Anodorhynchus leari

Taxonomy

Assessment Information

Geographic Range

Population

Habitat and Ecology

Threats

Conservation Actions

Taxonomy [top]

Kingdom	Phylum	Class	Order	Family
ANIMALIA	CHORDATA	AVES	Psittaciformes	Psittacidae

Scientific Name:

Anodorhynchus leari

Species Authority:

Bonaparte, 1856

Common Name/s:

English	–	Lear's Macaw, Indigo Macaw
Spanish	–	Guacamayo Cobalto, Guacamayo De Lear

Assessment Information [top]

Red List Category & Criteria:

Endangered B1ab(iii) ver 3.1

Year Assessed:

2009

Assessor/s

BirdLife International

Evaluator/s:

Bird, J., Butchart, S., Symes, A.(BirdLife International)

Justification:
This species is now steadily increasing in numbers owing to intensive conservation action, and although a significant proportion of the population have not reached breeding maturity, the number of mature individuals is now considered to have exceeded 250 for over five years, and the species has consequently been downlisted to Endangered. Some of this apparent increase may be due to improved survey methods but a genuine increase has also taken place; nevertheless continued conservation measures and repeatable monitoring remain a high priority for this species.

History:

2008	–	Critically Endangered
2004	–	Critically Endangered
2000	–	Critically Endangered
1994	–	Critically Endangered
1988	–	Threatened

Geographic Range [top]

Range Description:	Anodorhynchus leari was known to science for 150 years from trade birds before a wild population was found in 1978. It is known from two colonies at Toca Velha and Serra Branca, south of the Raso da Catarina plateau in north-east Bahia, Brazil. In 1995, a roosting site holding 22 birds was located at Sento Sé/Campo Formoso, 200 km to the east². Initially, this was thought to represent a distinct subpopulation², but is now considered to refer to birds from the Toca Velha/Serra Branca population following patches of fruiting licurí Syagrus palms^5,11. The global population was estimated at 246 birds in 2001⁶, 400-500 in 2004⁷, 630 in 2006⁷ and 960 in 2008¹³. These figures are likely to include a large proportion of sub-adults⁸, and it is notoriously difficult to determine the number of mature individuals in the population because sub-adults form pairs and behave like nesting birds for a number of years before they actually breed⁸. Some of this increase may reflect changes in methodology and survey effort⁸, but there has also been a genuine increase as a result of intensive conservation measures.
Countries:	Native: Brazil
Range Map:	(click map to view full version)

Population [top]

Population:	Although the population was estimated at 960 in 2008 (Develey in litt. 2009) there is uncertainty over what proportion of this figure relates to mature individuals. The population is growing so this figure is likely to include a large proportion of sub-adults, and in any case it is notoriously difficult to determine the number of mature individuals in the population because sub-adults form pairs and behave like nesting birds for a number of years before they actually breed.
Population Trend:	Increasing

Population:

Although the population was estimated at 960 in 2008 (Develey in litt. 2009) there is uncertainty over what proportion of this figure relates to mature individuals. The population is growing so this figure is likely to include a large proportion of sub-adults, and in any case it is notoriously difficult to determine the number of mature individuals in the population because sub-adults form pairs and behave like nesting birds for a number of years before they actually breed.

Population Trend:

Increasing

Habitat and Ecology [top]

Habitat and Ecology:	It occurs in arid caatinga with sandstone cliffs (for colonial nesting and roosting) and stands of licurí palms. It forages in trees and on the ground, largely for licurí palm nuts (individuals eat up to 350/day), but also Melanoxylon, Atropha pohliana, Dioclea, Spondias tuberosa, Agave flowers and maize. Breeding is in February-April. Two young often fledge.
Systems:	Terrestrial

Threats [top]

Major Threat(s):	In 1992-1995, c.20 birds were caught and sold to smugglers from Toca Velha/Serra Branca² and, in 1996, at least 19 individuals were taken³. Licurí palm-stands formerly covered 250,000 km² but have been vastly reduced by livestock-grazing. A major fire could now eradicate most of the food supply for the Toca Velha/Serra Branca population. Birds are occasionally persecuted for foraging on maize crops when palm nuts are scarce. Hunting for food and wildlife products are potential threats.

Major Threat(s):

In 1992-1995, c.20 birds were caught and sold to smugglers from Toca Velha/Serra Branca² and, in 1996, at least 19 individuals were taken³. Licurí palm-stands formerly covered 250,000 km² but have been vastly reduced by livestock-grazing. A major fire could now eradicate most of the food supply for the Toca Velha/Serra Branca population. Birds are occasionally persecuted for foraging on maize crops when palm nuts are scarce. Hunting for food and wildlife products are potential threats.

Conservation Actions [top]

Conservation Actions:	Conservation actions underway: CITES Appendix I and II and protected by Brazilian law. Infiltration of trading networks and improved surveillance at breeding sites has resulted in arrests of poachers, smugglers and collectors^1,3,4. The Toca Velha/Serra Branca cliffs are guarded and protection has recently been improved following the acquisition of the 1,450 ha Canudos Biological Station¹⁴, and there are plans to grow, plant and fence 50,000 licurí palm seedlings^3,4,6. Management agreements with key landowners have been signed⁶. Parrots International and the Lymington Foundation began a corn replacement scheme for the farmers in 2007¹⁰. There is a small captive population but there is no coordinated breeding programme. Conservation actions proposed: *Ensure the de facto* protection of all known populations. Continue to liaise with local people to locate additional populations². Study the nesting ecology to estimate reproductive success, determine home ranges and consider double-clutching⁴. Continue to compensate farmers for crop losses. Develop a long-term strategy of planting and protecting licurí palms^2,3,4. Enforce legal measures, especially through local patrolling to prevent trapping**^2,3,4.

Conservation Actions:

Conservation actions underway:

CITES Appendix I and II and protected by Brazilian law. Infiltration of trading networks and improved surveillance at breeding sites has resulted in arrests of poachers, smugglers and collectors^1,3,4. The Toca Velha/Serra Branca cliffs are guarded and protection has recently been improved following the acquisition of the 1,450 ha Canudos Biological Station¹⁴, and there are plans to grow, plant and fence 50,000 licurí palm seedlings^3,4,6. Management agreements with key landowners have been signed⁶. Parrots International and the Lymington Foundation began a corn replacement scheme for the farmers in 2007¹⁰. There is a small captive population but there is no coordinated breeding programme.

Conservation actions proposed:

Ensure the de facto protection of all known populations. Continue to liaise with local people to locate additional populations². Study the nesting ecology to estimate reproductive success, determine home ranges and consider double-clutching⁴. Continue to compensate farmers for crop losses. Develop a long-term strategy of planting and protecting licurí palms^2,3,4. Enforce legal measures, especially through local patrolling to prevent trapping^2,3,4.

Citation:	BirdLife International 2009. Anodorhynchus leari. In: IUCN 2009. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2009.2. <www.iucnredlist.org>. Downloaded on 21 November 2009.
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