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Belize Zoo & Tropical Education Center
Summer Camp - Scarlet Macaw Project
This page is also available in Portuguese: Projeto Arara Vermelha.
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Belize is indeed a country of untold wealth. Included in its extensive biodiversity are nine species of parrots of which the most strikingly beautiful is the scarlet macaw. It's scientific name is Ara macao cyanoptera. The term cyanoptera, is Latin for "blue wing", and refers to the blue feathers located on the bottom end of the bird's wings that distinguish it from the South American scarlet macaw which has green feathers instead. The rest of the bird's body is covered with red and yellow feathers arranged neatly across the body. It also has white patches on the sides of its face and beak that are bare of feathers.
Beauty and splendor, however, don't come without a price. Over the years this magnificent creature has been mercilessly over hunted for its beautiful feathers and as a result, its population has been diminished drastically, thus placing it on the Endangered Species List. Unfortunately some people continue to hunt the scarlet macaw despite laws that have been passed against such actions. The scarlet macaw is truly a spectacle to behold, so let's not be selfish; let's protect and preserve this beautiful bird, for its sake and for future generations
This parrot is the most beautiful in the place Belize,
And its people are happy to plea its case.
With its large and powerful wings it sores so high,
Away, away, it should go freely in the sky.
We are still puzzled by its magnificent beauty,
Given to us in flocks of plenty.
Blessed we are with these magnificent birds,
The like of some have never heard.
Beware-some keep them as pets,
But more and more the conservation word we hear:
"DonŐt keep them as pets for this gets them upset."
©2000
The Wild Ones
c/o Wildlife Trust
61 Route 9W, Palisades, NY 10964-8000
Tel: 845.365.8337 Fax: 845.365.8177