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Urban Birds Project - Macaws in the City

In 1999, the arrival of blue-and-yellow macaws and red-and-green macaws was monitored in Campo Grande, the capital of Mato Grosso do Sul. At the time, there was an accentuated period of drought, which, added to deforestation and fires, in the rural area and surrounding municipalities, caused great food shortages. They came from Terenos in groups of 48 and 27 individuals. A part of the group settled in Campo Grande and another part continued migrating to Ribas do Rio Pardo, Águas Claras, Três Lagoas, reaching the border between Mato Grosso do Sul, São Paulo and Paraná. Generalist birds are frequent in urban environments and the blue-and-yellow macaw (Ara ararauna) is a common species in the city of Campo Grande, capital of Mato Grosso do Sul (MS).

Although it is common and widely distributed, it is poorly studied in the wild and detailed studies on reproductive success are important to monitor the population in the long term. Thus, the main objective of this project is to monitor the reproductive success of the blue-and-yellow macaw in the urban area of ​​Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, and to analyze the results, over the years, with the development of the city. The registered nests are monitored weekly by photographic record from the laying of the eggs to the flight of the juveniles. Nests are correlated with location and distance from green areas. The level of vehicular disturbance (NPV) in the nests is evaluated.

The reproductive period of the blue-and-yellow macaw in Campo Grande occurs from August to December, and may extend until January or February of the following year. On average, 92.3% of the nests with reproductive pairs are successful with egg laying, of which 83.3% are successful with the hatching of nestlings and 81.6% are successful in the flight of juveniles. The nests are built in native and exotic palm trees and are located inside the backyards of residences or commercial properties, sidewalks and public walkways in avenues and parks. Most registered nests (54%) are located in or near a green area.

Blue-and-yellow macaws are successfully breeding in the urban area of ​​Campo Grande. Complementary studies will be able to determine the factors that influence the reproduction of this species in the city. Hybrid macaws (result of the crossing of a blue-and-yellow macaw (Ara ararauna) with a red-and-green macaw (Ara chloropterus)) are also being monitored. It is intended to use these species, which are so emblematic to involve the community in environmental issues, mainly for the importance of biodiversity conservation.

Observation tourism - Urban Birds Project - Macaws in the city

An excellent tour option for those who are in the city of Campo Grande!

Learning to appreciate, know how to observe and get to know biodiversity is the basis for the development of public policies and for the conservation of what is loved. Observation Tourism is an educational and recreational activity that reinforces people’s interest in the environment.

Because it takes place in a city, where macaws live together with cars, buildings and humans, it enchants tourists, foreigners or not, who realize that it is possible for wild animals to live together in urban areas, reconciling the presence of man with the local fauna, thus promoting the conservation of biodiversity. Contact for scheduling and/or further information can be made by phone (67) 3222 1205 and by email: contato@institutoararaazul.org.br

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