Introduction:

Scarlet macaw populations in Mexico have declined or become extinct in some regions. In Chiapas, Mexico there have been different strategies for their conservation. The objective of this study was to describe the process and implementation of management and conservation strategies for the scarlet macaw (Ara macao). Also, to investigate how these activities have impacted their populations. The perception of the community of Reforma Agraria on the implementation of these strategies was described.

Method:

therefore, 20 semi-structured interviews were conducted with ecotourism service providers, members of the Ara macao Cooperative and ejidatarios to record the processes of implementing management strategies and perceptions about these activities. The first part of this interview consisted of people's demographic data. The second part, four categories were established to describe: a) social organization: origin, organization of the ejido area and the Ecotourism Center; b) economic activities; c) management and conservation strategies for the scarlet macaw, and d) obstacles to conservation. The data were systematized through conceptualization, organization of ideas and structured chronologically. Also, the eBird macaw records database was analyzed and sampling was conducted in the ejido to record macaws in two line transects and two elevated observation points in early 2020.

Results:

strategies such as the installation of nesting boxes, the establishment of Wildlife Conservation Management Units, Voluntary Conservation Area and ecotourism were identified. Ecotourism was recognized as an economically relevant activity with 63 %, compared to agriculture, cattle ranching, and woodworking. Analysis of the eBird database showed a mean of 5.3 records and did not vary over the 5 years analyzed (P = 0.65). In this study, 81 scarlet macaws were recorded in the line transects, with an estimated abundance index of $\stackrel{-}{\mathrm{x}}$ = 2.95 ± 2.51 ind/km. Using the elevated observation point, 90 scarlet macaws were recorded, with a maximum number of 19 birds per sampling, and with an estimated abundance index of $\stackrel{-}{\mathrm{x}}$ = 3.55 ± 2.39 ind/h. The initiatives for the conservation of the scarlet macaw that have been implemented in the community through the ejidal organization and the consolidation of the Ecotourism Center Las Guacamayas have been fundamental locally for the maintenance of the macaws in the area.

Discussion or

Conclusion: the initiatives, commitments, and self-governance of the Reforma Agraria land, have made it possible to maintain these conservation strategies in favor of the scarlet macaw populations in Chiapas.

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