AFA’s Conservation Mission
The American Federation of Aviculture believes that conservation is built through education, responsible stewardship, scientific understanding, and long-term sustainability. Through grants, educational outreach, research support, and conservation awareness, AFA encourages efforts that improve the future of avian species around the world.
Conservation takes many forms — from protecting native habitats and supporting field research to advancing avian care, breeding programs, and public education. AFA recognizes that meaningful conservation requires collaboration between aviculturists, researchers, conservation organizations, educators, and bird enthusiasts alike.
Conservation Through Responsible Aviculture
Responsible aviculture plays an important role in the long-term future of many bird species. Through education, ethical breeding practices, record keeping, genetic diversity management, and species knowledge, aviculturists contribute valuable experience that can support conservation efforts both in human care and in the wild.
AFA supports responsible bird ownership and aviculture practices that prioritize animal welfare, education, sustainability, and the preservation of avian species for future generations.
By promoting informed care and lifelong learning, AFA encourages a stronger connection between people and the birds they care for.
Areas of Conservation Support
Field Conservation
Habitat protection, field studies, population monitoring, nest box programs, and species preservation efforts.
Research
Scientific, veterinary, husbandry, and population-management studies that improve avian knowledge and care.
Habitat Restoration
Projects that help protect or restore ecosystems critical to wild bird populations.
Educational Outreach
Programs, publications, and public education efforts that build conservation awareness and responsible stewardship.
Conservation in Action
Conservation efforts take place in many forms — from field research and breeding programs to rescue work, educational outreach, and habitat restoration. AFA is proud to support initiatives that promote the wellbeing and long-term sustainability of avian species around the world.
A Legacy of Conservation Support
For decades, AFA has supported avian conservation, medical research, husbandry research, population management, cooperative breeding, and field projects focused on parrots and other birds. These efforts have helped advance knowledge, protect endangered species, and support long-term survival, health, and genetic diversity both in human care and in the wild.
Past and recent AFA-supported projects have included work involving Scarlet Macaws, Lear’s Macaws, Mexican Amazons, Puerto Rican Parrots, Red-fronted Macaws, Spix’s Macaws, Bahama Parrots, Cape Parrots, and other psittacine species.
Education Creates Conservation
Education remains one of the most powerful tools in conservation. By helping people better understand birds, their habitats, and their needs, conservation awareness can inspire responsible stewardship and meaningful action.
Through publications, conferences, outreach programs, and conservation news, AFA works to encourage informed discussions surrounding avian care, conservation, research, and sustainability.
Current Conservation Projects Supported by AFA
AFA’s conservation support includes field projects, species recovery efforts, nest box programs, and research partnerships that help protect birds and strengthen long-term conservation outcomes. The following examples highlight current and recent projects supported through AFA’s conservation programs.
Scarlet Macaw Project – Mexico
AFA provides funding and equipment support to this long-running project run by Natura Mexicana, aimed at rescuing, rearing, and releasing wild Scarlet Macaws back into their native rainforest in southern Mexico.
The program focuses on increasing fledgling survival, managing nests, and supporting community conservation efforts.
Blue-throated Macaw Conservation – Bolivia
AFA supports the Blue-throated Macaw project, which works with partners including Asociación Armonía and Bird Endowment to implement nest box programs, such as Nido Adoptivo™, that help increase breeding success for this critically endangered species in its natural range.
Nest boxes and field monitoring help boost wild reproduction rates.
Blue-fronted Amazon Conservation – Brazil
AFA funds activities of the Blue-fronted Parrot Project, run by Fundação Neotrópica do Brasil, which installs artificial nest boxes in areas where natural cavities have been destroyed by habitat loss or poaching.
These nest boxes support wild breeding of Blue-fronted Amazons and have been occupied successfully by parrot pairs.
Project Details & Recent Updates
The following project summaries provide additional background, recent updates, and examples of how AFA support has helped advance conservation work in the field. Additional project updates may be added as reports and summaries become available.
Scarlet Macaw Project — Southern Mexico
Natura Mexicana
The Scarlet Macaw Conservation and Recovery Program operates from two field stations in the Lacandona rainforest of Chiapas, Mexico, working to rescue wild chicks, increase fledgling survival, and support local nesting success.
Recent Results & Updates
2023–2024 Breeding Seasons
The 2023 season was especially successful, with the team rescuing and rearing 33 fledgling Scarlet Macaws from more than 10 nests. The 2024 season produced fewer chicks due to the loss of key nesting trees from severe winds and staffing changes, with 9 chicks rescued and reared.
Operational Changes
Following a security incident at the Chajul maternity facility in 2022, the operation shifted entirely to the Lacanjá station, which has round-the-clock staffing. Future rescued chicks from any nesting area are expected to be brought to the Lacanjá facility for rearing.
Population Effects
Over the years, hundreds of Scarlet Macaws have been released into local populations near Estación Chajul, with more than 100 adult birds remaining in the region. These releases help reinforce wild flocks that experienced heavy declines from poaching in past decades.
Support from AFA
AFA funding has helped provide equipment such as incubators, brooders, and solar power systems, expanding the program’s rescue and rearing capacity.
Blue-throated Macaw Conservation — Bolivia
Asociación Armonía / Bird Endowment
The Blue-throated Macaw is one of the world’s most endangered parrots, with conservation efforts focused on improving breeding success, protecting nesting areas, and supporting wild population recovery in Bolivia.
AFA support has helped advance nest box programs and field-based conservation work that give this critically endangered species a better chance of successful reproduction in its natural range.
Nest Box & Breeding Support
Through partnerships with organizations including Asociación Armonía and Bird Endowment, conservation work has included the use of artificial nest boxes, such as the Nido Adoptivo™ program, to increase available nesting opportunities.
These nest boxes help address the shortage of safe natural nesting cavities and provide monitored spaces where Blue-throated Macaws can reproduce more successfully.
Field Monitoring & Species Recovery
Field monitoring helps conservation teams track nesting activity, breeding outcomes, and threats to wild birds. This work supports long-term recovery planning and helps guide future conservation decisions.
Support from AFA
AFA’s support contributes to practical conservation tools and field efforts that help protect Blue-throated Macaws and strengthen the species’ chances for long-term survival.
Blue-fronted Amazon Conservation — Brazil
Blue-fronted Parrot Project / Fundação Neotrópica do Brasil
The Blue-fronted Parrot Project supports wild Blue-fronted Amazon breeding by installing artificial nest boxes in areas where natural nesting cavities have been reduced by habitat loss and poaching.
Nest Box & Breeding Support
With AFA support, the project manufactured and installed at least 11 new artificial nesting boxes in key habitat. Bird pairs have accepted these nest boxes and produced offspring, directly increasing wild breeding success and helping rebuild local populations.
Outreach & Education
The project also carries out educational campaigns across multiple municipalities in Brazil, reaching adults and children with messages that help reduce trafficking pressure on wild populations.
Broader Impact
Use of the artificial nest boxes by other bird species demonstrates benefits beyond Blue-fronted Amazons, supporting broader biodiversity in these regions.
Support Conservation Efforts
Conservation depends on education, collaboration, and community support. Whether through grants, outreach, responsible aviculture, or public awareness, every effort helps contribute to a stronger future for avian species.
Explore AFA Conservation Programs
Conservation Grants
Funding projects that support avian conservation, education, research, and habitat restoration.
Conservation News
Featuring conservation updates, educational articles, research highlights, and project spotlights.
Educational Programs
Supporting educational programs that inspire future generations through avian science, conservation awareness, and responsible bird care.