In recent years, Natura Mexicana, WCS and FCD have all been working independently to minimize the threats towards Scarlet Macaws in their respective countries. It is well known that at the end of the breeding season in Guatemala, many of the adult macaws and their offspring migrate to Mexico, returning to Guatemala for the next breeding season. It is unknown as to whether the same pattern exists for macaws in Belize, but, since it is also part of the Selva Maya, it is probable.
Illegal Wildlife Trafficking ​
It´s beauty and eye-catching colours make the Scarlet Macaw vulnerable in Mexico, Guatemala and Belize. Another factor influencing traffic is habitat loss, forest fires and human settlements within natural reserve areas.
The Scarlet Macaw itself has the ability to build its nest at great heights, it does so in hollow areas of leafy trees to hide from predators.
Deforestation in the Mayan Biosphere Reserve - Destruction of its Habitat
It is widely understood that the greatest driving force behind deforestation in the MBR is cattle ranching. Another growing threat is the establishment of oil palm plantations, which cause the displacement of low-income rural people towards protected areas within the reserve and the occupation of land that would usually serve for cattle ranching.
Forest Fires
Threatening the natural and cultural heritage of all Guatemalans, fires are frequent during the summertime (dry-season). Dangerous forest fires are mostly caused accidentally, negligently or intentionally. For birds the situation is serious, as the fires not only affect the nesting trees where the offspring of the macaws are situated, but also because it burns the trees that provide feed, posing even greater problems for a species that is already highly vulnerable.
(Prensa Libre, august 2017)
Illegal Human Settlements
The MBR is highly threatened by human activities, either by low income communities or by illicit activities such as drug cultivation and dealing.
