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Avian Foundation

Current Projects

Projects Funded in 2008


Wild Hyacinth Macaws Foraging

Hyacinth Project

BioBrasil Foundation

Currently, thirteen thousand acres have been purchased in the southwest part of the state of Piaui, Brazil. In this cerrado habitat (dry grassland with gallery forests and cliffs) the Hyacinth Macaw finds plenty of palm nuts and perfect nesting cavities in the red, cliff faces. BioBrasil manages the area as a preserve for the endangered macaws and many other avian species, as well as the endangered Maned Wolf. Along with grants and other funding the preserve is also maintained through ecotourism. Ecotourism will, in the long run, prove self-sustaining and will benefit the community by providing employment. Visitors have an amazing opportunity to see Hyacinths in their natural habitat. Ecotourism is growing and local people are employed in various jobs: guides, hosts, cooks, etc. for the increased number of visitors.

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Captive Propagation and Recovery of the Endangered Hawaiian Avifauna

San Diego Zoo

The Zoological Society of San Diego manages two captive propagation facilities: the Keauhou Bird Conservation Center and the Maui Conservation Center. These two facilities serve as breeding centers for the propagation and recovery of 21 species of endangered songbirds. Since 1993, these centers have taken the lead in developing and implementing the techniques required to ensure success in all aspects of this recovery endeavor. There have now been six species that have bred in captivity - most for the first time in the history of aviculture, to include; 'Alala, the Common 'Amakihi, the 'I'iwi and the 'Oma'o have all been reared and released. These releases have provided the information and refined the techniques necessary to ensure the success for the release of the endangered Small Kaua'i Thrush, the Puaiohi, into historical habitat in the Alaka'I Swamp on Kaua'i. The program will continue to propagate and release these endangered songbirds, with the anticipation of releasing three species this year.

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Population Status and Conservation Management Recommendations for the Scarlet Macaw

Amigos de las Aves - USA

Amigos de las Aves is an international group of organizations dedicated to the conservation of the native Costa Rican macaws, the scarlet and the great green or Buffon's macaw (Ara macao and A. ambigua), through captive breeding and re-introduction into protected areas. This project proposes to identify the population size and habitat usage of the remaining scarlet macaw population in Palo Verde National Park and environs. The project will also confirm (or refute) that the main threats to the survival of the population are low population size and nest poaching and identify other significant factors. The project will develop recommendations for conservation and recovery of the macaw population and take initial action on these recommendations.

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Conservation of the Thick-billed Parrot Through Scientific Research & Community Involvement

Wildlife Trust

Wildlife Trust trains and supports a network of scientists and educators around the world in their efforts to save endangered species and their habitats from extinction and to protect the health of ecosystems that are vital to life on Earth. This project proposes an alternate economic opportunity for the local community, the production of a souvenir based on the image of the Thick-billed Parrot; and the continuation of the research of the parrots identifying crucial wintering areas and subsequent protection of this area for the conservation of the species.

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Eco-Tours

Kaytee Avian Foundation

Historically, the Kaytee Avian Foundation has undertaken eco-tours domestically in the United States and internationally in some of the world's most beautiful and pristine jungles. These tours have been to the Platte River to view the annual migration of cranes and other waterfowl and the Manu National Reserve in Peru.

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Hyacinth Macaw Trip to Brazil

Wild hyacinth macaw

Kaytee Avian Foundation

For the past several years Kaytee has sponsored a trip to Brazil to see Hyacinth Macaws in the wild. Participants can visit the remote state of Piaui where this endangered bird nests in the red cliffs. Other wildlife includes Maned Wolf, Burrowing Owl, Serima, Toco Toucan, King Vulture and Capuchin Monkey.

Avid birders, you will have the opportunity to increase your life list - from Hummingbirds to the King Vulture, there is a wide variety of birds to be seen in this unique habitat. The cerrado habitat is a mixture of dry grasslands and gallery forests, providing space for many species of birds and other wildlife.

For reservations or further information, you can call 1-800-669-9580 or check out Tropical Nature Travel's website!

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