In a little over three years the population of the Wild Scarlet Macaw in Mexico has nearly doubled, thanks to the reintroduction of the species in the States of Chiapas and Veracruz, driven by Xcaret Park, specialists of UNAM, non-profit organizations, as well as state and federal authorities, informed Rodolfo Raigoza Figueras.
The Wildlife Manager of Xcaret said that in April 2013, when the reintroduction began in Palenque, Chiapas, the population of the scarlet macaw in this country was only 250, according to a study developed in 2004 by Eduardo Iñigo-Elías.
On August 10, 2016 the most recent reintroduction of scarlet macaws took place in Nanciyaga, Veracruz, with 23 individuals, making the total number of macaws reintroduced to their original habitats 226.
Thus, from 2013 to 2016, the population of this bird, which was venerated by the pre-Hispanic cultures of Mesoamerica, increased by 82%, with a survival rate of 91%, which is a success, the specialist pointed out.
The scarlet macaw is a species that was practically extinct, due to poaching and habitat loss. The reintroduction program considers the genetic viability of the specimens that were born in the Environmental Management Unit of Xcaret, and the optimal conditions for the growth and development of the specimens, in the Natural Protected Area of Palenque, Chiapas, and in the region of Los Tuxtlas, Veracruz.
The dedication of the team of specialists of the Biology Institute of UNAM, coordinated by Dr. Patricia Escalante, has been fundamental, as well as the commitment of organizations such as “The Other Option”, “Nanciyaga” and the community of “Benito Juárez ” in Veracruz, the “Ecoparque Aluxes” in Palenque, Chiapas, and together with Dr. Alejandro Estrada at the beginning of the project.
ABOUT XCARET
Xcaret is one of Mexico’s ecotourism destinations located on the shore of the Caribbean Sea. There are three Underground Rivers surrounded by magnificent natural scenery. The area also features amazing marine and land species, protected by Xcaret’s conservation programs. More than 300 performers exhibit the history, culture and folklore of Mexico. Xcaret Park was recognized as the Best International Theme Park and the Best Water Park in the world by US travel agents, in the 2016 Travvy Travel Awards.
