 Costa Rica: Conservation of macaws native to Costa Rica
 Project Goal
This is a project dedicated to the conservation of macaws native to Costa Rica. The focus is principally on two species of these beautiful birds both of which are currently in great danger of extinction.
The scarlet macaw (Ara macao) and the green macaw (Ara ambigua) used to fly freely in many areas of Costa Rica, but due to the logging of almendro (almond) trees and the stealing of macaw chicks for the pet trade, both species' numbers have dropped drastically.
The Lapas has been breeding macaws for over ten years. This is a very specialized endeavor, since conditions must be perfect, or the birds will not breed. The breeding program at The Lapas is the first successful project in the country rearing scarlet macaws and green macaws for reintroduction into the wild.
By the implementation of a captive macaw-breeding program, the Lapas will be integral to the conservation of these species, as well as to the development of a husbandry knowledge base for macaws. The reintroduction of the macaws to the wild will help maintain the species’ genetic pool, as natural populations of these birds continue to decline
Type of Project: Community Infrastructure
About your volunteer work
Work is varied and includes tasks such as crop planting/harvesting in the organic garden, tending the planted trees, and animal husbandry.
You will need to be physically fit for some of these tasks. To a certain extent, the work will be determined by the weather. Likely work includes the following:
- Production of organic food for the birds;
- Planting and tending of trees which will sustain the natural lifestyle and diet of the macaws, e.g. palms, mangos, almonds, etc.;
- Reforestation, in order to create biological corridors for the birds;
- Construction of improved breeding enclosures;
- and Information gathering on macaw husbandry techniques.
Accommodation
Living conditions at the Finca are basic but comfortable: you will live communally in a large wooden cabin, which is equipped with bunk beds and basic furniture. Outside the cabin is a verandah, which serves as a communal eating area, with a large table and seating.
Food
Typical Costa Rican dishes should be expected using local organic products (rice, beans, vegetables, fruit.)Breakfast, lunch and dinner are provided by the Cooker.
Things to do during the time off
On your day off, the staff may be able to arrange a boat trip to Isla Chira (Heron Island), in the Gulf of Nicoya. This is a pretty unspoild place- it is likely you will be the only foreigners on the island. There are safe swimming beaches, seabird colonies (pelicans, frigate birds) to visit, as well as a bar/restaurant on the waterfront, which serves delicious seafood. There will be a nominal cost for transport to and from the island, but it is well worth it- the island is a lovely place to visit.
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