Satellite Telemetry of Blue-Throated Macaws in Barba Azul Nature Reserve (Beni, Bolivia) Reveals Likely Breeding Areas

The Blue-throated Macaw (Ara glaucogularis) is a Critically Endangered species endemic to the Llanos de Moxos ecosystem of Beni, Bolivia. To aid conservation northwestern population that utilizes Barba Azul Nature Reserve during non-breeding season, we set out learn sites where these birds breed using satellite telemetry. We describe preliminary tests conducted on captive (at Loro Parque Foundation, Tenerife, Spain) resulted in choosing Geotrak Parrot Collars, metal, battery-operated unit provides data through Argos system. In September 2019, tagged three with collars, and received migration for two birds, until battery depletion November December 2019. Our migrant were tracked leaving same date (27 September), but departed divergent directions (approximately 90 degrees separation). They settled approximately 50–100 km from Azul. Some details work are restricted concern as still faces poaching pressures. Knowing their likely breeding grounds, reserve managers site visits tracked, resulting discovery although no carrying transmitter seen then. A single individual its collar was spotted 13 August 2021 at suggests Macaws use scattered across region, within recognized boundaries subpopulation. conclude collars feasible option research could provide further insights.