Coexistence and habitat restoration planning for the reintroduction of Spix's macaw

Abstract

Spix's macaw (Cyanopsitta spixii) is one of the world's most endangered species. Native to the Caatinga of northeastern Brazil—a region marked by significant socioeconomic vulnerability—the species was considered extinct in the wild in 2000. A reintroduction project, however, returned it to its natural habitat in 2022. The long‐term success of this reintroduction hinges on meticulous planning that promotes the coexistence of the birds with the local community and addresses the species’ ecological requirements. This planning should be grounded in evidence derived from both scientific research and local knowledge. Moreover, it must adopt a participatory approach, given its explicit aim to generate benefits not only for the Spix's macaw but also for the human communities sharing its habitat. We devised a participatory planning process aimed at creating and implementing a theory of change for fostering human–Spix's macaw coexistence and restoring the species’ habitat. Drawing on the results of a socioeconomic survey conducted from 2022 to 2023, we convened a workshop in 2024 that brought together representatives from the research, conservation, governmental, and local community sectors. Participants identified the 7 key human–Spix's macaw interactions and considered the positive and negative impacts of these interactions on the macaws and local communities: Caatinga restoration, tourism, extensive livestock farming, hunting and capture, wildlife management, deforestation, and the reintroduction. Fifty‐seven drivers underlying these interactions were identified at the workshop, and participants proposed 51 targeted actions to address these drivers and foster positive changes in the interactions. The outcomes of the workshop are intended to guide local territorial development centered on conservation to contribute to a more sustainable future for one of the most emblematic species in global biodiversity conservation.