- By Sharon Matola, Director, The Belize Zoo and Tropical Education Center
In a recent BAS newsletter, an article entitled “Development, The Environment and the Chalillo Dam: A Perspective from the Belize Audubon Society”, presented false information about the population of Scarlet Macaws found in Belize.
Since the Belize Zoo and Tropical Education Center has received inquiries about this piece, I would like to address their perspective.
BAS: “The wildlife studies that were conducted by Britain’s Natural History Museum actually demonstrate that only four nests of the Scarlet Macaw will be impacted when the Chalillo site is inundated by water”.
Natural History Museum studies clearly define that the four nests documented show the affinity Scarlet Macaws have to this particular area of the country. The four nests signal more are there, and that more would be destroyed by the creation of a reservoir. Sadly, it is not a lone “four” which would be drowned. Professional ornithologists who have undertaken studies there, including myself and my field assistant Eligorio Sho, note that it remains as the principal breeding grounds for Scarlet Macaws in Belize.
BAS: “Although CITES lists the Scarlet Macaw as “threatened throughout its range” (not “endangered”, which is a more serious category), the population of Scarlet macaws in Belize is stable”.
The Convention of International Trade for Endangered Species, CITES, has placed the Scarlet Macaw in its highest category of protection, which is CITES Appendix 1. Furthermore, to clarify the status of the Belize population, I shall quote from an official communication received from BirdLife International. This organization has the mandate to apply categories of protection to over 9,000 species of birds worldwide:
“It is listed on CITES Appendix 1 because there is global concern that the species is declining overall as a result of illegal trade, habitat loss, and fragmentation, resulting in it being rare or uncommon in the majority of countries where it occurs naturally”.
“In the regional context, the subspecies Ara macao cyanoptera (Scarlet Macaw found in Belize, Guatemala and Mexico), has been assessed as meeting the IUCN Red List criteria for “Endangered” status by several independent experts in the recently published Parrot Action Plan, on the basis of declines believed to be in excess of 50% over three generations. It would seem that this subspecies has been virtually extirpated from Middle America with an expectation that in the next 10 years, remaining populations will probably disappear except for those in highly protected areas”.:
“I understand that A.m. cyanoptera numbers fewer than 200 birds in Belize, and is restricted to the south-west of the country. This population would qualify for “Endangered” status on the basis of its very small population alone. Any threats to its breeding grounds which could result in future rapid declines (e.g. loss of suitable trees for breeding) would elevate its national ”Red List” status to “Critically Endangered”.
- Alison Stattersfield
Global Species Programme Coordinator
BAS: “There are several other locations within the country that have the same forest type as that found in the Chalillo area; the same forest type favored by the Scarlet Macaw”.
Determined by a vegetation study which was funded by the World Bank, it was found that the habitat favoured by these birds accounts for 0.03% of a rare habitat type in the entire country of Belize. Furthermore, over 80% of this ecotype is found in the area which would be flooded by the Chalillo Dam project. It is unfortunate that the natural history of this species does not compel it to simply “fly somewhere else to another tree”. They require a specific habitat in which to sustain their populations. This rare habitat is mainly found in the area which is threatened by the Chalillo Dam.
The above Vegetation Study has also been noted in an analysis from an independent consultant from the International Union of the Conservation of Nature, IUCN.
Clearly, the science, the facts behind statements addressing the status of the Scarlet Macaw in Belize show that the population is quite unstable, and in need of protection.
Protecting the natural resources of Belize provides a firm footing for a healthy socio-economic future. The Belize Zoo and Tropical Education Center supports the analysis and conclusions of the IUCN. We concur with the Natural History Museum, and with scientists, both here in Belize and from abroad, in noting that the proposed Chalillo Dam would do serious environmental harm to this nation. We stand strong for development in Belize -- for sound development: We feel that the proposed Chalillo Dam has shown itself to be anything but.
