Differentiation of Military Macaws (Ara militaris) in captivity using photo-identification

The Military Macaw (Ara militaris) is an endangered species with scarce available information on its natural history. One of the main problems regarding study has been identification individuals, which rapidly reach adult size and lack sexual dimorphism. Traditional marking techniques used to identify individuals require their capture; however, there a high risk injury. Also, can influence behavior, reproduction, survival, so probability disturbing population. To minimize such disturbances, it advisable use markings individuals. Photo-identification one technique that help without populations. In case Macaw, face lines (feather patterns) present marks be for photo-identification using specialized software. this study, we tested utility (effectiveness) in 24 captivity. Significant differences were found between feather patterns right left sides same individual also among We propose here reliable distinguishing Macaws within population, opening door more specific ecological studies.