Spix's Macaw: The Race to Save the World's Rarest Bird

The Spix's Macaw is one of the rarest birds in the world due to its popularity in the pet trade. Collected nearly to extinction, the last few wild individuals were gathered up to start a breeding program. Filled with corruption, people with "white saviour syndrome" and the desperation of the Brazilian government to gain control of its own species again, this book examines the Spix's macaw and how the greed and selfish mindsets of individuals can threaten species and derail conservation efforts. Since many parrots find themselves in similar situations, these kinds of discussions are important in educating the general public (especially those who want to own a parrot) about the ethical issues surrounding parts of the pet bird trade.

While show more I was aware of the specie's fate I was very interested to get to delve into the details of what happened. Getting to meet some of the key players (some of whom aren't great) and getting to see some of the struggles. I appreciate that he didn't paint the trappers as the evil villains people like these are often painted to be and focussed on the causes and the reasons why this kind of behaviour even occurs in the first place. (I'm not saying they're saints of course and neither is the author, but they definitely aren't the root of the problem either). I am glad to see that there is more order than there were in the early days and that the Brazilian government is no longer being as excluded as they once were (unfortunately a common sentiment - people from third world countries need others to step in and have someone else take over when it comes to endangered species and get minimal input. Although thankfully things are getting better, these kinds of practices still exist in conservation and local communities often don't get enough of a voice).

Since this book was published, some captive-bred individuals have been released into the wild, and seem to be doing better than the last attempt. Although the captive population is definitely growing, giving the species a better chance of survival, only time will tell how successful these efforts have been. show less

I came to this book interested about the mother-son smuggling ring I read that was arrested in connection with this and other rare fauna. However, I was really drawn into the book's larger, two-century tale of the discovery, decline and effective extinction of a beautiful and rare creature. It is amazing the detail unearthed on individual birds and individuals heroes and criminals.

A gripping story of greed and the natural world.