Camera traps
Researchers used both camera trap images and direct observation to observe hyacinths and Lear’s Macaws scattering seeds and foraging fruit. These findings were then used to analyze the dispersal rates for different species of palm fruits, including Acrocomia Totai (grugru palm or mac aura), Attalea Phaerata (uricuri), and Attalea barreirensis in the Cerrado. What Do Baby Birds Eat
The Bolivian Pantanal was able to observe directly in the San Matias Natural Area of Integrated Management, (ANMI), which is one of the country’s protected areas and home to the hyacinth Macaw.
They had to use the infrared camera’s in Brazil
Cerrado because the A. barreirensis, and A. The Eichler species of palms grow closer to ground level, making it more difficult to see foraging from afar. The cameras were placed close to the ground, approximately 3 to 5 m (10 to 16 ft) away from the palm trees. Every 5 seconds, the motion-activated cameras captured instantaneous images of macaws spreading and gathering the fruits.
The study also examines the role of endangered macaw species in dispersing large seeds. This role is largely due to the now-extinct megafauna, which inhabited South America during Pleistocene Epoch, which lasted approximately 2.5 million to 12,000 years ago.
Fernando Hiraldo from Spain’s Donana
Biological Station was the co-author of the study. He said that the findings clearly show that large seeds were once the exclusive domain of larger animals. Herald stated that they can do this over great distances which is very important for dispersed plants’ genetic health. It is incredible how they can transport multiple large fruits over long distances using their claws or mouths.
He stated that the study also shows the success of dispersal as evidenced by the numerous plant germinations found beneath the trees where the macaws obtained the fruit. The study warns that a continuing decline in the number of macaw species and shrinking habitat could compromise the dispersal of large palm trees. This study emphasizes the importance of plans to protect both species and restore ecological functions in their habitats.
Conservation and threats
Jose Antonio Diaz Luque, another co-author of the study and director of the Foundation for the Research and Conservation of Bolivian Parrots, stated that the “declination of these macaw populations ends up affecting the habitat’s structure and the ability for regeneration.”Grey German Shepherd
On the IUCN Red List, the hyacinth Macaw has been classified vulnerable while Lear’s Macaw is endangered. Both species have seen dramatic declines in population and an increase in range in recent decades. An estimated 6,500 Hyacinth Macaws are still living in the wild.