Blue Guacamayo Born in Belgium – Extinct in Wild
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Rare Spix’s Macaw Born in Belgium, Offering Hope for Extinct Species
The Astonishing Rebirth of a Lost Parrot
Pairi Daiza, a zoo in Brugelette, Belgium, announced the birth of a Spix’s macaw (Cyanopsitta spixii) on September 21, 2023, marking a notable milestone in conservation efforts. This critically endangered parrot was declared extinct in the wild over two decades ago, making this birth a beacon of hope for the species’ future.
Pairi Daiza’s official announcement details the meticulous care surrounding the chick’s development.
A History of Extinction and Collaborative Conservation
The Spix’s macaw, native to northeastern Brazil, suffered a dramatic decline due to habitat loss and illegal trapping for the pet trade. By the late 20th century, the wild population dwindled to a critical low. The last confirmed wild Spix’s macaw disappeared in 2000, officially declaring the species extinct in its natural habitat.
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List provides a thorough overview of the species’ decline and current status.
Recognizing the impending crisis, a collaborative international breeding program was established. Pairi Daiza plays a crucial role,housing twelve spix’s macaws as part of this effort,working closely with the chico Mendes Institute for Biodiversity Conservation (ICMBio) in Brazil and the São Paulo Zoo.This partnership is vital for genetic diversity and coordinated breeding strategies.
101 Attempts and a Fragile Start
Despite the dedicated efforts of the breeding program, success proved elusive for a long time. The macaws at Pairi Daiza laid over one hundred eggs, but none were fertilized. It wasn’t until the 101st attempt that a chick successfully hatched, demonstrating the challenges inherent in breeding this species in captivity.
The newly hatched macaw weighed a mere 13 grams at birth and now weighs over 30 grams, a testament to the intensive care it receives. Zoo staff are hand-feeding the chick every two hours, recognizing the extreme fragility of its early days. every detail of its care is meticulously monitored to maximize its chances of survival.