The Red-shouldered Macaw (Primolius maracana), a macaw that was once abundant in Misiones, has not been recorded in Argentina for over 20 years, making it a virtually extinct species in the country.
Its disappearance is attributed to the loss of large nesting trees, the pet trade, and direct persecution.
Since 2023, the Maracaná Project by Aves Argentinas has been working in the El Puente Verde Reserve, in northern Misiones, to recover this natural monument.
The team is developing tasks of environmental enrichment, skill training, feeding with native fruits and flowers from the Atlantic Forest, and recently, flight training, preparing individuals to survive in the wild.
A new flight area for reintroduction
The inauguration of a flight training aviary marks a milestone in the project.
- 20 meters long and more than 6 meters high, designed for birds to develop musculature and essential skills.
- Built by specialized blacksmiths alongside the Aves Argentinas team, immersed in the heart of the reserve.
- Includes an extra 5-meter handling area, intended for check-ups and safe handling, with minimal human contact, ensuring independence and natural behavior.
“This project represents a key collective effort in the conservation and recovery of Argentina’s natural heritage. Every step we take is thinking about the welfare of the group. We are getting closer to seeing them return,” expressed Sofía Zalazar, project leader.
Comprehensive conservation in the Atlantic Forest
The Maracaná Project is integrated into the Atlantic Forest Project, which works on strategic axes such as:
- Creation and strengthening of protected natural areas.
- Restoration of degraded environments.
- Study and management of threatened species.
- Promotion of sustainable production.
- Boosting nature tourism.
With these actions, the reintroduction of the Red-shouldered Macaw in Misiones is getting closer to being realized.
Aves Argentinas: more than a century of commitment
The organization Aves Argentinas, with more than 100 years of experience and over 4000 members, protects the country’s wild birds and nature. It is a member of BirdLife International, the largest global network dedicated to conservation.
Their work covers more than 1000 species of wild birds and their habitats, with conservation, research, education, and outreach projects, alongside researchers, technicians, and more than 80 Birdwatching Clubs.
The return of the Red-shouldered Macaw to the skies of Misiones symbolizes much more than the recovery of a species: it represents the ability of Argentine society to reverse extinction processes through science, community commitment, and active conservation.
