Macaw

Species Description:

Macaws are large birds, from the parrot family, and are known for their bold colors. These colors help them to blend in with the surroundings of their natural habitat. They also have curved beaks and long toes. These help them to crush nuts, as well as pick things up. 

Species Habitat:

The Macaw mainly resides in the Amazon. Brazil, Bolivia, Ecuador, Peru, Columbia, Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname, and French Guiana are the countries that make up the region. The Amazon is also one of the world's most threatened forests. 

Role in Ecosystem:

Macaws eat and prey on seeds, as oppose to many other animals that do not eat them and instead spread them. Because they eat and destroy seeds, it limits the number of new trees and plants that can be grown. This helps regulate the plant and tree population.

Cause of Decline:

The biggest cause in their decline is illegal pet trade. Because of their beautiful colors, many Macaws are caught and sold by people. Since Macaws have not been domesticated, like dogs and cats have, it is difficult for them to live as pets. Deforestation has been another big threat to the Macaw. This has made it difficult for Macaws to find food in their natural habitat. 

Importance:

Macaws are extremely important. They are very popular, and one of the reasons that they are disappearing is because their habitat is disappearing. Therefore, if the Macaw becomes extinct, so does a major reason to conserve their habitat which other plants and animals also rely on. 

Conservation Efforts & Guidelines for Helping:

One of their indirect conservation efforts is the conservation plan to protect the Amazon. We need to create more guidelines to directly help conserve the Macaw. One of the things we can do to help is to create special protection and conservation programs for the Macaw. Another thing we can do is create harsher penalties for people who illegally catch Macaws. This will help decrease the trading and selling of them.

Sources:

https://www.worldwildlife.org/species/macaw

http://www.edjameson.com/Endangered%20Animals/pages/sm1.htm