Neiva Maria Robaldo Guedes

In November 1989, Neiva came across a flock of hyacinth macaws in the Pantanal and, knowing that they were in danger of extinction, she began to work on cataloguing and conserving the species with her own means.

Illegal capture for the pet bird trade, habitat destruction and feather collection for handicrafts were the main reasons for the drastic reduction in hyacinth macaw numbers.

Upon discovering that they were in danger of extinction she reasoned that the best way to preserve the species would be to study the causes of their disappearance, monitoring the remaining individuals, mapping nests, counting eggs and chicks.

[3] Neiva's work also revealed that the main obstacle to the species' reproduction was the lack of nesting cavities for the animals and their young, causing birds to quarrel for the few good spaces available.

It is responsible for promoting conservation of hyacinth macaws, biodiversity in the Pantanal through engaging people and raising awareness in the populace about rational use of natural resources.

[6] In 2019, Neiva was nominated for the Prêmio Faz Diferença (English: Make a Difference Award), a partnership between the Brazilian newspaper O Globo and the Industry Federation of the State of Rio de Janeiro.