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In 2011, the animated film “Rio” was released in theaters and brought to light a problem that many had been ignoring for a long time: the devastating crisis of bird extinction around the world, focusing on a specific bird, the macaw. blue. And it is that in 2018, this species was declared extinct in the wild and its survival seems to hang by a thread.

In this article we will talk about their current conservation status and answer the question of whether Blue Macaws are really in danger of extinction.

Let’s meet the blue macaw

The first thing to clarify when talking about the blue macaw is that its name does not refer to a specific bird species. Contrary to what most people think, the term refers to four different species. The species commonly included in the term belong to the Psittacidae family, and all have a characteristic blue plumage.

The Psittacidae family is one of the three families of parrots and includes more than 160 species of macaws and parakeets. There are four species of Blue Macaws in two different genera: Anodorhynchus and Cyanopsitta.

Despite belonging to different genera, the four species have several things in common, apart from the exotic blue plumage. In terms of size, behavior, and appearance, males and females are very similar. In addition, they all have a strong beak to crush the seeds they feed on. Finally, they all have prehensile legs that allow them to grasp fruits, branches, and other objects.

Members of the Psittacidae family are found in both Africa and South America, but the blue species are only found in Brazil.

Is the blue macaw extinct?

In 2018, the news that the Spix’s Macaw had been declared extinct in the wild was widely discussed on social media. The survival of this species seemed far from promising at the time, with fewer than 100 specimens still alive and in captivity.

Despite all the odds, the bird population has increased more than anticipated. Thanks to the efforts of various organizations around the world, the Spix’s Macaw still has a chance of survival.

The first step before returning this species to the wild was to ensure a sufficiently large and healthy population with genetic diversity. This is not an easy task to accomplish, especially when few specimens remain.

The next step was to find a suitable home for the birds. The site had to offer optimal conditions for birds and had to be protected from human influences.

The last step was to sensitize the local population on this issue. It is the only effective way to ensure a positive coexistence between humans and the Spix’s Macaw.

Currently, several educational actions are being carried out in the vicinity of the planned reintroduction area. Its objective is to make residents aware of the importance of this blue bird for their region and its environment.

The future of the blue macaw is unknown, and there is still a long way to go before it can be declared non-threatened. Meanwhile, his status remains listed as critically endangered.

Why is the blue macaw critically endangered?

The four species that are currently known as blue macaws are in danger of extinction. However, this crisis does not affect only the blue macaw, but the entire Psittacidae family. Nearly half of all parrot species are endangered and nearly 25% of species are critically endangered.

The main reasons for this gradual disappearance of the species are several. These include:

• Growth of cities.
• Deforestation of the jungles and forests inhabited by the blue macaw.
• Pollution.
• Climate change.
• Illegal traffic to be sold as pets.
• Using their feathers to make decorations.
• Low birth rate of the species.
• Lack of adequate food sources for birds.
• Infiltration of other animal species in the habitat.

More and more reptile lovers are looking for a companion in their home that is easy to maintain. However, almost all the reptiles available for this are insectivores. Many people find insects unpleasant. Another factor to consider is incessant trips to the pet store, or to the countryside, to stock up on live food, which can often escape and colonize the home.

If you are interested in caring for a reptile, but don’t want to complicate your life too much, look for herbivorous reptiles. In this article we will talk about the most common ones.

The land turtle

The tortoise is a vertebrate reptile characterized by being herbivorous, since its diet and feeding part of the consumption of plants, leaves and stems.

Being a typically domestic animal, the tortoise also consumes fruits if offered. These are the easiest reptiles to maintain considering that they must be in a garden without the need for it to be very large.

It is true that it must have some space, and have land to make holes and hide, but beyond these requirements, it will be an easy pet to feed, since 100% of its diet can be vegetables, varied herbs and fruits.

The spiny-tailed lizard of the Sahara

The Sahara spiny-tailed lizard, Uromastyx Geyri, belongs to the genus Uromastyx, made up of more than 20 species that inhabit the desert and pre-desert areas of North Africa, India, Central Asia and the Middle East.

It grows to around 35 cm long and 250 grams in weight, and it is one of the smallest species among the Uromastyx lizards. Their habits are diurnal, and they feed on grass, flowers and very occasionally small insects.

It is calm in character but if it gets nervous or feels attacked it usually uses its tail as a whip. Its usual colors can be red, orange or yellow on a dark background. Its natural habitat is found in semi-arid rocky areas of Algeria, Nigeria and Mali.

The Iguana

The iguana is another of the herbivorous reptiles that consume herbs, leaves, flowers and when they have even fruits within their reach.

They have a bright green color, their legs are short and have 5 toes on each, which end in very sharp claws.

Their skin is protected by scales over most of their body, and the skin most visible is the one that hangs from their neck. They are excellent reptiles for climbing, so they love trees and branches to move around in.

Male iguanas can grow up to 2 meters from head to tail.

He loves to spend the day in the sun instead of spending time eating. The reason is because this way you avoid infections and you can also achieve the ideal temperature to improve the digestion of what you have eaten.

The most suitable climate for the growth of this reptile is humid: the more humid the place where it is, the more it will grow.

Thanks to their intelligence, the Australian parakeets are one of the birds preferred by people to have as pets, not only because of their great color but also because of their bright and cheerful nature, which manages to fill any home with energy. Today we dedicate a few lines to these birds, in order to learn a little more about their breeding and care.

General characteristics of Australian parakeets

Hailing from the varied fauna of Australia, the Australian parakeets, also known as common parakeets, are a type of endemic bird that belongs to the family of parrots and that have adapted perfectly to other areas of the world, such as Europe and America. In these places, they are very much required as pets because of their small size and peculiar singing.
The Australian parakeets measure just between 18cm and 20cm from head to tail and their weight is only 30-35gr. In general, they are light green and have a yellow head, although it is possible to find them in multiple color combinations such as brown, light blue, white and gray.
They have a very particular type of character that is characterized by its joy and vivacity. These birds, moreover, are very intelligent and are capable of recognizing their owner and of manifesting their desire to play. That is why Australian parakeets are so required as pets, especially by the little ones.
It is precisely because of their nature that these birds must be in the company of other similar specimens, so it is essential to raise them in a habitat that includes at least one more parakeet of the same species. When they are raised alone, they usually manifest boredom and sadness, especially when the owners are away from home.
These specimens have adapted very much to domestic life, which prevents them from surviving easily in the wild, because they would not be able to provide their own food, they would have difficulties to fly properly and would be in danger when exposed to predators.
Preparing the habitat of the parakeets
A good cage, wide enough to allow them to move easily, is the best habitat for Australian parakeets. Ideally, it should be rectangular and not circular. The basic complements that the cage should have are a feeding trough, a drinking trough and a bathtub, which should be washed every three or four days. In addition, it is important to change the sprue water daily.
It is preferable that the material of the cage is stainless steel, although aluminum can also be used. The important thing is that they are easy to clean and do not represent a danger to the animal. Inside, it is preferable that the floor has a grid that prevents the parakeets from having direct contact with their stools.
The place where the cage is located should be warm, with a temperature that oscillates between 20 ° and 25 ° C. and with enough natural light. The parakeets should be protected from the air currents and with access to the sun, although always taking care that their direct exposure will generate some sunstroke problem.

Feeding the Australian parakeets

In regard to their food, it is based on the consumption of birdseed, millet and various seeds. In veterinarians and specialized centers offer balanced meals or mixtures that are composed of a mixture of seeds enriched with vitamins and minerals, providing the necessary nutrients for the proper development of the bird.
The diet of Australian parakeets should also include moist foods such as fruits and vegetables; Foods such as carrots, spinach and lettuce are ideal to strengthen the health of these birds.
Also, it is necessary to include in your diet oily seeds and prepared with minerals that help them to have an adequate digestion. The consumption of these preparations has double benefit: on the one hand, it provides them with the minerals necessary for their development; on the other hand, it helps them to crush the seeds that are contained in their crop, improving their digestion.
Foods such as chocolate, parsley and avocado are harmful to Australian parakeets and should be avoided at all costs. In addition, the consumption of other products such as bread should be properly dosed in order to avoid any problem of overweight in the animal.

Reproduction and offspring of Australian parakeets

The breeding in pairs of this type of bird allows a better control of the broodstock and their offspring. The success of reproduction is not a complicated issue, it is only a matter of having a cage sufficiently large and special for young and incorporate a nest as it serves as an incentive for procreation.
In general, the nest is made of wood with a small hole that facilitates the entry and exit of the players. In addition, it has a door that serves to check inside if necessary. It is advisable to acquire those that are installed outside the cage, since it allows better handling.
The breeding stock, on average, between two and eight eggs, in an incubation time that ends at two or three weeks. Newborn chicks are defenseless and depend on feeding directly by their parents. After the fourth week they will be able to leave the nest.
With an average lifespan of between 4 and 6 years, the Australian parakeets are ideal as pets since they do not usually give major problems in their care, being an excellent alternative for those who want to start in the breeding of birds. Following the advice given in this mini guide, it is possible to successfully breed these beautiful birds.

The turtles form an order in the chain of land reptiles. They are characterized mainly by their long life, being able to pass the 100 years of age, according to the habitat where they are. Land turtles are popularly known for feeding on a herbivorous diet, but the reality is that they are omnivorous. They also eat insects, worms and other proteins.
Of the 250 species of turtles that are known, 5 of them are the most commonly used as pets. Among them we highlight:

• Haitian or Spanish turtle

  These are found naturally in the Caribbean area and are used to high temperatures. Its carapace is brown and yellow belly, with dark lines around the neck and tail. They do not have large size.

• False Turtle Map

  It is characterized by having its shell closed at the edges; It is brown, green skin and yellow lines, with a very characteristic brown tone in its mouth. These turtles are found in the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers, in the USA.

• Black turtle

  They are used as pets, although a special permit is needed so that they can be in the homes. They love sunbathing, scratching and bathing. They should be outdoors and with plenty of clean water so they can cool off.

• Red-legged turtle

These turtles come from Central America and can reach approximately 36 cm in captivity, although it varies according to their habitat. Its carapace is dark brown with the center of a yellow tone. They are red-footed or, in some cases, orange.

The correct feeding of land turtles

Land turtles feed between 2 and 3 times a week. They must have a healthy and balanced diet, without excessive fiber, depending on their habitat and size. Their diet is omnivorous, so they feed on leaves, flowers, fruits, vegetables, worms and crickets, among other insects. It is necessary that they have a space with plenty of water so that they can drink and refresh freely.
Taking into account their diet, it is important to name some of the foods that we should avoid giving to land turtles. Among them, we can find; potatoes, grains, dairy products, corn, bamboo, citrus fruits, asparagus, dates, spinach, bananas, grapes, or other food that generates a negative effect on the turtle when eating it.

Most common diseases that land turtles suffer

Like all living beings, land turtles also often suffer from certain diseases, these are some of the most common and frequent:
Inflammation in your eyes: Can be caused by contaminated water and / or poor hygiene, also due to lack of vitamins; in this case, your eyes are cleansed with physiological solution. If it does not improve, it is most likely that you have an infection so it is recommended to take it to the veterinarian of exotic species.
Piramidism: It is the deformation or bulge of its shell, this happens when the turtles do not receive frequent baths of water or direct sun. Also, it could be due to an inadequate diet. For this there is no treatment, if it is detected from the beginning will have to devote more care regarding the above.
Bite or scratch problems: Many times this usually happens if there are more than two turtles in space, or some other animal that may cause damage. In this case, we often have to supervise and check our pets. If you get any wound, you should wash the area with enough water and clean it with some antiseptic; If necessary, cover the wound with gauze or bandages.
Shell fractures: It is important to clarify that the fractures or wounds of the carapace are different, depending on their severity. The wound is disinfected carefully to observe in more detail the damage caused. The advisable thing in this case, is to take it of urgency to the veterinary clinic.
Sneezing and cough: These are infections of viral, bacterial or fungal origin that produce nasal discharge, state of sickly drowsiness, loss of appetite, excess oral mucus and even panting in turtles. It occurs due to lack of vitamins or as a result of poor hygiene in the space where the animal is.
Herpes-virus: It is the most terrible disease that land turtles suffer. It is spread by sexual contact only between turtles. It is diagnosed by observing whitish mucus, irritated eyes, pus plaques, buccal bleeding. These symptoms resemble acute stomatitis and have no cure.

Suggestions and recommendations for the care of the land turtle

If you have a land turtle as a pet, we suggest keeping it in a large place with enough vegetative terrain, abundant water and where you can sunbathe, simulating its natural habitat, taking into account the hygiene of the space.
For your turtle to have a healthy life, we recommend, among other things, vitamin supplements, calcium, phosphorus, minerals, and take it frequently to be reviewed by the veterinarian specializing in exotic animals.
If we observe that our land turtle is suffering symptoms such as diarrhea or constipation, it is best to change your diet. If you suffer from diarrhea, it can be a cause of poor digestion, so we should reduce fiber foods and excess fruit.
When you have constipation problems we must do the opposite, give a diet rich in fiber, fruits and plenty of water to achieve their improvement.
Calcium is the main element so that the shell of the land turtle grows healthy and strong, for this reason, it is very important that the turtles maintain a diet rich in this and other minerals. Nor can it be overlooked that turtles that live in captivity or as pets in enclosed spaces, should be exposed to the sun at least 15 minutes a day, as sunlight intervenes in the fixation of calcium.
It is important to note that, like all reptiles, the land turtle is a carrier of salmonella, easily transmitted to humans. Therefore, we must maintain a correct hygiene, and thus avoid contagion.
The general health of land turtles is related to the frequency of interaction with their natural environment, that is, if they sunbathe and bathe in water. Turtles are reptiles that have the shell as their best defense, protect it through a good diet and minimum exposure to the sun will guarantee a long and healthy life.