Mortality of large macaws by electrocution in an urban area, Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil

Abstract

Electrocution is a theme that has been rarely reported for large macaws. The objective of this study was to analyze mortality of macaws due to electrocution in an urban area of Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul. Between 2011 and 2020, 59 macaws were registered as having died through electrocution, and these were from two species: Ara ararauna (Linnaeus, 1758) and Ara chloropterus (Gray, 1859). A. ararauna had the largest number of deaths registered (48), and A. chloropterus had 11 individuals. Electrocution was shown to be an important factor for the loss of large macaws in this urban environment. Body size, wingspan, and behavior of the macaws, as well as location and proximity of food resources and nests to electrical structures, were shown to increase the probability of electrocution. These results demonstrate the need to develop mitigation measures to reconcile the sustainable development of a medium-sized city such as Campo Grande with biodiversity conservation.