By Marguerite Fly Bevis
The Scarlet Macaw is
an important indicator
species for the health of
the rainforest. The current
population is estimated to
be about 200 birds, which
is not a good number. The
macaws in our country are
genetically distinct and
geographically separated
from other populations in
South America. Despite
the destruction of some
of its habitat due to the
hydroelectric dams that
were built in their breeding
grounds, they continue to
exist. This is due in part
to the efforts of Friends
for Conservation and
Development (FCD) and
Scarlet Six Biomonitoring
Team (S6). Recently, the Belize Wildlife & Referral Clinic (BWRC)
also joined forces offering veterinary services in the field. Thanks
to all this, along with countless volunteers, some new chicks are
fledging safely. But, recently the monitoring team returned with
sad news that two macaw nests had been poached due to their
remote locations.
The plight of the Scarlet Macaws should serve as a giant red flag
to all Belizeans as it indicates that the future of our rainforest is in
trouble. Indeed, the Chiquibul Forest is under siege by poachers
taking hardwoods, Xate palms, Scarlet Macaws, wildlife, and
anything else they can possibly take to sell. There are farmers
planting milpas and people basically acting as if the forest belongs
to them.
Recently, a team crossed the Maya Mountain Divide from the
Cockscomb Basin across and into the Chiquibul Forest. They were
searching for Scarlet Macaws in order to understand more about
their habitat and feeding grounds. On the Cockscomb side of
the Divide, the hardy explorers found untouched, pristine areas.
One magical place had dozens of Violet Sabrewings; another
had hundreds of Morphos, White, Brown and Blue. It was a
treacherous and difficult climb to get to the top and excitement
built as they anticipated entering the Raspaculo Branch of the
Macal River, known macaw nesting areas. But excitement turned
to dismay as they traveled toward the "Raspa." Sign after sign
of incursion: trash and campsites. The poachers have made the
Chiquibul their playground. Belize has already been invaded. A
quick look at the border on Google Earth will show increased milpa
clearing in our "protected areas." Unfortunately, it is very difficult
to monitor and control this invasion.
Groups like FCD and Scarlet Six have spent their time taking
turns monitoring known nests. It seems that simply the presence
of people is a deterrent for poaching. Volunteers are welcome to
camp and help protect the Scarlet Macaws, which means they are
helping to protect the Chiquibul Forest Reserve. Start planning
now to go next year, April through August, so you can help protect
the nesting Scarlet Macaws, just by being there.
FCD, together with the Forest Department, have been co-managing
the Chiquibul National Park and documenting illegal activities since
2007. From the FCD website: "FCD's goal has been an ongoing
struggle to reclaim the integrity of the Chiquibul National Park.
Yet, the threats are ongoing and include poaching of spectacular
wildlife such as the Scarlet Macaws, Great Curassows, Brockett
deer and peccaries. Extraction of non-timber forest produce and
primary hardwoods such as Belize's national tree, the Mahogany
is being illegally smuggled across Belize's western border. Looting
for Maya artifacts is extensive and incursions as a result of the
agricultural expansion are dramatic. The loss is in the millions
and the problem is rapidly impoverishing the ecological processes
and stability of the Maya forest. The Chiquibul National Park is
part of the tri-national bioregion forming the largest remaining
contiguous block of tropical forest north of the Amazon. Saving
this tropical broadleaf forest is not only crucial to the survival of
wildlife species, but also vital to human populations from both
Belize and Guatemala that depend on the environmental services
and goods derived from this exuberant forest. You can be a part of
this ongoing struggle by supporting our programs."
Led by Rafael Manzanero, these guys have been fighting the good
fight for years and for the most part they are making little progress,
but they need our help. The ultimate goal is to gain World Heritage
status for the Chiquibul Cave System and Nohoch Ch'en (Holec)
and Puente Natural. The Government of Belize has assigned
squads of Belize Defense Force (BDF) soldiers permanently along
the Chiquibul border. Funding is needed for high tech drones,
tracking devices and cameras. With these tools and with the help
of the BDF along the border, the tide can be stemmed.
You can help by donating time or money, equipment or supplies.
Roni Martinez, S6's Director of Field Operations says: "More
rangers are needed to cover the large area and further population
management strategies for next season". Funding campaigns for
future efforts will be announced soon. Scarlet Six and FCD are
two separate entities working together for the mutual goal of
maintaining a healthy and productive Chiquibul ecosystem. Both
entities need your help. You can also consider a donation to the
Belize Wildlife & Referral Clinic, which provides free health checks
in the field for the wildlife. Please think about how you can help
save the Chiquibul and the Scarlet Macaws.
http://www.gofundme.com/9p649k
Scarlet Macaw Protection Belize by Roni Martinez
www.fcdbelize.org Friends for Conservation and Development
Belize Wildlife & Referral Clinic www.belizewildlifeclinic.org
We must not let the Chiquibul National Forest, the largest
protected area in Belize, be destroyed or stolen. This is Our Jewel.
It is ours to lose.
Happy Birding!
The BELIZE AG REPORT