Brazil's Blue-and-Yellow Macaws Return to Rio After 200 Years
After being absent from Rio de Janeiro for over two centuries, the blue-and-yellow macaw is returning to Tijuca National Park through an ambitious 'refaunation' project led by the organization Refauna. The species was likely driven to local extinction in the 19th century due to deforestation for coffee and charcoal production, as well as wildlife trafficking. This initiative aims to restore not only the iconic parrots but also other lost fauna such as jaguars, tapirs, and howler monkeys to the world's largest urban rainforest. So far, four macaws rescued from captivity have been reintroduced following a year of training to ensure their survival in the wild. Park director Viviane Lasmar describes the return of these birds as a 'dream come true,' marking a significant milestone in ecological restoration efforts that began with tree replanting in the 1860s.
Wire timeline
Brazil's Blue-and-Yellow Macaws Return to Rio After 200 Years
After being absent from Rio de Janeiro for over two centuries, the blue-and-yellow macaw is returning to Tijuca National Park through an ambitious 'refaunation' project led by the organization Refauna. The species was likely driven to local extinction in the 19th century due to deforestation for coffee and charcoal production, as well as wildlife trafficking. This initiative aims to restore not only the iconic parrots but also other lost fauna such as jaguars, tapirs, and howler monkeys to the world's largest urban rainforest. So far, four macaws rescued from captivity have been reintroduced following a year of training to ensure their survival in the wild. Park director Viviane Lasmar describes the return of these birds as a 'dream come true,' marking a significant milestone in ecological restoration efforts that began with tree replanting in the 1860s.
The Guardian