Return of the Scarlet Macaws

by Tom Schultz

Depicted as the fiery god of light, Itzamna, in ancient Mayan legends, the scarlet macaw (Ara macao) is unmistakable. With a wingspan of nearly five feet and a squawk that can’t be ignored, these majestic birds are crowd pleasers that seem to love the attention. Always a treat for tired eyes, the lapas rojas, as it is known in Spanish, appears on the must-see list of most visitors to Costa Rica.

But it was almost not to be. From near extinction through ultimate survival and revival, the macaw’s Costa Rican comeback is an inspiring story of committed conservationists.

As the 20th century dawned, the species was widespread across 85% of the entire country. By 1980 it was almost gone. What happened?

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