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Scarlet macaw returns to breed in Brazil’s Atlantic Forest after nearly 200 years

Scarlet macaw returns to breed in Brazil’s Atlantic Forest after nearly 200 years

First recorded birth marks milestone in restoration of biodiversity following reintroduction efforts

Photo source: Charlie Fayers / iStock

Brazil has recorded the first breeding of the scarlet macaw in the Atlantic Forest in almost two centuries, signalling a major breakthrough in conservation and ecosystem restoration, reports Metrópoles, a partner of TV BRICS.

The development was confirmed by the Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change of Brazil, which announced that chicks of the Ara chloropterus were born earlier this month. The event represents the first successful reproduction of the species in the biome since its disappearance from Brazil’s coastal regions in the 19th century.

The milestone follows a targeted reintroduction programme led by the Brazilian Institute of Environment and Renewable Natural Resources. Birds were released into the Atlantic Forest in 2024 after rehabilitation, with breeding successfully observed in 2026.

Historically widespread across Brazil, the species was first documented in the Atlantic Forest in 1500. However, extensive deforestation led to its disappearance from the region. Today, populations are largely concentrated in the country’s central and northern areas.

Environmental authorities highlight that the return of the species carries significant ecological importance. Scarlet macaws play a crucial role in forest regeneration by dispersing seeds over long distances, supporting plant diversity and maintaining ecosystem balance.

The re-establishment of breeding populations is seen as a key step towards restoring biodiversity in the Atlantic Forest, one of the world’s most threatened biomes. Experts note that continued habitat protection and monitoring will be essential to ensure the long-term recovery of the species.

The environmental boom witnessed in Brazil reflects the widespread momentum behind the concerted efforts of the BRICS nations to preserve biodiversity and tackle the threat of extinction facing unique species across the globe.

China Daily, a partner of TV BRICS, reported that China is pressing ahead with programmes to protect marine life, with authorities in Liaoning Province releasing a group of spotted seals back into their natural habitats following their rescue and rehabilitation, fitting them with satellite tracking devices to ensure their sustainable monitoring and protection.

In parallel with efforts to restore ecosystems, Egypt has achieved a scientific breakthrough by successfully hatching mullet artificially for the first time, a strategic step aimed at localising marine aquaculture techniques and reducing the impact of overfishing, thereby contributing to the protection of natural fish stocks and consolidating sustainability in the face of climate change, reports Sada El-Balad, a partner of TV BRICS.

BRICS+ countries are also advancing conservation initiatives, combining scientific approaches with community engagement to protect marine biodiversity.

In Ecuador, conservation efforts on Isabela Island have been successful through the transfer of hundreds of green turtle eggs to controlled laboratory environments, with the aim of shielding them from natural hazards and human activities, thereby increasing their chances of survival in the face of climate change threats, according to El Maipo, a partner of TV BRICS.

In Mexico, the source reported on a pioneering initiative to transform traditional fishermen into environmental conservationists, where the local community works alongside scientists to monitor the endangered Hawksbill Sea turtle and document its scientific data, underscoring the fundamental role of humans as "stewards of the seas" in restoring the lost ecological balance.