Restoration Ecology Paper

Teacher: David Cano

2015-3-BIOL24021-CZL-BSEC-CZ
Date: 29/07/2016

Thesis Statement:
The project is being carried out at the Chiquibul forest in Belize; and the
objective is to protect the endangered Central American Scarlet Macaw. Hence,
this paper is to provide information on how the project is being executed and
managed to effectively protect the specie.

Introduction: The Scarlet Macaw

The Central American Scarlet Macaw is the largest bird of its specie; it is
even larger than the South American Scarlet Macaw. This specie, comes from
lower Central America (Nicaragua, Costa Rica, portions of Honduras and Panama,
and occasionally as far north as Guatemala and Belize). These Birds are certainly
the most spectacular Scarlet that we have seen. We have heard of people
bragging of tail feathers up to 36 inches long. Our Central American Scarlet
range in weight from 1,190 to 1,560 grams for males and 1,048 to 1,162 grams
for females. In 2012 the Rainforest Restoration Foundation in Belize became
involved in an important conservation project. The first attempt in the project is
to help poaching the Scarlet Macaw. (Gould, 2016)

Development: Restoration of Scarlet Macaw in Belize

Up the Macal River and Raspaculo Branch, deep into the Chiquibul Forest
in Belize is where the only nesting site of the Central American Scarlet Macaw
can be found. This beautiful, large parrot is a distinct subspecies of the more
abundant Scarlet Macaw found in South America. The Central American Scarlet
Macaw is larger and in steeper decline. It needs large tracts of forest areas for
habitat, yet most of the remaining forest in northern Central America is
fragmented into small patches. This forest fragmentation is a result of conversion
of forest lands to agriculture (some legally and some illegally), urbanization and
for hydroelectric development (dams, reservoirs). Additionally, the demand for
pet Scarlet Macaws has led wildlife poachers to venture into their remaining
forest patches to steal nestlings. Wildlife smuggling of this species for the
international pet trade has severely affected the remaining populations from
maintaining themselves, while conservationists work to protect the remaining
forest habitat. (Gabbard, 2012)

Project in Belize
In our country of Belize the Rainforest Restoration Foundation, is
supporting the protection of this endangered species since May, 2012. The Tulsabased conservation (NGO) initiated to monitor Scarlet Macaw nesting sites in the
areas of Chiquibul (Belize). This project is to deter poachers (illegal stealing of
birds nests for pet) that are found in the area of Chiquibul. This program is led
by Ronaldi Martinez that lives in the nearest village of San Antonio. He works as

the Conservation Officer for Blancaneaux Lodge. Roni and Charles Britt a
wildlife biologist from New Mexico who also studies Scarlet Macaws in the area;
trained other individuals from his village to work along with them. To initiate they
recorded Scarlet macaws sighting and looked for nesting trees. They installed
digital cameras, GPS receivers and a satellite telephone so that they can monitor
and report any camps used by wildlife poachers to law enforcement.

Pictures showing Scarlet Macaws activity (feeding on nuts from Corozo Trees)
and their nesting site in the forest. (Martinez, community Belize , 2012)

Retrieval of Scarlet Chicks for Health care by Vet. (Martinez, 2012)

The Scarlet Macaw needs the forest density for its survival. Hence the cutting
down of trees for land use in agriculture and logging is damaging the habitat for
these birds. None the less, in our country the agriculture sector is gradually
growing and the need of land is vital. The clearing of forest areas is increasing as
more area for agriculture is needed. Moreover this causes for land patches and
little dense forest for these birds to live. Thus, the illegal cutting down of timber
is causing the areas of dense forest to deplete. Scarlet Macaws nest up in the
trees high from the ground. Hence the cutting of timber affects the birds nesting
and habitat severely. These birds are in need of food and a healthy environment;
the project is to monitor and find habitat for these birds. Moreover the
restoration project is to provide health care for these birds and move them to
dense areas of the jungle when needed. The government of Belize is not funding
this project of restoration, thus the funds comes from people that are passionate
to protect these species. Ronaldi and the Rainforest Restoration Foundation use
social media to advertise their project, so that people get to see their work and
provide financial aid for the continuity of the project.

Conclusion:
The Scarlet Macaw restoration project in Belize has been working since
2012. These species are endangered and the project is to protect them from
poachers, provide habitat by planting new trees where illegal deforestation has
happened and to provide health care for these birds. The Projects has been
effectively impacted the survival of the specie in the area of Chiquibul. Moreover
these birds can also be found in the areas of the Rio Bravo natural reserve.
Hence, the migration of birds to new habitat has been successful. In Belize the
protection of the scarlet macaw has been working for the past 4 years and has
successfully protected these birds. The Scarlet macaw is very important for its
ecosystems as every other species found in the area. Lets protect our Belizean
Rainforest with all its species as it provides survival to all humans.

Bibliography
Gabbard, C. (2012). Ambergiscaye. Retrieved from Central American Macaw:
http://ambergriscaye.com/forum/ubbthreads.php/topics/446884/Scarlet+M
acaw+Monitoring+in+th.html
Gould, C. (2016). Classifying your macaw. Retrieved from Parrot Perservation
society: http://parrotpro.com/scarlet.php
Martinez, R. (2012). Blogspot. Retrieved from scarlet macaw: http://scarletmacaws.blogspot.com/
Martinez, R. (2012). community Belize . Retrieved from Scarlet Macaw:
http://community.belize.com/topic/10-monitoring-the-scarlet-macaw-inbelizes-chiquibul-rainforest/