From the Association for the Conservation of Threatened Parrots (ACTP)
In a remarkable turn of events, the Spix’s Macaw, a species once considered extinct in the wild, has reached a significant milestone by breeding successfully in its natural habitat. The last known wild Spix’s nest was in 1986, 37 years ago, before the Spix’s Macaw became extinct in the wild. This achievement marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing conservation efforts to revive this critically endangered species. The Spix’s Macaws’ wild nesting result represents the ultimate goal of the project – the establishment of a breeding population in the wild.
The journey to this achievement was arduous and began in 2000 when the last known wild Spix’s macaw vanished, rumoured to have fallen victim to power lines. This incident sent shockwaves through the bird conservation community, prompting a united effort. Collaborative endeavours between private breeders, zoos, and the Brazilian government aimed to bring together the remaining captive Spix’s Macaws to create a population that could one day be reintroduced into the wild.
Private aviculturists and scientists, armed with decades of captive breeding and management expertise, tirelessly worked to transform what once seemed an impossible dream into a reality. Their dedication and unwavering commitment to the cause made it possible to bring the Spix’s macaws back from the brink of extinction.