It is ironic that in the country named after the Brazilian
Hardwood tree (Caesalpinia echimatta), that the species nearly went
extinct before measures were taken for its rescue. If current
trends continue, such a hapless fate could befall another Brazilian
species, the beautiful Golden Conure (Guaruba guarouba).
With its yellow and green markings, the country's national colors,
this popular parrot's habitat is being ravaged in a region
currently weathering the bulk of Amazon rainforest destruction.
Accentuating the bird's plight is its rapacious trapping by
smugglers who feed the illicit market demand this species still
creates. This parrot's future in the wild is at best precarious; it
will require courageous and innovative conservation efforts to
ensure that at least some bands are able to continue to live and
prosper in their natural habitat.
