Spix’s Macaw
Famously known as the inspiration behind the movie Rio, the Spix’s Macaw went extinct in the wild in the early 2000s. Native to Brazil, its vibrant blue feathers made it a target for illegal bird traders, while deforestation destroyed its habitat. Conservationists are attempting to reintroduce captive-bred birds to the wild.
Cause of Extinction: Habitat destruction and illegal pet trade.
There is hope that one day, Spix’s Macaw will fly freely in the wild again through ongoing breeding programs.
