Observations on a population of Red-fronted Macaws Ara rubrogenys in the Río Caine valley, central Bolivia

Abstract

A population of about 60 Red-fronted Macaws Ara rubrogenys, a parrot endemic to central southern Bolivia, was studied in an area of around 200 ha in the Río Caine valley, northern Potosí department, in October and November 1990. The habitat was semi-desert steppe dominated by cacti; the very light rainy season (in which the macaws are believed to breed) lasts from November to April. The birds, most commonly to be seen in pairs, were active in the early morning and the later afternoon, feeding during both these periods on groundnuts in a 30 ha area cultivated by local Indians who, however, made no attempts to persecute them. There seem to be no serious threats to the species in the Rio Caine valley. However, breeding success appeared to be low, presumably reflecting the sparse dietary resources of the region. © 1991, Birdlife International. All rights reserved.