Virus outbreak deepens rift over return of Spix’s macaw to Brazil

Mongabay
Mongabay
2M ago
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Seven Spix’s macaws in Brazil tested positive for circovirus, jeopardizing their reintroduction efforts. This outbreak raises concerns about the health of both captive and wild populations.
Virus outbreak deepens rift over return of Spix’s macaw to Brazil
A What happened
The Spix’s macaw, once declared extinct in the wild, is undergoing a reintroduction project in Brazil's Caatinga shrubland. However, the project is now threatened by a circovirus outbreak, with seven birds testing positive for the disease. This virus, which causes severe health issues in psittacines, poses a risk not only to the reintroduced macaws but also to other native bird species. The situation has sparked conflict between conservation organizations and government authorities over management practices and transparency. The Chico Mendes Institute for Biodiversity Conservation (ICMBio) has declared a state of emergency and is conducting inspections, but faces resistance from the organizations involved. The implications of this outbreak could hinder the recovery of the Spix’s macaw and impact broader conservation efforts in the region.
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Key insights

  • 1

    Circovirus poses serious threat: The circovirus outbreak could lead to severe health issues for the Spix’s macaw population.

  • 2

    Conflict among conservation groups: Tensions have risen between conservation organizations and government scientists over management practices.

  • 3

    Potential for wider contagion: The virus's presence raises concerns about its spread to other native bird species in Brazil.

Takeaways

The outbreak of circovirus among Spix’s macaws highlights significant challenges in wildlife reintroduction efforts and underscores the need for effective management and collaboration among conservation entities to protect endangered species.

Topics

Health & Medicine Public Health Climate & Environment Wildlife Conservation