cliff in which to nest. In order to nest there, they apply their saliva to the sandstone, softening it, and then hilariously excavate small crevasses by using their beaks and shooting the dust out of their soon-to-be nests with their feet.

[edit] Conservation

The population of the Lear's Macaw, as of 1994, was 140 birds. As reported by the American Bird Conservancy and Fundação Biodiversitas, the population of the Lear's Macaw rose to 751 birds as of July 2007. [2] It is currently listed as Critically Endangered (CITES I). As well as habitat loss, the Lear's Macaw has also historically suffered from hunting and, more recently, trapping for the aviary trade. In addition, the wild cows that live near its nesting grounds often stand on the roots of the licuri palms that they eat, causing a large loss of food for these majestic birds. In fact, though the average life span of these trees can be 30-50 years for healthy adult trees, most baby palms barely make it over 8-10 years. Many organizations, such as Fundacao Biodiversitas, BioBrazil, Parrots International, and the Lymington Foundation, along with local ranchers and other independent organizations, are working to help conserve the species. Biodiversitas created the Canudos Biological Station, in 1993, to protect the sandstone cliffs used by the macaws.

All present Lear's Macaw conservation projects are managed under the authority of IBAMA (Brazilian Institute of Environment and Natural Renewable Resources). The Committee For The Conservation And Management Of The Lear's Macaw advises IBAMA on the conservation of the Lear's Macaw. Participation in the Committee is by invitation by IBAMA and includes Brazilian and international organizations and individuals.

From the American Bird Conservancy 18 July 2007 Press Release: "The count of the Lear’s Macaw population was undertaken by Fundação Biodiversitas staff in June 2007 at the Canudos Biological Station in Brazil, a reserve supported by ABC. A total of 751 individuals were counted as they flew out of the canyons where they roost and nest to their licuri palm feeding areas. The global population in 1987 was just 70 birds, the 2003 census was 455, and until last month’s count, the current population was estimated at 600."

[edit] Behavior

Lear's Macaw has interesting ways that they adapt to their environment in which they live. For example, when a group of macaws are searching for food or a new nesting ground, a small advance party of males will "scout out" the approaching terrain, for the safety of the rest of the group. In addition, when danger is found on these hunts for new territory, the macaws will let out their signature call, which can be heard for miles. Then, to escape, the macaw can reach flight speeds of up to 35 miles per hour to escape predators or poachers.

[edit] Breeding

The Lear’s macaw’s rate of reproduction is 1-2 eggs per year during their mating season from December to May. However, not all pairs of birds mate often or at all. Lear’s macaws reach sexual maturity at around 2-4 years of age, but its life span can be anywhere from 30-50 years or more.

[edit] References

  1. ^ BirdLife International (2004). Anodorhynchus leari. 2006 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. IUCN 2006. Retrieved on 10 May 2006. Database entry includes a range map and justification for why this species is critically endangered
  2. ^ Lear’s Macaw Making a Remarkable Comeback in Protected Reserve Surfbirds website, 22 July 2007

[edit] External links