A Spix’s macaw is one of the rarest birds in the world that is native to Brazil. It is a critically endangered parrot that is believed to be extinct in the wild. The last individual was spotted in 2000, but there are reports suggesting that one more was found in 2016.
Physically, macaws are elegant birds with blue-grey plumage and bright tails. They are said to be relatively long-lived parrots that feed on plants. However, information about their species is limited.
Experts say that a protected solitary male Spix’s macaw remained in the Brazilian wild till October 2000, but disappeared soon. There are some of them in captive breeding centres across the world. As of 2015, there were about 110 individuals.
The main threat that is thought to have caused the extinction of Spix’s macaws is the destruction of habitats. Illegal pet trade too is suspected to have contributed to the loss.
Now, the future of Spix’s macaws is dependent on captive breeding programmes.
Picture credit: google