Integrated management of the breeding and repopulation program of the Scarlet Macaw in Costa Rica

As Technical Director, I am responsible for coordinating the implementation of an integrated process for the breeding and rehabilitation for release of scarlet macaws in the southern tip of the Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica. This work includes managing breeding pairs through careful selection and monitoring, as well as modifying the environment to encourage natural courtship and nesting behaviors. Nest boxes are provided in a carefully adjusted setting to promote unassisted rearing, supporting a reproductive process that is both organic and controlled—one that we only monitor rather than intervene in.

In addition, we carry out the rehabilitation of individuals born in captivity in preparation for their release into the wild. We develop and implement rehabilitation protocols aimed at preparing the birds for survival in natural conditions, focusing on behavioral shaping through environmental factors. At the same time, each bird is evaluated in terms of its survival skills and potential to adapt to life in the wild.

Releases are conducted using a soft-release approach, with ongoing support and monitoring of the birds’ adaptation and dispersal in the surrounding area. This allows us to manage when and how to promote the independence of released individuals, ensuring their successful establishment as a wild population and their contribution to the ecosystems they are meant to help restore.

Each phase of the process is documented and reviewed in order to refine the strategies used, ensuring a successful transition from a controlled environment to the species' natural habitat.