ENDANGERED BLUE MACAWS
50'
Acrylic ink on canvas
2023 - Portugal
Series: Bird Cataloging
Price Upon Request
THE SPIX'S MACAW, WHICH INHABITED REGIONS IN NORTHWEST BAHIA, BRAZIL, PRIMARILY ON THE SOUTHERN BANK OF THE SÃO FRANCISCO RIVER. IT WAS COMPLETELY EXTINCT IN THE WILD DUE TO THE INDISCRIMINATE CUTTING OF TREES IN THE CAATINGA, LEADING TO THE LOSS OF ITS NATURAL HABITAT. IT ALSO COMPETED WITH AFRICANIZED BEES FOR NESTING SITES SINCE BOTH OCCUPY HOLLOW PARTS OF TREE TRUNKS. ADDITIONALLY, ILLEGAL TRAFFICKING CONTRIBUTED TO ITS DECLINE. THROUGH CONSERVATION EFFORTS, THERE ARE NOW 240 INDIVIDUALS IN CAPTIVITY, INCLUDING IN GERMANY. THERE IS A PROJECT TO REINTRODUCE THE SPIX'S MACAW IN BRAZIL, WHICH INCLUDES CONSERVATION UNITS IN BAHIA, THE CONSTRUCTION OF A BREEDING AND ADAPTATION CENTER, AND AWARENESS-RAISING EFFORTS AMONG THE POPULATION.