Guatemala, October 7, 2024.- Thanks to the joint efforts of Grupo AJE and Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) and in coordination with the National Council of Protected Areas (CONAP), 10 scarlet macaw chicks (Ara macao cyanoptera), highly threatened and vulnerable species in Guatemala, were released from the flight cage of the “Laguna El Perú” camp, on September 5; in the heart of the Maya Biosphere Reserve (MBR), in La Laguna del Tigre National Park. This was the second release pulse of the year, for a total of 20 chicks released in 2024.
Photos by WCS Guatemala
This is the second consecutive year in which a release of chicks occurs, after the conservation project for this species was resumed in 2022, as it had been interrupted due to it being an activity that requires a lot of funds and personnel for its operation. With this effort, the company's expectations materialize, which contemplate the adaptation of these hatchlings to their natural habitat to boost the growth of their population.
The program supported by AJE includes monitoring natural nests, enabling artificial nests and accompaniment after release.
“We are increasing the availability of nesting sites by expanding natural cavities, installing falcon-proof artificial nests and preventing infestations of African bees, which compete for cavities and can be lethal to chicks,” commented Rony García-Anleu, director of the WCS Biological Research Department in Guatemala, in charge of the laboratory. He added that for the 2024 season, they have registered 33 active nests and continue to monitor the number of chicks that manage to fly, thus calculating the Reproductive Success Index.
Part of AJE's support is to improve laboratory capacity. A year ago, he provided a solar energy system to keep a brooder and incubator running 24/7. Likewise, the company supports by training the staff who feed the chicks, which are raised by hand with an artisanal formula.
Photos by WCS Guatemala
CONAP supports initiatives for the conservation of biological diversity. "Although the forest fire season was critical and affected the Laguna del Tigre National Park, conservation efforts continued and proof of this was the release of 20 macaws, an iconic species of wildlife in the park." CONAP.
The follow-up
After opening the cage, the laboratory staff temporarily leaves so that there is no interaction of the newly released chicks with humans, which helps prevent them from going down to the ground and wanting to look for food or interact with the technicians who fed them. From the day of release, a person leaves food and water in the cage while the birds get used to searching for their own food in the jungle. This stage is part of the monitoring and is carried out for a few months, less and less frequently until the macaws are independent.
“Together with other initiatives to protect the biodiversity of the Maya Biosphere Reserve (MBR), the protection of the scarlet macaw seeks to generate positive impacts on the biodiversity of the region. “The increase in the macaw population is an indicator of a healthy ecosystem,” commented Fernando Matheu, Head of Sustainability at AJE for Central America.
About AJE Group
Grupo AJE is a Peruvian multinational with 35 years of existence, with operations in more than 20 countries in Latin America, Asia and Africa, being one of the largest beverage companies in the world. It also has a global portfolio with brands such as Bio Amayu, Cielo, Pulp, Free Tea, Cifrut, Sporade, Big Cola and Volt in more than 8 categories. www.ajegroup.com
About CONAP
The National Council of Protected Areas (CONAP) is the entity of the State of Guatemala in charge of promoting and promoting the conservation of Protected Areas and Biological Diversity, it plans, coordinates and implements the necessary conservation policies and models, works together with key actors, contributing to the sustainable development of the country's natural heritage. www.conap.gob.gt
About WCS
The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) combines the power of its zoos and aquarium in New York City and a Global Conservation Program in more than 50 countries to achieve its life-saving mission. wild and wild places. WCS runs the largest on-the-ground conservation program in the world, protecting more than 50% of the Earth's known biodiversity, in collaboration with governments, indigenous peoples, local communities and the private sector. Since the 90s it has had a Program for Guatemala, with a focus on the Maya Biosphere Reserve in Petén and the Pacific Coast of Guatemala. guatemala.wcs.org/