Use of Wild Foods During the Rainy Season by a Reintroduced Population of Scarlet Macaws ( Ara Macao Cyanoptera ) in Palenque, Mexico

A reintroduced population of scarlet macaws (Ara macao cyanoptera) in Palenque, Mexico, demonstrated remarkable adaptability by utilizing 31 tree species for food during the rainy season, with seeds and fruit comprising 70% of their diet. The macaws' dietary diversity matched that of wild populations, contributing to a low mortality rate (9%) and successful nesting events. Spatial data revealed their food trees were dispersed over 36 hectares with a clumped distribution, while an additional 23 hectares were used for non-feeding activities. This success is attributed to the macaws' behavioral flexibility, social learning, and high cognitive capacity, underscoring the potential of reintroduction programs for endangered species.

Amaya-Villarreal, Á. M., Estrada, A., & Vargas-Ramírez, N. (2015). Use of Wild Foods During the Rainy Season by a Reintroduced Population of Scarlet Macaws ( Ara Macao Cyanoptera ) in Palenque, Mexico. Tropical Conservation Science, 8(2), 455–478. https://doi.org/10.1177/194008291500800211