In the face of extinction threats and desertification challenges, South African couple Candice and Cromwell Purchase have dedicated their lives to reviving the critically endangered Spix's macaw population in Brazil. Their efforts have faced obstacles, including government pauses and climate change impacts, but they remain undeterred in their quest to protect these majestic birds.
Deep in the heart of Brazil's Northeast, where the arid caatinga vegetation and towering Caraibeira trees thrive, a tale of conservation unfolds. Candice and Cromwell Purchase, a South African couple, have dedicated their lives to preserving one of the world's most critically endangered species: the Spix's macaw.
Once extinct in the wild, the Spix's macaw has been the subject of tireless reintroduction efforts, spearheaded by the dedicated couple. Yet, the challenges they face are as vast as the rugged terrain they inhabit.
Predation, habitat adaptation, and government obstacles have tested their resolve. But the Purchases remain steadfast in their commitment, navigating these hurdles with unwavering determination. Their efforts have been chronicled in the popular animated films "Rio" and "Rio 2," bringing global attention to the plight of these majestic birds.
The Spix's macaw's original territory now overlaps Brazil's first officially designated arid climate region. The drier conditions pose a significant threat to their habitat, and climate change looms as an additional concern.
"A dry area only gets rain for a very short period of the year. A drought in that period might go an entire year before you’re going to get your next rain," said Cromwell Purchase. "The animals are adapted to harsh environments, but they are on the edge. Any small increment of change will decimate populations."
Despite the challenges, the Purchases have made significant progress. In 2020, 52 Spix's macaws were sent to Brazil from Germany, where the couple had previously worked with the birds. The following year, 20 macaws were released into the wild, along with 15 wild-sourced Blue-Winged macaws to guide them.
Tragically, half of the released Spix's macaws have died, mostly from predation or disappearance. However, the remaining birds have established a small territory within 3 miles of the release facilities.
In a major breakthrough, three chicks were born in the wild in March. Not only did they survive, but one of them also flew for the first time, demonstrating the parents' increasing comfort in their natural environment.
To mitigate the impacts of desertification, the German parrot nonprofit partnered with Blue Sky Caatinga to promote reforestation in the territory of the Spix's macaw. This initiative involves engaging small farmers who heavily depend on goat raising.
However, the project has faced challenges beyond the natural world. On May 15, the Brazilian government informed the nonprofit that it would terminate the agreement that allows them to continue their reintroduction work. The reason for this decision is the discovery that the nonprofit transferred Spix's macaws from their center in Germany to other countries without the government's consent.
Despite these setbacks, the Purchases remain optimistic. They are hopeful that the government will reconsider its decision and allow them to continue their vital conservation efforts. There are approximately 360 Spix's macaws in captivity worldwide, with 46 in Curaca.
The Purchases' dedication to preserving the Spix's macaw is a testament to the resilience of both nature and the human spirit. In the face of adversity, their unwavering determination serves as an inspiration to all who care about the fate of our planet's endangered species.
