Monitoring reintroduced Lear’s macaws (Anodorhynchus leari) in the Raso da Catarina, Bahia (Brazil)

Two Lear’s Macaws (Anodorhynchus leari), which were rescued as nestlings from a nest in March, 2003, were treated and raised in captivity. A pre-release training program was established before their reintroduction to prepare their muscles through natural flights in a large cage, while simultaneously developing avoidance behaviors towards predators and human beings. While in captivity, their foraging capability was analyzed. Conventional (VHF) radiotelemetry was used to evaluate and monitor the release process and the post-release behavior of the birds. The macaws were able to survive in the wild for at least 83 days, being able to forage successfully and interact with wild A. leari. Local residents provided important information on their location after release. However, the kinds of habitat used and the long distances daily typically covered by the macaw suggest satellite-based tracking technology may be more effective for the gathering of data in future reintroduction experiments. The fact that only two individuals were reintroduced limits potential extrapolations on the utility of the approach for the conservation of the species. Despite these limitations, the study may contribute to the development of effective reintroduction procedures for this highly endangered species.