Artificial nestbox program helps survival of the critically endangered blue-throated macaw

This breading season, 12 blue-throated macaw chicks fledged thanks to a succesful nestbox program at the Laney Rickman Reserve in Bolivia, which was purchased in 2017 with support from the IUCN NL land acquisition fund. The blue-throated macaw is one of the rarest parrot species on Earth, with no more than 500 individuals in the wild.

Header photo: Blue-throated macaw in nesting box from Asociación Armonía  © Asociación Armonía

The blue-throated macaw (Ara glaucogularis) is a Critically Endangered species with an estimated total population of 312-455 individuals, found only within the Llanos de Moxos ecosystem of the Beni department of Bolivia.

The Laney Rickman Blue-throated Macaw Reserve, located south of the city of Trinidad, is the most important breeding area for the struggling species and home to one of three subpopulations of this rare, beautiful macaw.

Our local partner Asociación Armonía installed artificial nestboxes at the Laney Rickman reserve, thereby relieving scarcity of acceptable nesting locations and easing competition from other species with artificial nests that through the years have been adapted based on the macaws’ observed preferences. 

Tying the record

The availability of protected habitat and the understanding of breeding habits gained over fifteen years of efforts are reaping observable rewards for the species. This year’s breeding season was bountiful, with 12 Blue-throated Macaws successfully hatched, reared, and fledged, tying the record from 2018-2019 for the most successful fledglings in a season. 

Nine clutches of eggs were laid in the nestboxes, as in the previous year. Of the breeding adults, seven (up from five in the 2018-2019 season) involved in this season’s activity were previous offspring from nestboxes, showing that overall the nestbox program is achieving conservation goals, increasing the number of healthy individuals in the population.

This year’s young bring the total fledged from Armonia’s nestboxes to 93 fledglings since 2005. Macaws raised in nestboxes now comprise roughly 25% of the total Blue-throated Macaw population.

Protect and improve habitat

These achievements result from ongoing efforts to adapt techniques and protect and improve habitat. Nestboxes are attractive to many species; competition with the similar yet more stable Blue-and-yellow Macaw has been reduced, even eliminated this season, by altering the size of the nestbox entrance hole. Fire breaks are a necessity to protect habitat; in 2019, a full 12 km of firebreaks plus an additional 2 km of road that double as firebreaks were implemented.

Due to such protection measures, the reserves managed Asociación Armonía provide a vital and thriving habitat supporting the long-term survival of the blue throated macaw. The site has become part of an ongoing research project to provide feedback and evidence of its progress. It is now evident that the regeneration of isolated forest islands and the creation of these large nest cavities will greatly improve the chances that this critically endangered animal will thrive. 

Curious about the nestbox program? Watch the video explanation of this year’s breeding activities:

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Since 2001, the IUCN NL land acquisition fund provides funds for local NGOs to acquire threatened patches of wilderness to create or expand safe reserves and connect wildlife habitats. The land acquisition fund is supported by the Dutch Postcode Lottery.