This flagship species of Brazil, Paraguay and Bolivia is amazing to see up close. They are the largest parrot species in the world by length. Their conservation story is also really intriguing and complicated. They rely on Manduvi trees for nesting, and have a hate/love relationship with Toco Toucans which are another amazing looking bird. Toco Toucans are the main vector for seed dispersal for Manduvi seeds so the Hyacinth Macaw needs them to flourish. However, it is complicated because the Toco Toucans also eat Macaw eggs and even some small chicks. Conservation efforts have been mainly in creating more nesting cavities for the Macaws to nest in. As you can imagine this species was heavily impacted by the caged bird trade but locals in Brazil and I assume in Paraguay and Bolivia love this bird and have made strides in preserving them. All my pictures are from my first visit to Brazil in the Pantanal.
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