Project Snapshot

The Critically Endangered Blue-throated Macaw is found in only one place on Earth: the Beni Savannas of Bolivia. This complex ecosystem of grasslands, marshes, forest islands and gallery forest is largely in the hands of cattle ranchers and every year untold habitat is lost to intentional burning for pastureland.

In 2009 World Land Trust-US took the first steps towards protecting this fragile ecosystem and saving the rare Blue Throated Macaw. In conjunction with the American Bird Conservancy, we purchased and protected 8,785 acres of savannas – creating the world’s first protected area for the Blue-throated Macaw, whose wild population is believed to be only 350 individuals.

The Barba Azul Nature Reserve is now being managed by our Bolivian partner, Asociación Armonía Bolivia. “Barba Azul” means “Blue Beard” in Spanish, and is the colloquial name for this beautiful Bolivian endemic bird.

Today, it is imperative that we expand the Barba Azul Nature Reserve. We have protected only a fraction of the habitat needed to provide a lasting sanctuary for this bird, and for the many other species that rely upon the unique Beni Savannas for their survival. Our aim is to ensure the survival of the greater ecosystem, including habitat for large mammals such as Jaguars, Peccaries, Pumas, Giant Anteaters, Pampas Deer, Black Caiman and Maned Wolves. Our goal now is to cast a wider net, and to buy an area large enough to maintain viable populations for many years to come. Your critical assistance will help us achieve that goal.

Currently, ranches in this zone are being sold at an average of $50 an acre. This low price is attracting the interest of foreign cattle investors – whose consistent aim has been to intensify cattle ranching operations using exotic grass species. But the native grasses of the Beni Savanna are of vital importance to the survival of this ecosystem. We must act now to acquire more land, so that we can protect this extremely important and fragile area for global biodiversity. Your support will help us expand the “Barba Azul Nature Reserve” and protect not only the Blue-throated Macaw, but countless other species that rely on this unique ecosystem. Please donate today.