On the Brink of Extinction

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The Great Green Macaw, an iconic species of Costa Rica’s tropical forests, faces an uncertain future. With fewer than 300 individuals remaining wild in Costa Rica and an estimated 1,000 globally.

The IUCN Red List of Endangered Species for 2020 reclassified Ara ambiguus as a critically endangered species. The survival of these magnificent birds depends on both dedicated conservation efforts and local communities valuing and protecting their presence.

Ara Manzanillo, a Costa Rican non-profit organization licensed and overseen by the government, has been working to reverse the decline of this critically endangered species since 2010. Through a combination of scientific research, hands-on conservation, and community engagement, the project has successfully reintroduced approximately 120 Great Green Macaws into the wild—boosting the country’s population by 40% and world population by over 10% -making a tangible impact on the species’ comeback.

Our mission goes beyond simply releasing birds. We focus on long-term recovery and habitat restoration through four integrated programs:

• Species Reintroduction: Soft-release programs allow macaws to gradually adapt to the wild, ensuring higher survival rates.
  
• Community Engagement: Environmental education, workshops, and local partnerships help foster understanding and appreciation of the species.
• Assisted Wild Breeding: Supporting natural reproduction in the wild strengthens population growth and genetic diversity.
• Reforestation of Native Habitat: Restoring and enriching forests provides essential food and shelter for macaws and other wildlife.

Together, these programs address the root causes of endangerment, reconnect fragmented populations, and build a sustainable future for the Great Green Macaw. Recognized as a project of national public interest, Ara Manzanillo works in collaboration with the Costa Rican Ministry of the Environment, embodying a professional, science-based, and community-focused approach to conservation.

At Ara Manzanillo, we believe that the survival of the Great Green Macaw is not just about protecting a species—it’s about protecting a legacy, a habitat, and a shared responsibility for Costa Rica’s natural heritage.

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.

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