Biól. Jesús Ángel Barajas Fragoso
Military Macaw
Ara militaris
IUCN: VU, NOM-059: P
This new year, we bring you some facts about one of the most emblematic birds in our garden and in western Mexico. It is the sixth largest macaw, with a wingspan of 71-76 cm.
To see it in the Garden, you must listen for sounds in the air or discover the spot from which you can observe the nearest artificial nests or recognize the Habillo (Hura polyandra) tree and be aware of when this tree produces its fruit, as it is food for these birds.
It nests in holes in trees, and the Botanical Garden has 15 artificial nests to support its reproduction.
It has a very extensive but fragmented range, occurring in Mexico and South America, where it is rare and localized. The main reasons and threats are ongoing habitat loss and persistent illegal trade.
This bird is crucial to ecosystems because it is an indicator species for habitat health and conservation.
