The Lear's Macaw (Anodorhynchus leari), also known as the Indigo Macaw, is a large all-blue Brazilian parrot, a member of a large group of Neotropical parrots known as macaws. This macaw is rare with a highly restricted range.
In 1983, the global population was estimated to number just 60 birds. Population in 2010 was estimated as between 1100 and 1200 individuals. It is currently listed as an Endangered species (CITES I). As well as habitat loss the Lear's Macaw has historically suffered from hunting and more recently, trapping for the aviary trade. Various conservation organizations under ICMBio along with local ranchers and other independent organizations are working to help conserve the species. Fundação Biodiversitas created the Canudos Biological Station in 1993 to protect the sandstone cliffs used by the macaws to nest.
All present Lear's Macaw conservation projects are managed under the authority of IBAMA. The Committee For The Conservation And Management Of The Lear's Macaw advises IBAMA on the conservation of the Lear's Macaw. The Committee includes Brazilian and international organizations and individuals.
In 2009 the conservation status of the species was downgraded to endangered from critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). This was prompted by an increase in the population, which based on annual 2009 counts at the Toca Velha and Serra Branca roosting sites is estimated to be approximately 1000 individuals.
