Sao Paulo, Brazil (CNN) A Brazilian sanctuary, home to 15% of the world's population of blue macaws, has been consumed by fires -- and there are fears for the well-being of the rare birds. Between 700 and 1,000 blue macaws lived on the ranch, she said. The total world population of blue macaws is estimated to be about 6,500 birds, according to Arara Azul Institute , which advocates for environmental conservation. The blue macaws survive on fruits and nuts and "as forests burn, so does their food," Guedes added. Blue macaws perch on a tree in the São Francisco do Perigara sanctuary prior to the fires.

Source: CNN August 18, 2020 20:48 UTC