Footage shows newborn scarlet macaws being nurtured as conservationists work to save the birds amid habitat destruction and poaching threats.

The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) Guatemala team said it is working to preserve the critically endangered birds.

Local media reported that only a few hundred remain in the country's Maya Biosphere Reserve.

Their habitat, which stretches across Mesoamerica from Mexico to Colombia, is being ravaged by illegal cattle ranching, causing rapid deforestation.

The team is currently raising low-weight chicks, often from third or fourth eggs that would typically not survive in the wild.

Once hand-raised, the chicks, which are genetically healthy, are placed in foster nests or flight cages, allowing them to gradually reintegrate into the wild and increase the scarlet macaw population.

Rony García-Anleu of WCS Guatemala said: 'The Five Great Forests hold 7.5 per cent of the world's biodiversity and provide support for five million people.

'These birds are one of the iconic species found there. Illegal cattle ranching by outside groups is a major threat. Despite severe fires last year in Guatemala's Maya Biosphere Reserve, scarlet macaw nests were protected.'

Despite the challenges these birds faced last year, the nests of the scarlet macaws were protected, and the birds continue to thrive.

'Their survival sends a powerful message of hope and highlights the urgent need to prevent fires and halt illegal colonization in the Five Great Forests of Mesoamerica,' he added.

As conservation efforts intensify, the WCS team remains hopeful that the scarlet macaws can continue to soar in the skies of Mesoamerica.