On the Brink of Extinction

The survival of the Great Green Macaws in the region heavily depends upon the local human population understanding and appreciating the importance of the species. To facilitate this process, Ara Manzanillo has developed an environmental education program with workshops, visits, and other activities.

The IUCN Red List of Endangered Species published in 2020 reclassified the Ara ambiguus as a CRITICALLY ENDANGERED SPECIES with populations decreasing. Experts estimate the worldwide population to be between 500-1000 individual adult Great Green Macaws living in the wild, and less than 200 in Costa Rica. To reduce the risk of disappearance, all efforts to conserve and reintroduce this species are of great importance.

Starting in 2010, Ara Manzanillo has contributed approximately 120 individuals to the free flying population, increasing the country’s Great Green populations by 40% and the population by 10%. Few conservation projects have had such significant impact on the comeback of a species in grave danger of extinction.

The reintroduction of this iconic species now encompasses four key programs to ensure long-term success in rewilding efforts:

I. Species Reintroduction

II. Community Engagement

III. Assisted Wild Breeding

IV. Reforestation of Native Habitat

These initiatives are strategically designed to address the root causes of the species' endangerment, increase the population to sustainable levels, and reconnect the Southern Caribbean population with the remaining northern and southern macaw groups.

Ara Manzanillo is a Costa Rican licensed, non-profit organization with government oversight. The project was also designated as being of national public interest in Costa Rica. The project is professionally staffed and works in collaboration with the Ministry of the Environment.