In conversation with Eduardo Nycander Deep in the heart of the Tambopata rainforest reserve, in Southeastern Peru, is a collection of luxury accommodation lodges founded by architect and wildlife photographer Eduardo Nycander. Over the last 27 years, he has created a winning formula that combines science, conservation, and hospitality to set a benchmark for ecotourism across the region. This month, in conversation with Aracari, Eduardo shared with us his story and details of his project to save the Macaws of Tambopata.  How it all started "Macaw's are beautiful birds to photograph. Each one of them has different markings on their face, which identify them" says Eduardo. His long affinity for the colorful birds is evident and he even admits wanting a pet Macaw as a child. As an adult, Eduardo's first engagements with these birds came when he was funding his way through university as a wildlife photographer. Using the camera, he helped conservationists track Macaws visiting the various clay licks of the Amazonian jungle. Clay licks are exposed muddy cliffsides, which Macaws visit in large numbers to extract minerals from the clay that aid their digestion. The gatherings that occur at a Clay Licks are also stunning social spectacles for both human observers and the Macaws alike. This wildlife captivated the young Eduardo. After university, despite gaining a degree in architecture, and instead of pursuing a Masters degree in the USA, he told his father he wanted to stay in Tambopata. He aspired to establish an eco-lodge for the university researchers he met, which would allow them to continue their research for much longer durations at a time. Why are Macaws becoming extinct? Sadly, many brightly colored species of Macaw have recently become extinct in central and South America. As Eduardo discovered, the primary culprit of their extinction has