Understand why the Great Blue Macaw returned to the list of endangered species Roberta Kraemer After more than a decade off the national list of threatened species, the Great Blue Macaw (Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus) was once again classified as Vulnerable to Extinction by the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change. ? Also follow Terra da Gente on Instagram The reclassification, announced in June, is directly related to the impacts of the large fires in the Pantanal, but also reflects a combination of factors that have compromised the survival of the species in recent years. According to biologist Neiva Guedes, president and founder of the Arara Azul Institute, monitoring data indicates a reduction in the population, changes in habitat and a drop in the birds' reproductive success after the large fires recorded in the biome. "We had a group monitored for more than 20 years that reduced approximately 60% of the individuals that occupied a traditional dormitory for more than 60 years. There was a significant reduction in the survival of individuals and reproductive success", he states. She explains that the decision to place the species back in the Vulnerable category was not motivated by a single indicator, but by the joint analysis of different factors. "It was a set of evidence: the reduction of individuals, the loss and changes in habitat and, mainly, the effects of large fires on the reproduction of blue macaws", he says. See more news from Terra da Gente, on g1: LÓRI: Three encounters in 100 years: 'lost bird' is found again in Indonesia SHARK: Mangona shark uses São Paulo coast as a breeding site ADAPTATION: Do Amazonian trees do 'counts'? See how they can change their strategy to survive Survival depends on few resources Understand why the great blue macaw returned to the list of endangered species Roberta Kraemer The great blue macaw is considered a highly specialized species. In nature, it depends on a few plant species to feed and specific trees to reproduce. This characteristic makes it especially sensitive to changes caused by fire. When fires hit the Pantanal, not only nests, eggs and chicks are lost, but also essential areas for food and shelter. In addition to the immediate impacts, the effects can persist for years. See what's trending on g1:
Understand why the great blue macaw returned to the list of endangered species
Understand why the Great Blue Macaw returned to the list of endangered species Roberta Kraemer After more than a decade off the national list of threatened species, the Great Blue Macaw (Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus) was...
Monitoring carried out by the Arara Azul Institute points to a decrease in the number of reproductive pairs and less success in raising offspring after the large fires recorded in the biome. Another factor that concerns researchers is the time needed to replace the population. The great blue macaw takes between seven and nine years to reach reproductive maturity, which makes recovery slower in the face of extreme events. Advances were not lost Even with the return of the species to the endangered list, Neiva Guedes highlights that the results obtained in the last decades of conservation continue to be fundamental for its survival. The work carried out since 1990, with monitoring of nests, installation of artificial nests and management of reproductive areas, was decisive for the great blue macaw to leave the list of threatened species in 2014. "It does not mean that all progress has been lost. Quite the opposite. The situation is only no longer critical because there has been uninterrupted conservation work throughout all these years", he states. According to Neiva, without these actions the species could currently be in an even more serious threat category. What changes from now on? Understand why the Great Blue Macaw returned to the list of endangered species Roberta Kraemer In the opinion of the founder of the Blue Macaw Institute, the new classification should increase the attention given to the species by public bodies, researchers and society. "The return to the list draws the attention of authorities, legislation, governments, the press and people in general to a species that needs special care", he explains. Among the measures considered a priority are strengthening firefighting, habitat protection, combating wildlife trafficking and reducing impacts caused by the use of pesticides in areas where the species occurs. The president of the Institute also defends the strengthening of environmental education and the population's participation in citizen science initiatives aimed at monitoring and conserving biodiversity. Fires remain the main threat Record of forest fire advancing over the Pantanal in the Miranda region (MS) is part of the 'Apocalypse' series, by photojournalist Lalo de Almeida, and appears among the finalist images in the professional category Landscape Lalo de Almeida/2025 Sony World Photography Awards Although habitat loss, animal trafficking and the use of pesticides also concern researchers, fires continue to be the main risk for the great blue macaw. The concern is even greater given the climate forecasts for the coming months. "Considering what is projected for El Niño, the situation is extremely worrying. We have already had a drastic scenario recently and the forecast is that it could get worse", warns Neiva Guedes. For her, protecting the great blue macaw also means protecting the environments on which the species depends to survive. "Without the trees used for reproduction and without the food resources it needs, it simply cannot maintain itself in nature", he concludes. *Under the supervision of Rodrigo Peronti. VIDEOS: Highlights Terra da Gente See more content about nature on Terra da Gente
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