Current Status and Conservation of the Scarlet Macaw (Ara macao) in the Osa Conservation Area (ACOSA), Costa Rica
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.22458/urj.v2i1.218Keywords:
Conservation, scarlet macaw, Osa, ACOSA.Abstract
The status and conservation of the scarlet macaw (Ara macao) in the Osa Conservation Area (ACOSA) was studied from October to December 2005. The study consisted of a 22 question interview carried out with 105 local residents, and a workshop at which 18 locals attended. Notable results included: a) the scarlet macaw population is found throughout the entire Osa Peninsula and on the mainland with a northern limit a Playa Piñuelas; b) estimates of the population size varied between 800—1200 individuals and it was generally believed that the numbers are increasing; c) the ACOSA scarlet macaws do not roost communally; d) At least 59 plant species (seed and fruit) are fed on by the ACOSA scarlet macaws and exotic species: beach almond (Terminalia catappa), teak (Tectona grandis) and melina (Gmelina arborea) are important; e) the scarlet macaws nests between December and May in cavities of at least 28 tree species, with ceiba (Ceiba pentandra) and garlic (Caryocar costarricense) the species most utilised; f ) approximately 25–50 chicks are poached each year, with one person responsible for poaching 25 chicks; g) three scarlet macaw release programs are based in the area of Golfito and Pavones and h) the strategic plan covers research, monitoring, outreach, marketing and conservation projects for the species. This includes studies of population dynamics, habitat, nesting ecology, genetics, chick poaching and conservation programs.
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