A Future for the Great Green Macaw

A Future for the Great Green Macaw is a conservation project carried out between November 2019 and July 2020, focused on strengthening the habitat of one of Costa Rica's most iconic and threatened species: the Great Green Macaw.

The Great Green Macaw is classified as Endangered by the IUCN and under Costa Rican national legislation. Its main threat remains habitat loss, particularly the disappearance of the mountain almond tree, on which it directly depends for food and nesting sites.

Several studies have shown that between 80% and 90% of the Great Green Macaw's diet consists of mountain almond fruit, and that approximately 90% of its nests are located in natural cavities in these trees. Its survival is literally linked to the presence of mountain almond trees in the landscape.

In response to this situation, the project focused on donating and planting 5,000 mountain almond trees throughout the Huetar Norte Region and the Atlantic Slope, areas that form part of the species' historical range.

The project brought together environmental communication activities, the development of educational materials, seedling propagation, and technical support for beneficiaries, encouraging the care and monitoring of the planted trees.

The seeds used were collected in strategic locations such as Veracruz, El Sahino de Pital, Santa Clara, La Tigra, and Peñas Blancas. The project also received support from the ICE nursery in Sarapiquí, which donated 4,000 seedlings.

A Future for the Great Green Macaw laid the groundwork for future ecological restoration projects by Fundación Abuela Ecológica, establishing a conservation model based on science, local territories, and community participation.