One of the animals I most hoped to see was the Hyacinth Macaw and we were not disappointed. Responsible ecotourism reinforces conservation efforts in the Pantanal, as evidenced during our expedition where conservation efforts for Hyacinth Macaw and other species were particularly evident at some lodges, particularly Pousada Aguape in South Pantanal, where feeders attracted large numbers of hungry hyacinths as well as other species of parrots and macaws.

Once widely distributed through central Brazil, with small numbers in Bolivia and Paraguay, the Hyacinth Macaw is now limited to the Pará, Gerais and Pantanal regions of Brazil and marginally in Bolivia and Paraguay. It is listed as a Vulnerable, CITES 1 species and as endangered by the US Fish and Wildlife Service too. Native forests have been replaced by crops and cattle ranches, creating a shortage in nesting sites, increasing competition further reducing population size. The hyacinth’s specialized diet makes them particularly vulnerable from the reduced availability of food resources resulting from habitat loss.

Hyacinth Macaw was reduced to an estimated 3,000 birds by massive illegal trade in the period from1970–1990, with possibly as many as 10,000 being taken from the wild in the 1980s alone. In 1987, the species was placed on Appendix I of CITES, but this only stimulated greater demand. Their remaining stronghold is the Pantanal, where range has expanded and the population has shown signs of recovery since 1990, probably as a result of conservation projects. In contrast, populations in east Amazonia and the Gerais have continued to decline, from an estimated 1,500 individuals in 1986 to 1,000 in 2003. In the 1990s several long-term studies coupled with conservation initiatives began, often involving ecotourism, environmental education and nest-box deployment, at certain ranches in the Pantanal. However, local trapping for feathers and food may persist, as well as destruction of nest-sites either for farming or to obtain birds, as well as general habitat loss throughout the species' range continues to decrease its survival prospects.

Our group was fortunate to be able to witness these macaws as well as other amazing birds, reptiles and mammals throughout our visit. Stay tuned for more information next month.