Ararajubas return to color the skies of Belém after reintroduction and monitoring project

After a long period in which they were believed to be extinct in the surroundings of Belém, the Golden Conures (Guaruba guarouba) are once again adorning the sky of the capital of Pará. Last Sunday, on the 7th, a group of six birds was reintegrated into nature after months of training at the Utinga State Park “Camillo Vianna.”

The project responsible for the reintroduction and monitoring of Golden Conures in the Metropolitan Region of Belém is carried out by the Institute of Forest Development and Biodiversity (Ideflor-Bio), in partnership with the Lymington Foundation from São Paulo. During the training, the birds took five to six months to learn to feed on native fruits and identify potential predators.

Over the past eight years, more than 45 Golden Conures have been returned to the skies of Greater Belém. They are most commonly found in the Utinga State Park but can also be spotted in different parts of the city, especially on the edges of green areas. In addition to their beautiful plumage, the vocalization of the species is another highlight, with its loud sound echoing over long distances.

Nilson Pinto, president of Ideflor-Bio, expressed gratitude to everyone who contributed to the success of the project and highlighted the importance of reintroducing Golden Conures to the city of Belém. According to biologist Marcelo Villarta from the Lymington Foundation, the project represents an opportunity to correct past mistakes when humanity drove the species to extinction in its natural environment.

Despite the sense of accomplishment, Villarta emphasizes that the reintroduction work is never-ending since monitoring and ensuring the survival of the birds after release are crucial steps. The next step is to continue caring for the released birds and prepare another group of Golden Conures for reintroduction into nature.

Crisomar Lobato, Director of Biodiversity Management at Ideflor-Bio, considers the project a true success and states that there is already a generation of genuinely Pará-born Golden Conures. The project, which has completed eight years of activities, plans to be extended for two more years, ensuring the continuity of monitoring and reintroduction of these beautiful birds into their natural habitat.

With information from Agência Pará.