Military Macaw reproductive monitoring and nest protection in Banderas Bay, Jalisco

M. Sc. Carlos R. Bonilla Ruz

M. Sc. Claudia Cristina Cinta Magallón  

There are some populations in Mexico which have been studied in different levels in the states of Jalisco, Durango, Queretaro and Oaxaca (Bonilla, 2007b; Carreón 1997; Gaucin, 1999; Loza Salas 1997; Nocedal 2006).   Conservation management measures however, have been scarce.  Currently in the state of Oaxaca efforts are underway to unite communities and research teams in the development of management proposals, many of which involve ecotourism.  However, this process has faced serious organizational problems among all stakeholders. 

Properly developed ecotourism which follows the models established in Central and South America (Munn, 1992) has become one of the best options for management and conservation of Military Macaws.  Research programs that go hand in hand with this sort of economic activity appear to be the best approach.

The state of Jalisco offers very particular conditions, with regard to biological knowledge of Ara militaris populations in the Banderas Bay region, ecotourism activities in the region, and the degree of organization of the non-profit sector, all of which make this area ideal for the implementation of short-term research programs, intimately linked to community conservation activities carried out by non-profit organizations.

BACKGROUND

One of the major threats to Military Macaw conservation identified in the Banderas Bay region is the poaching of nests, despite the legal protection this species enjoys.  An important though is that an undetermined high percentage of nests are plundered every year. When this is coupled with the naturally low reproductive rate of the species (Enkerlin et al., 2000), the loss of hatchlings year after year places regional populations at greater risk.  Moreover, juvenile mortality is one of the most important factors determining the survival or extinction of macaw populations (Chassot et al., 2008).

By obtaining, through research, the information required to implement actions in the short-term that result not only in conservation, but also in the management and rational use of this species, we will ensure long-term benefits to the Military Macaw populations, its ecosystem and the human population with which it shares territory. 

We propose concrete training and protection activities, coupled with scientific research, to benefit at least two proposed communities (Boca de Tomatlán & Las Juntas y Los Veranos), in their capacity to manage their natural resources for ecotourism.

 The identification, characterization and monitoring of Military Macaw nests, along with their protection, the planning and implementation of ecotourism services, and the improvement and integration of current services, will result in tangible ecological and economic benefits to the communities along with the generation of direct and indirect employment. Furthermore, the population in general will benefit from environmental education campaigns.

 The specific management activities will have a direct benefit on the natural populations of Military Macaws, which will result in a greater reproductive rate and a greater number of protected nests.

 Given these circumstances, we propose a research and conservation program that will includes a three-fold strategy, whose activities, expected results and costs are outlined below.  This proposal is for one year, with the option of renewal dependant on results.

OBJECTIVE

To obtain the biological data necessary for the management and conservation of Military Macaw nests in the Banderas Bay region and use that information in specific activities to benefit both, the species and the proposed communities ((Boca de Tomatlan & Las Juntas y los Veranos).

  

 

ACTIVITIES

 Scientific Research.  This line of work will include the collection of basic biological data necessary for the management and conservation of Military Macaw nests:

•     Identifying nests of registered populations.
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•     Studying the reproductive success in nests that have been identified and protected.
•     Characterizing major threats to Military Macaw reproduction in the region.
•     Involving community members, and society as a whole, in monitoring activities.

 

Community Outreach. Working with the communities of Boca de Tomatlán and  Las Juntas y los Veranos, we will train individuals in ecotourism and in assisting the scientific research activities through the following:

•  Workshop on ecotourism and ecotourism product development.
• Data collection training for species monitoring.
• Nest protection.
• Participation in guided tours.

 Within the ecotourism program an “adopt a nest” program will be implemented through which donations will be solicited from tourists and used to guarantee payment of salaries for locals who protect and monitor nests.  In this way we will ensure follow-up and documentation of the reproductive process.  Tourists that participate in the program will be kept up-to-date via internet, through the Guacamayas para Siempre website.

 Environmental Education.  We will establish an environmental education campaign on macaw protection and conservation aimed at the participating populations.  This will include:

• The production of printed materials on the biology, threats, conservation & protection of Military Macaws.
• The production of printed materials on the macaw’s ecosystems and species that share its habitat, the importance of both to humans and how to conserve them.
• School visits, workshops and conferences.

  

  

We want to honor a couple who ocuppied our first monitored nest . The female was predated with their chicks by a Grey Hawk (Buteo nitidus) last november2009.