Conservation Challenges of the Hyacinth Macaw (Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus (Latham, 1790)) in Brazil: An Integrative Review

The Hyacinth Macaw ( Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus ), the world's largest psittacid is threatened by illegal trade and habitat loss. Conservation efforts in Brazil, particularly the Arara Azul Project, have contributed to the recovery of the Hyacinth Macaw population in the Pantanal. However, scientific knowledge on the species’ conservation remains scattered across the literature, which hampers the development of effective long-term strategies. This study aimed to systematize and critically analyze scientific research on the Hyacinth Macaw in Brazil through an integrative review. Seventy one papers were retrieved from six academic databases. The results revealed a significant increase in research in the past three decades, with a predominance of empirical studies, particularly in ecology, most of them conducted in the southern Pantanal. The reviewed literature indicates that Hyacinth Macaw populations exhibit recent gene flow and relatively high genetic diversity compared with other threatened psittacid species. Additionally, interpopulation variations were identified in diet and reproductive behavior, depending on the region. Major knowledge gaps include the lack of studies on the species’ ecology and behavior in the Central and Northern regions of the country, as well as the limited number of studies involving individuals in captivity. These gaps limit accurate demographic, genetic, and ecological assessments, as well as conservation planning. The findings highlight the need for region-specific approaches to conservation and emphasize the central role of the Arara Azul Institute in scientific research and population management. Despite significant progress, important gaps remain in understudied populations, requiring targeted conservation strategies and actions.