Conservation strategies for a scarlet macaw (Ara macao) population in Costa Rica

The Scarlet Macaw (Ara macao) population in the Central Pacific Conservation Area, Costa Rica, was monitored over an 11-year period (1990--2000). Non-linear models were fitted to analyze the dynamics of the time series, which included cyclical seasonal changes and annual changes based on a quadratic trajectory of initial decline followed by an increase. This stabilization and modest recovery is correlated temporality with intensified management practices (including artificial nest boxes, nest protection and local community involvement). Reproductive phenology and nesting ecology were studied. Individuals began courtship in November and nest in December with chicks fledging between May and June. Tree cavities were used for nesting. Of 46 trees identified with nest cavities, Schizolobium parahybum (37%) and Ceiba pentandra (22%) were most commonly used. A one-month (July, 2001) environmental education course on Scarlet Macaw conservation and natural history with pre-test and two post-tests to measure learning and retention. Students demonstrated "learning" on about 71% of the questions (18 of 21), parents on about 38% (11 of 21) and a control group of adults without children who took the course on 0% (1 of 21). To assess retention, the same test was given eight months later (March, 2002) to the same three groups. Comparing pre-test and the March (2002) test scores, students demonstrated retention on 67% of the questions (14 of 21), parents on 52% of the questions (13 of 21), and the control group on 29% of the questions (9 of 21). We suspect extra-classroom education went on between children and especially between adults in this village, partly explaining the increase in "learning" rates by parents and controls. Two regional workshops (1994, 1999) outlined a conservation strategy. Both workshops recommended strong environmental education programs, protecting chicks in nests, increasing macaw food and nesting sources, studying and monitoring the macaw population, and promoting economic returns for local inhabitants. A local conservation organization, LAPPA, was created after the first workshop to carry out the strategy.