Amigos de las Aves
Release Sites

How do we choose a release site?

The biggest risks resulting from the re-introduction of captive birds into the wild are:

Disease, ecological effects and genetic pollution.

Amigos de las Aves take this responsibility very seriously and we have given our program years of thought, taken on much advice, gained years of avicultural experience and believe we have taken all these factors into consideration, resulting in a responsible, interesting, flexible and serious release program.

Many factors are considered before we make a decision

MINAE must have given approval to the project.

	We want to know that macaws once populated the area, so that we are not introducing macaws into an area in which they never naturally occurred.
	We identify the reason macaws are no longer in that area, and ensure that the problem has or is being rectified.
	We determine that the area being considered is large enough, and has enough forest with a more than adequate number of trees, to provide food for the macaws throughout the year.
	There should be enough large and appropriate trees for the macaws to find nesting sites, and to place artificial nestboxes if required.
	The area must be large enough so additional birds can be released in the future - a minimum of 40 - 50 birds per site is considered a realistic figure for the long-term genetic viability of a population.
	The area must be protected and the owner(s) should express the desire to have macaws re-introduced into the area. They must show a willingness to help construct a pre-release aviary and to assist the program, whenever and wherever necessary.
	To assist in instigating an environmental and educational program in the surrounding area.
	There must be food and lodging available for one or more volunteers or researchers at all times.
	It is desirable to have electricity and a telephone service available.
	A contract needs signed by both the landowner and Amigos de las Aves to confirm all relevant details needs to be in place before any part of the program proceeds.

Amigos de las Aves and the official Release Programs of Amigos de las Aves in Costa Rica, www.amigosdelasavescostarica.org and www.hatchedtoflyfree.org are not affiliated or associated with any other company, organisation or association, by name or in any other country.