Monitoring of Wild Populations
Since 2007 we have been monitoring wild populations of Military macaw (Ara militaris) in the Banderas Bay region.
So far we have located 4 populations.
- El Jorullo-Paso Ancho
- Boca de Tomatlán- Yelapa
- Soyatán- San Sebastián del Oeste
- Bioto
Besides scheduled quarterly counts, we have started studying at least partially the first 3 mentioned populations, undertaking monthly counts since September 2009, with the help a network of volunteers. The last population discovered was found due to a change in the flight pattern, exploiting the area of Estero del Salado in the mornings. We have established cooperation with the local protected area management to coordinate its monitoring.
Four nests were found in Las Juntas y Veranos and five in Boca de Tomatlan. We have started monitoring these with the help of 4 local guides, who are currently being trained by our organization.
El nido en la Boca de Tomatlán
News
August 2010
In the season 2009 – 2010 we achieved the location of 10 military macaw nests. According to other studies this corresponds to the total nests of a population of 100 individuals. The results of monitoring this season was 8 successful nests, one depredated nest by a gray falcon (Buteo nitidus) and one stolen nest by someone from las Juntas y los Veranos.
The loss of the nest by human depredation went down this year about 70%, from last year in the season 2008-2009. Some posters were hung telling people about the legal risks of stealing or selling wild animals and plants. These were spread all around the communities of Palmita del Cacao, Boca de Tomatlán, Yelapa, Las Juntas y los Veranos , El Tuito, Bioto y Soyatan.
In the season 2009 – 2010 we achieved the location of 10 military macaw nests. According to other studies this corresponds to the total nests of a population of 100 individuals. The results of monitoring this season was 8 successful nests, one depredated nest by a gray falcon (Buteo nitidus) and one stolen nest by someone from las Juntas y los Veranos.
The loss of the nest by human depredation went down this year about 70%, from last year in the season 2008-2009. Some posters were hung telling people about the legal risks of stealing or selling wild animals and plants. These were spread all around the communities of Palmita del Cacao, Boca de Tomatlán, Yelapa, Las Juntas y los Veranos , El Tuito, Bioto y Soyatan.
