Military Macaw Nesting Season a Success for Defenders of Wildlife Program in Mexico

Eleven military macaw fledglings have now joined the growing wild population after a successful nesting season for Defenders of Wildlife’s and Unidos por las Guacamayas’ military macaw project in Puerta Vallarta, Mexico. 

Military macaws are one of the most sought after species for the illegal pet trade and were the third most commonly seized species of parrot in Mexico.

“These endangered birds face relentless pressure from poachers and habitat loss, so every military macaw represents hope and a stronger future for the species’ population in Mexico,” said Juan Carlos Cantu, who works on the project for Defenders of Wildlife. 

One of the nests in the project almost fell victim to a poacher, who removed one chick from the nest. However, when he went back for a second chick, he fell from the tree and was injured. When he was discovered and apprehended, the stolen chick was returned to the nest. The rescued chick later fledged.