Guatemala releases ten scarlet macaws into Laguna del Tigre National Park

In Guatemala, ten scarlet macaw chicks were released into the Laguna del Tigre National Park within the Maya Biosphere Reserve on September 5, 2024. This release marks the second group of chicks reintroduced to the wild this year, bringing the total to 20 for 2024.

The initiative is a collaborative effort between the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), the National Council of Protected Areas of Guatemala (CONAP), and Grupo AJE. The program utilizes a strategy involving research, nest protection, controlled breeding, and post-release monitoring to strengthen the local population of the Ara macao cyanoptera subspecies.

The species faces significant threats in the Maya Jungle, including habitat loss, forest fires, livestock expansion, human settlements, and illegal wildlife trafficking.