Abstract

BODRATI, Alejandro et al. The Blue-winged Macaw (Primolius maracana) in Argentina: from pest to extinction in 50 years?. Hornero [online]. 2006, vol.21, n.1, pp.37-43. ISSN 0073-3407.

Parrots are often considered crop pests; however, they differ from other pest species because they are K strategists (long lifespan, low fecundity). Such species are unlikely to recover easily from lethal control, which is often used to reduce their damage to crops. The Blue-winged Macaw (Primolius maracana) is virtually extinct in Argentina, and although habitat loss has been cited as the principal cause of its disappearance, this is not a sufficient explanation. Based on 779 days of field work, interviews with local farmers, and the biology of the Blue-winged Macaw, we conclude that one of the fundamental causes of its disappearance from Argentina may have been lethal control by farmers.

Keywords : agriculture; Argentina; extinction; lethal control; Misiones; parrot; pest; Primolius maracana.

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