Arara Azul - The Project

South America is known as the continent of birds, because almost a third of the planet's species are found here. Brazil maintains an outstanding position since it hosts 1/5 of all existing Psittacidae (parrots, parakeets, macaws, conures, etc.).

Threatened with extinction (CITES App.I), the Hyacinth Macaw (Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus) is of exuberant beauty and it is also the largest macaw in the world; approximately one meter from the tip of its bill to its tail and weighing about 1.3 kg. Predominantly cobalt blue in color, delicately contrasting with the yellow of its cheeks and eyes, it is also known by its Indian name, "araraúna". Flying in small flocks, they can easily be distinguished in the predominantly green landscape of the Pantanal. The so-called "dormitorios", places where they congregate at the end of the day, have the function of being "centers for exchanging information", as the birds are highly socialized. The adults mate for life and share the task of caring for their young.

The Hyacinth Macaw Project involves research, supervision and conservation of the species. Biologists, veterinarians, field workers, ranchers and university students share in activities ranging from research on patterns of reproduction, behavior, and habitat to environmental and conservational education for the local people.

In 1990, biologist Neiva Guedes founded the NGO, Projeto Arara Azul. The project has monitored by now about 3,000 individual birds, distributed over an area of 400,000 hectares in the Pantanal region of Mato Grosso do Sul, where there are 284 natural nests and 154 artificial ones implemented by the projects activities.

Its activities and achievements involve the population of Mato Grosso do Sul and expand to cover the rest of Brazil and neighboring countries. Farm workers and ranchers began to support the work and today take pride in the macaws that live in the region. It is the accomplishment of Dra. Neiva Guedes, that the population of the Blue Macaw today is increasing again.

Visitors can participate with he Project's activities at the IPPAN/UNIDERP (University for Development of the State and the Pantanal Region) Fazenda Ararauna.

How can you help?

• Don't feed wild animals
• Don't buy wild animals and denounce trafficking
• Don't buy handicrafts made from feathers, teeth or beaks of animals
• Visit us and learn about our work in loco or participate in the projects activities*
• Buy the Project's promotional products
• Donate materials or equipment or provide financial support for our work