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Great Green Macaw
- Family:
- Psittacidae
- Genus:
- Ara
- Species
- Ara ambiguus
- Sub species
- Ara ambiguus ambiguus
Range: Caribbean lowlands of Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama to NW Colombia - Ara ambiguus guayaquilensis
Range: W Ecuador, Esmeraldas; smaller numbers in the Cordillera de Chongón-Colonche, Guayas
Great Green Macaws are the largest parrots within their natural range, the second heaviest macaw species and the third heaviest parrot species in the world. This species averages 85–90 cm (33.5–35.5 in) in length and 1.3 kg (2.9 lb) in weight.
The IUCN Red List of Endangered Species published in 2020 reclassified the Ara ambiguus as a CRITICALLY ENDANGERED SPECIES with populations decreasing due to:
- International wild bird pet and feather trade
- Land use changes causing loss of food and habitat
- Illegal trapping for in-country trade, food and feathers
- Lack of awareness of importance of conserving the species
Struggling to Survive
Once prevalent throughout the entire Costa Rican Caribbean, Great Green Macaw (Ara ambiguus) populations have declined alarmingly in recent decades, due mostly to poaching and deforestation, in particular the logging of the Mountain Almond trees (Dipterix panamensis). BirdLife International states that over the past 50 years global populations have been reduced by more than half. Conservation efforts in Costa Rica have estimated 300 individual birds with an estimated 25-35 breeding pairs remaining (PsittaScene Aug. 2011). Per IUCN in 2020 The Great Green Macaws are now even more critically endangered with only about 1000 left in the world and about 200 left in Costa Rica. Through the release and reproduction programs, Ara Mazanillo has added over 120 more of these emblematic birds to the wild group increasing the world population by 10% and the Costa Rican population by 50%. A significant impact on saving a critically endangered species.
Visit Us
Ara Manzanillo offers guided visits for a unique birdwatching experience immersed in rich tropical biodiversity.
Volunteer
If you love nature and wildlife conservation join us for a rewarding and life-changing volunteer experience.
Donate
Individual donations are vital to support the conservation of this magnificent and critically endangered species.