Rare Scarlet Macaws released in Costa

Scarlet Macaws color Costa Rica's lush rainforests, but deforestation and poaching threaten the rare species - with some experts predicting the birds could disappear altogether in ten years.

But conservationists are working to reverse this outcome, by breeding and releasing the native species back into the wild. Vernon Arias said that his facility in Paquera is preparing to release its fourth group of birds born in captivity.

Vernon Arias, biologist, saying: "To date, we have found that the released birds have a 75 percent chance of survival. They're birds that we have detected feeding on around 20 species of trees in the area and have identified sources of water." Local school children were invited to watch their release, as biologists hope to raise awareness about the endangered birds. The Association for the Conservation of the Scarlet Macaw hopes to boost numbers in Costa Rica's lush Nicoya Peninsula.