For decades, the skies of Costa Rica’s southern Caribbean region were missing one of their most magnificent inhabitants—the Great Green Macaw (Ara ambiguus). Once a powerful symbol of the country’s rich biodiversity, this striking bird nearly vanished due to deforestation, habitat loss, and illegal wildlife trafficking. Today, however, there is exciting news for conservationists, birdwatchers, and nature lovers alike: the Great Green Macaw is back in Costa Rica, and its return represents one of the country’s most inspiring conservation success stories.
This remarkable comeback did not happen by accident. It is the result of years of dedicated effort by scientists, biologists, local communities, and conservation organizations working together to protect not only the macaw itself but also the fragile ecosystem it depends on.
A Bird of Extraordinary Beauty
The Great Green Macaw is one of the largest parrots in the Americas. Its vibrant green feathers, accented by flashes of blue, red, and turquoise, make it unmistakable in flight. With a wingspan reaching nearly five feet, it is an awe-inspiring sight soaring above the rainforest canopy.
Unlike some of its more colorful macaw relatives, the Great Green Macaw blends surprisingly well into the dense forest, using its green plumage as camouflage. This adaptation has helped it survive in the wild, but it was not enough to protect it from the rapid destruction of its habitat.
A Delicate Relationship with the Rainforest
The Great Green Macaw is deeply tied to the lowland tropical rainforests of Costa Rica, particularly in the southern Caribbean region. These birds rely heavily on a single tree species for survival: the Mountain Almond Tree (Dipteryx panamensis), also known as the almendro.
These towering trees serve two vital purposes:
- Food Source – The macaws feed on the hard-shelled almonds produced by the trees.
- Nesting Sites – The birds nest in natural cavities found in mature almond trees.
As logging expanded across Costa Rica during the 20th century, mountain almond trees were cut down at alarming rates. This single act devastated the Great Green Macaw population. Without their primary food source and nesting habitat, the birds were pushed to the brink of extinction in Costa Rica.
The Crisis and Near Disappearance
By the late 20th century, sightings of Great Green Macaws in Costa Rica had become extremely rare. Many experts believed the species would disappear entirely from the country. Habitat destruction, combined with illegal capture for the pet trade, pushed the population to dangerously low numbers.
The loss of the macaw was not just the disappearance of a bird—it was the loss of an important ecological link. Great Green Macaws play a crucial role in seed dispersal, helping maintain the health and diversity of the rainforest.
The ARA Project: A Conservation Lifeline
Hope arrived in the form of The ARA Project, a nonprofit organization established to conserve the Great Green Macaw and restore its population in Costa Rica. Based in the southern Caribbean region, the project focuses on research, breeding, habitat protection, and education.
Staffed by biologists, conservation specialists, and dedicated volunteers, the ARA Project works tirelessly to ensure the survival of the Great Green Macaw. Their efforts include:
- Breeding macaws in controlled environments
- Releasing healthy birds into protected areas
- Monitoring wild populations
- Protecting and replanting mountain almond trees
- Educating local communities about conservation
Through these combined efforts, the ARA Project has helped re-establish a sustainable population of macaws in the wild.
From Breeding to Freedom
One of the most inspiring aspects of the ARA Project is its breeding and release program. Macaws are carefully bred and raised under conditions that prepare them for life in the wild. Once they are strong enough, they are gradually released into protected rainforest areas where food sources and nesting sites are available.
These releases are monitored closely using tracking methods that allow biologists to study flight patterns, feeding behavior, and social interactions. The success of this program is evident today as Great Green Macaws can once again be seen flying freely through Costa Rica’s southern Caribbean forests.
Volunteering with the ARA Project
For travelers who want to go beyond sightseeing and actively participate in conservation, volunteering with the ARA Project is a unique and rewarding opportunity. Volunteers assist with bird care, habitat restoration, research support, and educational outreach.
Those interested can learn more about volunteering opportunities by visiting the official website:
www.thearaproject.org
It is important to note that volunteering in this region requires preparation. Costa Rica is a tropical country, and the southern Caribbean is known for its high rainfall, heat, and humidity. Volunteers should be comfortable working outdoors in challenging conditions.
Life in the Southern Caribbean Rainforest
The southern Caribbean region of Costa Rica is a biodiversity hotspot. It is home to an astonishing variety of life, making it a true ecotourism paradise. In addition to the Great Green Macaw, visitors may encounter:
- Four species of monkeys, including howler and spider monkeys
- Sloths, often seen hanging quietly in the trees
- Snakes and scorpions, common but rarely dangerous if respected
- Hundreds of bird species, from toucans to hummingbirds
- An incredible range of flora and fauna, many found nowhere else on Earth
This rich ecosystem is precisely why conservation efforts are so vital. Protecting the macaw also means protecting the rainforest as a whole.
Ecotourism and Conservation Go Hand in Hand
Costa Rica has long been recognized as a global leader in ecotourism. The return of the Great Green Macaw strengthens the country’s reputation as a destination where tourism and conservation coexist.
Visitors who travel to the southern Caribbean region contribute directly to the local economy and conservation initiatives. Lodges, guides, and community-run projects all benefit from sustainable tourism practices that prioritize nature over exploitation.
A Symbol of Hope
The return of the Great Green Macaw is more than a conservation success—it is a symbol of hope. It proves that when people work together, even species on the brink of extinction can recover.
Today, the sound of macaws calling across the rainforest canopy once again echoes through Costa Rica’s southern Caribbean. Their presence is a reminder that nature can heal when given the chance.
Final Thoughts
Seeing a Great Green Macaw in the wild is an unforgettable experience. It represents resilience, cooperation, and the enduring beauty of Costa Rica’s natural world. Thanks to organizations like the ARA Project and the continued commitment of conservationists and volunteers, these magnificent birds have a future once again.
For anyone passionate about wildlife, conservation, or meaningful travel, Costa Rica offers a rare opportunity: to witness not just nature, but nature restored.
The Great Green Macaw is back—and Costa Rica’s skies are greener because of it. 🦜🌿