Manzanero Seeks Assistance in Scarlet Macaw Conservation

Rafael Manzanero

Like we said, Manzanero is a tireless advocate, and one of his passions is the protection of scarlet macaws, the majestic birds whose population in Belize remains at risk. In fact, next week Manzanero is heading off to Taiwan to solicit assistance for the plight of the macaws.

Rafael Manzanero, Executive Director, FCD

“The idea is really to present more about our work and we’re also trying to do a protection of the scarlet macaws and I would like to present that work and see if there would be any N.G.O.s over there that would be interested in supporting the protection of the macaws here in Belize. Over the years, we only know that there are one hundred pairs of macaws that are left in Belize. We have not really done a comprehensive study for quite some years. It is rather difficult because of the mountains to see if the same population that we see across in the Cayo area is the same as in Toledo. So we do require a lot of footwork in counting the full population. But we consider that the numbers are still relatively small.  I would hope that they would be able to support that particular specie. I know that there is a program that they have in terms of endangered species. But that’s a program worldwide. And so the idea is, crossing my fingers, that they would be able to us.”

The scarlet macaws are exotic birds that fetch high prices in the illegal pet-trade market.