The Amazon is painted with the beautiful colors of pairs of macaws flying between the canopy and across the skies, marking the beginning of their breeding and nesting season for the coming months. These ambassadors of the Amazon find their home in the treetops, where their nests means a new beginning.
Macaws in the claylick by Louis Guillot
Over the years, macaws have shown us the importance of preserving their habitat, which has unfortunately been affected by deforestation and illegal logging. However, conservation efforts in the region have brought hope to this majestic species. Here’s a glimpse of what's next for the Tambopata Macaw Project.
The development of artificial nests has been the core of the macaw project since its inception. Over the years, various prototypes have been created, and with the lessons learned from research and experience, they have been improved to meet the species' natural needs, culminating in the current design that closely imitates the natural characteristics of the nests. The nests have been used in several breeding seasons within the Tambopata National Reserve.
New design of Artificial Nest hanged. Photo by Juan Diego Shoobridge
Due to the project's success within the Tambopata National Reserve, the Tambopata Macaw Project has started placing artificial nests around Refugio Amazonas in the buffer zone of the reserve. The aim is to study and test how the nests work in areas where the project had never been implemented.
Refugio Amazonas is a great example of how ecotourism can aid in the recovery of wildlife in the Amazon rainforest. It also serves as the base for the Wired Amazon Program, offering visitors the chance to actively engage in our scientific projects focused on the conservation of Tambopata.
Tambopata Macaw Project team preparing the pulleys for lifting up the nests. Photo by Juan Diego Shoobridge
This is a huge milestone for Rainforest Expeditions, as after 35 years of operation in Tambopata, we will be taking our project outside the protected area of the Tambopata National Reserve. It’s a great opportunity, not only from a scientific standpoint but also from the perspective of the guests at our lodges, who will witness firsthand the efforts made to continue protecting and supporting these majestic birds.
With this expansion and based on the results during this macaw season, we will be able to determine the next steps for the project. We hope for positive outcomes that will allow further expansion within the buffer zone, giving us a larger area for study and research. Our goal is ambitious, but with the support of our conservation partners, our team, the Ese Eja Native Community, and especially our citizen scientists, we are confident we can achieve it.
Scarlet Macaw by Carlos Gonzales
The macaw season has just begun, and we couldn’t be more excited to take you on this journey of conservation. If you want to follow every update, follow us on Instagram. There, we’ll share everything that happens in this incredible project at the heart of the Amazon.
Also don't miss the chance of visit Refugio Amazonas and live a life changing expedition!
