How Many Glaucous Macaws Are Left in The World?

Last Updated on July 28, 2022

At the start of the 19th century, a wide range of glaucous macaws existed in the wild region of Brazil, but by the end of this century, it was observed that no glaucous macaws were seen in the wild. 

By local reports, persistent rumors of recent sightings and birds in trade indicate that a few birds may still survive in captivity. However, the real question is how many glaucous macaws are left in the world? And are they really extinct?

There are almost 10 to 20 glaucous macaws left that are in captivity. In the wild, not a single glaucous macaw has been seen by researchers in the second half of the 19th century. In contemporary times these parrots are extinct in the wild and near to extinction in captivity.

Extinction Of glaucous Macaw:

By the second half of the end of the 19 century, Glaucous Macaws became rare in the wild. In 1936, the last known specimens of glaucous macaw were seen alive in Brazil. Due to trapping and loss of habitat in 1992, these parrots were extinct in their former range.

Researchers observe that these parrots are extinct in the wild, but few remain in captivity. Reasonable living space still says that in El Palmar National Park in the Argentine area, where some could have survived, and their presence still exists but in captivity. Due to this, in 1980, it was recommended uplisting the species to Critically Endangered species.

In 1999, the World Parrot Trust sent different researchers to carry out a survey of the historical territory of the Glaucous Macaw (Anodorhynchus glaucus) in Brazil. The research found no birds surveyed in any of the areas.

In the 20th century, few local reports were published that no Glaucous Macaws have been seen anywhere in the region of Brazil with the last given observations and local reports in Mbaracayu. 

In 2018, one study citing bird extinction patterns was conducted. The heavy destruction of the glaucous macaws’ habitat and the lack of any confirmed sightings in forests were observed. 

Glaucous macaws were settled in major river basins. Those basins were covered with palm grooves, which were their source of diet. Gradually these palm trees were removed by people for their accommodation and for agriculture subduing for cattle.

Factors that lead Glaucous Macaw To Extinction:

Destruction Of Major River Basins:

Major river basins, which people destroyed, were the settlement ranges of these parrots. From these areas, trees were removed, which were the ultimate source of their living.

The gradual disappearance of the Glaucous Macaw from river basins and their range in Argentina, Uruguay, and Brazil is somehow linked to trapping by hunters for the wild bird trade.

Drastic changes in Glaucous Macaw habitat:

 The habitat of Glaucous Macaws underwent drastic changes due to the redemption of land over the last century. Destruction was also done due to the societal population and cattle subduing. Flooding and environmental calamities also destroyed their habitat. 

Clearance of Yaty Palm Trees:

Agriculture on its large scale upgraded the uncontrolled clearing of the yatay palm trees. The tree Butia yatay, whose nuts were the preferred food by them. It is also the primary food of glaucous macaws.

Hunting By Hunters And Traders.

Hunters hunt the unique Glaucous macaw because of their attractive feathers and their flesh for food. Some pet traders also hunt them accidentally in order to capture them. The traders and hunters usually trapped these parrots. They trap Glaucous macaws for the trading of eggs, feathered skins, or their live specimens.

Disease Outbreak:

Sudden disease outbreaks in these parrots can also be the reason for their decline. When these parrots become the victim of some disease, their immediate cure is necessary.

Loss of palm groves:

Palm grooves were the primary source of Glaucous macaws’ livelihood. Their diet is genuinely based on these pal grooves. The decline in palm trees is also one of the major causes of their extinction.

Shortage of Glaucous Macaws Nest sites:

Most of the Glaucous Macaw suffered from a shortage of their nest sites. Reduction in the nest sites of these parrots puts them in difficult situations. Glaucous Macaws nest in the tree cavities of palm trees or in the cliffs which are edged to rivers.

Trees hold the nest cavities, and when these trees were removed or cleared by disasters, it created a difficult situation.

Shortage of Food:

The Glaucous macaws are likely to require large groves of palm trees. It produces fruits every month of the year in sufficient quantities, by these fruits wandering flocks of macaws feed.

The dwindling, old palm tree stands likely became too small and too old and sensitive to these parrots’ support and food. When the food ran out, Glaucous macaws started moving to their decline.

Glaucous macaws are probably extinct, with only two reliable records of sightings in the 20th century. The greatest problems which lead  the macaws’ population to decline are:

•  The rapid rate of deforestation 
•  The illegal trapping for the bird trade. 

It is declared an endangered species in the wild. It is regulated by the convention on international trade in endangered species of wild flora and fauna. Since the 19th century, the recordings of Glaucous Macaw have not been recorded in the wild. It is now probably safe to assume that the species is extinct except for a few parrots which are in captivity.

If you want to read everything about Glaucous Macaw then here is the link.

Conclusion:

Glaucous Macaws are an extinct species of macaws in the wild. Few parrots exist in captivity but are very rare. People often confuse the Glaucous Macaw as Lear’s Macaw.

They have similar sizes and patterns but have different coloration. So. when they fly on river basins, they appear to be Glaucous, but actually, they are extinct.