The Spix’s Macaw, or Cyanopsitta spixii, is native to Northern Brazil. The Spix’s Macaw is also known as the “Little Blue Macaw” by some. These lively birds have striking deep blue tails and wings, as well as the variety of blue shades that cover the rest of their bodies, differing from bird to bird. The elegant parrots are considered quite beautiful by many.
The Spix’s Macaw is presumed extinct despite around 50 known to be existing in captivity, there have been no Cyanopsitta spixii found in the wild since 2000. Although many zoologists still consider them as “critically endangered” rather than “extinct,” there is a high probability that there are no more of these birds in the wild. In 1990 a male Macaw was discovered and paired with a female Macaw in captivity. Unfortunately only a few weeks after her release, the female struck a power line and died.
The Little Blue Macaw’s deterioration in numbers is due to hunting and trapping, and habitat destruction. As well as the introduction of Africanized bees, or "killer bees." The Spix’s Macaw also depends upon the Caribbean trumpet tree for perching and nesting. The Caribbean trumpet tree is unfortunately only found in a unique habitat in Brazil that cannot be found anywhere else on Earth. The bird is also subject to illegal trapping for trade. These problems have had major effects on the Spix’s survival in the wild, leading them to their current condition.
There are many breeding programs doing their best to help. Al Wabra Wildlife Preservation, (AWWP), is currently holding some of these birds as they attempt to restore this poor species. Despite their efforts, Cyanopsitta spixii are still critically endangered. It is very likely that they will stay this way until they go extinct. Unless people donate to the breeding programs making their best efforts, therefore allowing them the ability expand their horizons and work harder towards widening the chance of this beautiful birds revival. If you would like to help, check out the AWWP for more information about this great organization.
"Al Wabra Wildlife Preservation." Read General Information. N.p., n.d. Web. 23 Feb. 2017.
"BBC Nature - Spix's Macaw Videos, News and Facts." BBC News. BBC, n.d. Web. 23 Feb. 2017.
Kooistra, Michelle. "Spix’s Macaw." Spix's Macaw | World Parrot Trust. N.p., n.d. Web. 23 Feb. 2017.
Moss, Laura. "10 Animals Presumed Extinct in the Last Decade." MNN - Mother Nature Network. Mother Nature Network, 08 Feb. 2017. Web. 23 Feb. 2017.
The Spix’s Macaw is presumed extinct despite around 50 known to be existing in captivity, there have been no Cyanopsitta spixii found in the wild since 2000. Although many zoologists still consider them as “critically endangered” rather than “extinct,” there is a high probability that there are no more of these birds in the wild. In 1990 a male Macaw was discovered and paired with a female Macaw in captivity. Unfortunately only a few weeks after her release, the female struck a power line and died.
The Little Blue Macaw’s deterioration in numbers is due to hunting and trapping, and habitat destruction. As well as the introduction of Africanized bees, or "killer bees." The Spix’s Macaw also depends upon the Caribbean trumpet tree for perching and nesting. The Caribbean trumpet tree is unfortunately only found in a unique habitat in Brazil that cannot be found anywhere else on Earth. The bird is also subject to illegal trapping for trade. These problems have had major effects on the Spix’s survival in the wild, leading them to their current condition.
There are many breeding programs doing their best to help. Al Wabra Wildlife Preservation, (AWWP), is currently holding some of these birds as they attempt to restore this poor species. Despite their efforts, Cyanopsitta spixii are still critically endangered. It is very likely that they will stay this way until they go extinct. Unless people donate to the breeding programs making their best efforts, therefore allowing them the ability expand their horizons and work harder towards widening the chance of this beautiful birds revival. If you would like to help, check out the AWWP for more information about this great organization.
"Al Wabra Wildlife Preservation." Read General Information. N.p., n.d. Web. 23 Feb. 2017.
"BBC Nature - Spix's Macaw Videos, News and Facts." BBC News. BBC, n.d. Web. 23 Feb. 2017.
Kooistra, Michelle. "Spix’s Macaw." Spix's Macaw | World Parrot Trust. N.p., n.d. Web. 23 Feb. 2017.
Moss, Laura. "10 Animals Presumed Extinct in the Last Decade." MNN - Mother Nature Network. Mother Nature Network, 08 Feb. 2017. Web. 23 Feb. 2017.