One of a pair of Blue-throated macaws guarding its nest.

It is estimated that only 120 Blue-throated Macaws remain in Bolivia, and even these are greatly threatened by trafficking. This project seeks to establish the most secure and self-sustainable means of long term local protection of the species in the shortest time possible. Rather than relying on government enforcement of anti-trafficking regulations, the project is based at the local level, where landowners and local ranch employees will be encouraged to develop monitoring procedures and support a conservation plan.

Children enjoying our pilot education programme

The project combines research and conservation objectives. As a priority the team will investigate in which sites the macaws choose to breed, what types of trees and other habitat features are associated with nesting sites and what pressures impact successful breeding. Ongoing surveys will monitor the birds' population status. The team will concurrently work on an education programme aimed at schools and youth groups to raise awareness on the macaws and other wildlife, and will launch an initiative to involve local landowners as "private guardians" of the species.