the macaw recovery network
MRN’s various Recovery Programs for the parrot species we work with, focus on hands-on conservation to help bring them back from the edge of extinction. However, we recognize that to make a real difference for parrots, we need to collaborate in conservation in cross-border efforts across their range. We see our role as to support our partners and to connect teams in the region with each other as well as with international experts. It is a pivotal time to band together and protect nature, and the many parrot species on the brink of extinction.
In 2018, the Network was founded after nearly a decade working in parrot conservation in Costa Rica. As our focus shifted from a local to a more range-wide approach, the need for a network became apparent. Our Network is professionally staffed by local and international experts and volunteers who work to save and restore parrot populations across the Neo-tropics. Our primary focus is the critically endangered Great Green Macaw – who are in desperate need of our attention due to their rapid population decline.
The Network’s main offices are in San Jose. The Great Green Macaw field team is based from the Sarapiquí Rainforest Reserve, in the province of Heredia. Being in the heart of the Macaw’s range has been proven essential for effective monitoring and management activities. On the North-Pacific coast, Punta Islita is home to our Breeding Center with rescued Scarlet and Great Green Macaws, one of the worlds biggest and most professional breeding programs for conservation purposes. At the same location, we manage the Punta Islita Wild Macaw Reserve which is home to a reintroduced population of Scarlet Macaws. The network conjoins efforts to protect and preserve the Yellow-naped amazon parrot with Equipo Tora Carey in El Jobo, Guanacaste.
The organization’s history includes the development of various re-introduction sites across the country for both species. In previous years nearly 50 Great Green Macaws were released on the southern Caribbean coast in Manzanillo and over 174 Scarlet Macaws were released in Tiskita, Palo Verde, Curu and now Punta Islita. Across all our conservation programs we are constantly fine-tuning our efforts to become an internationally recognized center of excellence.