Mortality of large macaws by electrocution in an urban area, Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil

Abstract

Electrocution is theme rarely reported for the large macaws. The objective of this study was to analyze the mortality of macaws by electrocution in the urban area of Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul. Between 2011 and 2020 we recorded 59 macaws killed by electrocution, having as victims two species: Ara ararauna (Linnaeus, 1758) and Ara chloropterus (Gray, 1859). A. ararauna was the species with the highest incidence, with 48 birds dead, followed by A. chloropterus, with 11 individuals. Body size, wingspan and, the urban behavior of macaws, as well as location and proximity of electrical structures with food and nesting resources, favoured the chances of electrocution. Electrocution it was important loss factor of large macaws in the urban ecosystem. Therefore, mitigation measures need to be developed to reconcile the sustainable development of a medium-sized city as Campo Grande with the conservation of biodiversity