“Protecting the Great Green Macaw to Protect Biodiversity”

The Rainforest Biodiversity Group (RBG) was originally founded by students from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. This Wisconsin non-profit organization has been working in the lowland forests of the Sarapiqui Region of Costa Rica since 2000.  Here the organization works to fulfill its mission of protecting biological diversity, including migratory bird species, through the protection of habitat for the Great Green Macaw and the creation of local conservation initiatives.  Great Green Macaw habitat is habitat for some 60 species of neotropical migrants, 11 of which are endangered species. Thus protecting the Great Greens protects many other species.

The Rainforest Biodiversity Group has hosted volunteers from 10 countries to help with local conservation initiatives.  Over the years the organization has focused its efforts on native species reforestation, biodiversity inventories and monitoring, and education. The organization has worked with local landowners to protect over 500 hectares (1200 plus acres) of Great Green Macaw habitat in Costa Rica. The organization raises funds annually for a macaw nest protection program that provides awards to landowners who protect the nest trees of the Great Green Macaw.  The organization works locally as a member of the San Juan – La Selva Biological Corridor Executive Committee. Within this biological corridor, which is part of the larger Mesoamerican Biological Corridor, RBG is working to create the Costa Rican Bird Route to guide visiting birdwatchers to ecologically sustainable reserves and birding hotspots in the region.

For more information, contact

Andrew Rothman
(608) 698-3448
andrewrothman@yahoo.com