For more than a century, the skies over Belem, Brazil, were without the golden flash of the Guaruba guarouba, also known as the golden conure, a bright yellow parakeet found only in the Amazon. Hunted for the illegal pet trade and driven out by habitat loss, the birds vanished from the city.
Now, thanks to scientists and conservationists, the golden conure is returning. Since 2018, 50 birds have been released into Utinga State Park, a protected area in central Belem. Some were rescued from illegal captivity, others raised in breeding centers. Before release, they underwent months of preparation, learning to forage for local fruits, avoid predators such as snakes and hawks, and live in small groups as they would in the wild.
The species is more than a visual treasure. Golden conures help disperse seeds from trees like acai and nance, making their return a boon for the forest ecosystem. So far, the results are encouraging. Some birds return daily to the park to feed and socialize, while others have ventured farther afield. One pair has successfully raised chicks in the wild ? a promising sign of adaptation.
The team aims to release 50 more golden conures within two years. If efforts succeed, Belem could once again be filled with the golden parakeets’ loud calls and flashes of gold sweeping across the treetops.
May For The Teen Times teen/1755743087/1613367697
1. What is the scientific name of the golden conure?
2. When did scientists begin releasing golden conures into Utinga State Park?
3. How do golden conures contribute to the Amazon ecosystem?
4. What predators must the golden conures learn to avoid before release?
1. Why is it important to reintroduce endangered species into their natural habitats?
2. What challenges might conservationists face when releasing captive-raised animals into the wild?
3. How can local communities benefit from protecting species like the golden conure?
4. Should governments spend more on wildlife conservation even if it is expensive?
For more than a century, the skies over Belem, Brazil, were without the golden flash of the Guaruba guarouba, also known as the golden conure, a bright yellow parakeet found only in the Amazon. Hunted for the illegal pet trade and driven out by habitat loss, the birds vanished from the city.
