A Wind Farm that Protects Parrots

This is one of the wonders of the Brazilian sertão and it’s in danger. Lear’s macaw is a rare parrot that lives in the Caatinga, the largest dry forest in South America, an eco-region of over 730,000 km2 covering 10 states in northeast Brazil. It’s one of the richest areas in the world in terms of biodiversity. Its metallic blue feathers with a tinge of green and the yellow patch near its large black beak make Lear’s macaw unmistakable as it flies through the “grey forest” (caa: forest; tinga: grey), where the plants are dry and leafless for most of the year and turn green only in winter, during the rainy season. "To protect Lear’s macaw, the Environment division of Enel Green Power Brazil and Uruguay has launched an innovative project that brings together biodiversity and new technology." Technology to help animals At our Delfina wind farm (Campo Formoso, State of Bahia), we’ve launched various projects for the safeguarding of local animal species, including Lear’s macaw and pumas and jaguars. As part of our monitoring of the specimens of Lear’s macaws, since May 2017 we have been testing a new technology that uses GPS signals to study their needs and habits. Four specimens of Lear’s macaw in the wild have been equipped with beacon devices for data collection and to study the four key elements that allow for the survival of the species and the safeguarding of its natural habitat: Movements and flight routes; Diffusion in the area; Use and interaction with the habitat; Preferred places for feeding, rest and reproduction. The goal of the EGP research team dedicated to the project is to obtain valuable knowledge that can be extended to six more specimens of the parrot born in captivity. Following an adaptation phase, they will be freed in the region of Boqueirão da Onça, near the wind plant. Saving Lear’s Macaw There are currently only 1,260 specimens of Lear’s macaw in Brazil. In the area of the Delfina wind farm, there are only two specimens of the species left, and the population is considered basically extinct. "The population of Lear’s macaws is considered extinct in the project area. We’ve launched a cutting-edge initiative for the controlled reintroduction of six specimens born in captivity." Valéria Guimarães Ladeira, EGP Environmental Coordinator Our work is carried out in close collaboration with local institutions. The license to construct the wind plant included an environmental clause for the identification of key positions, such as shelter and nutrition of the species. The reintroduction of the Lear’s macaws born in captivity is yet another initiative aimed at helping the region where our wind farm is located and demonstrates EGP’s commitment to safeguarding the environment and local biodiversity.

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A Wind Farm that Protects Parrots

A Wind Farm that Protects Parrots