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This line of work includes obtaining basic biological information required for the management and conservation of the Military Macaw in the Bahía de Banderas region through research in the following areas:
Currently, as a result of these studies, some these have been carried out at the undergraduate level, one for a Master of Science and two more that are in process. Some of them have also generated scientific publications.
- Identification of the number and size of the Military Macaw populations in the region.
- Active search for nests of registered populations and study of reproductive success.
- Interannual variation of reproductive success and environmental factors that affect it.
- Description of the flight paths in the daily movements of the populations detected.
- Location of feeding areas.
- Description of the main threats facing the Military Macaw in the region.
- Description of the habitat of the breeding and feeding areas.
- Population genetics.
- Habitat use.
Currently, as a result of these studies, some these have been carried out at the undergraduate level, one for a Master of Science and two more that are in process. Some of them have also generated scientific publications.
Populations
Since 2007 we have monitored wild populations of the Military Macaw (Ara militaris) in the Bahía de Banderas region. Four populations of Macaws have been located:
With the help of a network of volunteers and local guides, the populations of Jorullo-Paso Ancho, Boca de Tomatlán-Yelapa and El Bioto have been systematically studied, monthly counts were carried out from 2009 to 2015, determining their population sizes. and thus finding the largest population that has been recorded so far of Military Macaw (2). Additionally, this same study was able to document some of the main territories that each population uses throughout the year and in which they interact with each other.
Since 2007 we have monitored wild populations of the Military Macaw (Ara militaris) in the Bahía de Banderas region. Four populations of Macaws have been located:
With the help of a network of volunteers and local guides, the populations of Jorullo-Paso Ancho, Boca de Tomatlán-Yelapa and El Bioto have been systematically studied, monthly counts were carried out from 2009 to 2015, determining their population sizes. and thus finding the largest population that has been recorded so far of Military Macaw (2). Additionally, this same study was able to document some of the main territories that each population uses throughout the year and in which they interact with each other.
The population of San Sebastián del Oeste could be monitored in the El Salado estuary, within the city of Puerto Vallarta, due to a seasonal change in its flight paths, since it was detected that it uses the estuary during winter mornings. This record is important, although this behavior has already been observed in other species of Macaws from Central and South America, it is little studied. The study of this population included toxicological and nutritional content analyzes of mangrove leaves during the dry/rainy season(7). Actually, 28 nests has been located in our study area, 3 near the Sierra Paraiso site, 3 in land belonging to Las Juntas y Los Veranos and 22 nests in Boca de Tomatlán. Although only up to about 19 active nests have been observed at the same time in one season. With the help of 3 local guides, the systematic monitoring of the productivity and protection of the nests of the Boca de Tomatlán and Sierra Paraíso has begun. |
Macaw Nests
Currently, 35 nests have been located in our study area, 3 near the Sierra Paraíso area, 3 on the land of the Las Juntas and Los Veranos settlements, and 29 nests in Boca de Tomatlán. Although in the same season only up to 21 active nests have been observed. |
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This work has been possible thanks to the participation of our local guides: Javier Sosa and Manuel de Jesús Rodríguez. We have received from Defenders of Wildlife of Mexico, the donation of binoculars and telescopes for monitoring. Now our guides already have this valuable tool. Thank you Manuel de Jesús and Javier Sosa! |
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We are working to protect the largest breeding area ever discovered for this species and one of the other Military Macaw populations that live in the region. We cannot fail to mention that the determined support of Defenders of Wildlife and the World Parrot Trust has been key in this work. Other studies have defined the jungle of the region as the optimal habitat for the reproduction of the Military Macaw (6)*, as well as the factors that are affecting its success, such as storms, natural predation and illegal capture for the pet market,(5)* but most importantly, with the support of Defenders of Wildlife Mexico, we achieved the protection of the largest breeding area ever discovered for this species.
Much of this would not have been possible without the determined participation of our two field guides, who have made a great effort in the surveillance and protection of the nests. |
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Habitat
Two studies were carried out on the floristic characteristics of the important sites for the Military Macaw in the region. These two projects were developed by students from the Universidad Michoacana de San Nicolás de Hidalgo, who also achieved their academic goals of bachelor's and master's degrees. As a result of these works, land use planning, a management plan and a proposal for production and conservation projects were carried out in an area of approximately 400 hectares.
Additionally, a study of the structure of the vegetation in areas occupied by the Military Macaw was carried out, finding a close relationship between its presence and a greater degree of conservation of the forest, which shows its importance as an indicator of conservation and its role in the maintenance of the ecosystem (1 and 3). CONSERVATION
From 2013 to 2015 we participated in the project "Conservation of the Military Macaw in Mexico and strengthening of research groups" in coordination with the Autonomous University of Sinaloa, Pedagogical University of the State of Sinaloa and the Michoacana University of San Nicolás de Hidalgo. As part of this collaboration, Unidos por las Guacamayas A.C. hosted the meeting of experts on psittacines for the Military Macaw (Ara militaris) and the participatory workshop on monitoring, environmental education and training, in order to make regional and national proposals for its conservation and management. Distinguished Visitors
We have been honored with the visit of important researchers such as Dr. Tiberio Monterrubio from the Universidad Michoacana de San Nicolás de Hidalgo, Dr. Luis Ortiz Catedral from the University of Aukland, New Zealand and Dr. James Gilardi from the organization World Parrot Trust. |
GENETICS
A project has been proposed for the genetic study of the Military Macaw populations in Bahía de Banderas and other populations at the regional level to try to obtain pertinent information for decision-making on management and conservation of the species in Mexico. For this reason we have been collecting feathers in the field within our study area and from other parts of the country. ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION
An educational research project was carried out to evaluate the impact of environmental education activities in the short and medium term. Interventions were carried out using umbrella species as a central theme. The evaluation proved to be useful to describe very precisely the areas of opportunity to improve efforts in environmental education and achieve better results in conservation. |