A macuco (Tinamus solitarius), an endemic species of the Atlantic Forest, was rescued and subsequently returned to its natural habitat after being found disoriented on a busy road in the city of Mongaguá, located on the coast of São Paulo.
The animal remained under observation for a period of 24 hours before being released. The encounter occurred on Tuesday, the 20th, when a local merchant spotted it in front of his establishment on Avenida São Paulo. Due to the high volume of traffic in the area and because this is not typical behavior for this species, the citizen collected the bird and transported it to the Zoonosis Surveillance Unit.
Environmental Inspection teams from the municipality took the macuco to the Mongaguá Ecological Park for a clinical evaluation. Biologist Daniel Bortone and veterinarian Marco Belmonte verified that the bird had no injuries and was in suitable condition to return to nature. After 24 hours of monitoring, the animal was released on Wednesday, the 21st.
Guidance for the Community
The Municipality of Mongaguá issued a statement advising residents not to attempt to capture wild animals that are injured, cornered, or at risk within the urban area. Instead, the recommendation is to immediately contact the municipality's specialized teams.
Characteristics of the Macuco
This bird has notable characteristics: it can reach a length of 48 centimeters and weigh up to 1.5 kilograms. Its coloration is described as grayish-brown on the back and light gray on the belly. Its natural environment consists of preserved areas of the Atlantic Forest, preferably in forests near streams. Regarding diet, it feeds on seeds, fruits, insects, and worms.
In the reproductive cycle, the female lays between three and five turquoise-green eggs. The male takes responsibility for incubation, which lasts from 19 to 21 days, in addition to caring for the chicks.
It is estimated that the mature population of this species is less than 10,000 individuals, according to ICMBio data, and it is recognized by birdwatchers as a rare sighting. The species is classified as vulnerable and faces threats such as deforestation and illegal hunting.
According to the Chico Mendes Institute for Biodiversity Conservation (ICMBio), linked to the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MMA), the macuco is categorized as nearly threatened with extinction, indicating that although it is not yet in this category, it is close to meeting the criteria for such classification.
Ecological Relevance
Since the macuco predominantly inhabits the interior of forests, its appearance in urban and commercial areas is unusual. Its presence serves as an indicator of the forest's conservation conditions, as it depends on preserved forest ecosystems. Furthermore, the city hall emphasizes that the species contributes significantly to forest regeneration by participating in the dispersal of native tree seeds.