Now the most abundant carnivore in North America, cats are recognized by the International Union ... more Now the most abundant carnivore in North America, cats are recognized by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) as one of the “world’s worst” invasive species (IUCN 2008). The number of outdoor pet cats, strays, and feral cats in the U.S. alone now totals approximately 117 to 157 million (Dauphiné and Cooper 2009). Their densities can be extremely high, reaching up to 1,580 cats per square kilometer in urban areas (Sims et al. 2008).Instinctive predators, those cats will kill—hungry or not. Cats are the most significant invasive species affecting birds, with documented impacts on 254 threatened, near threatened, and extinct bird species worldwide (Butchart 2008). Cat predation is among the most significant anthropogenic causes of bird mortality in the U.S., responsible for an estimated annual death toll of at least one billion birds (Gill 1995, Dauphiné and Cooper 2009). Nearly one-third of the more than 800 species of birds in the U.S. are endangered, threatened, or in significant decline (NABCI 2009), while the number of pet cats has tripled over the same period (Lepczyk et al. 2010). This means that increasing numbers of cats are preying on decreasing numbers of birds. Cats may kill more than twice as many mammals as birds.
American birds face an estimated 117 to 157 million exotic predators in the form of free-ranging ... more American birds face an estimated 117 to 157 million exotic predators in the form of free-ranging domestic cats (Felis catus), which are estimated to kill at least one billion birds every year in the United States. Cats have contributed to declines and extinctions of birds worldwide and are one of the most important drivers of global bird extinctions. In this paper, we review recent scientifi c research on the impacts of free-ranging cats on birds, with an emphasis on threats to migratory landbirds in the United States. Studies have shown that cats pose threats to many bird populations, including priority species for conservation, through their predation of adult, nestling, and juvenile birds. Cats also have impacts on birds through competition with native predators such as raptors, and through the harboring and transmission of zoonotic and other diseases to birds and other wildlife. In addition to direct mortality, cats may also cause stress responses in birds due to predation risk that may result in bird population declines. A substantial increase in public outreach is urgently needed to educate citizens about the conservation and welfare problems caused and faced by outdoor cats. Effective cat and wildlife management in this context will also require strengthening and enforcing policies and laws that control outdoor cats, many of which are already in place. IMPACTOS DE LOS GATOS DOMÉSTICOS SUR LAS AVES EN LOS ESTADOS UNIDOS Resumen. Las aves Americanas enfrentan un estimado de 117 a 157 millones de depredadotes exóti-cos en la forma de gatos domésticos (Felis catus) en condición de libertad, los cuales probablemente matan anualmente al menos, mil millones de aves cada año en Estados Unidos. Los gatos han con-tribuido a la declinación y extinción de las aves a nivel mundial, y pueden ser la mayor causa de la extinción global de las aves luego de la destrucción de hábitat. En este articulo, yo reviso la reciente investigación científi ca sobre el impacto que los gatos en condición de libertad causan a las poblacio-nes de aves en los Estados Unidos, con énfasis en su amenaza a las aves migratorias. Estudios han demostrado que los gatos constituyen una amenaza importante para muchas poblaciones de aves, incluyendo aquellas especies cuya conservación es prioritaria, a través de la depredación de adultos, las nidadas y los juveniles, compitiendo también con depredadores nativos, tales como las aves de presa. En adicción a la mortalidad directa causada, los gatos causan reducciones en la fecundidad y supervivencia en las aves expuestas al riesgo de depredación, las mismas que potencialmente y substancialmente dañan y reducen las poblaciones. Acciónas efectivas para la conservación de las aves requerirá del fortalecimiento y aplicación de leyes que prohíben los gatos en condición de lib-ertad, muchas de las cuales ya han sido promulgadas, así como también una mejora sustancial en la educación y que este esfuerzo por enfrentar los problemas que son causados por los gatos llegue al público en general, y producir métodos para controlar las poblaciones y movimientos de los gatos en condición de libertad.
Native birds, especially parrots (Psittacidae), are extremely popular as pets in Peru and are als... more Native birds, especially parrots (Psittacidae), are extremely popular as pets in Peru and are also easily accessible targets by rural people in search of a means of generating income. Although laws are in place to regulate the wildlife trade in Peru, these laws appear to be both little-known and poorly enforced. The trade in native, wild-caught birds appears to be ubiquitous and thriving both in remote, rural areas, and in urban centers. Wild parrot nestlings are commonly collected and removed for sale, and mist nets used to trap live birds are available to the public. The collective impact of the live bird trade has a potentially substantial impact on the conservation of wild bird populations, but remains unquantified in Peru. There are moreover obvious, negative impacts on the welfare of individual birds captured for the trade. Here, I make a brief contribution to the public record of the pet trade in Peru using descriptive evidence based on incidental observations of the live bird trade I made in the departments of Amazonas, Loreto, and San Martín, northern Peru, between 2003 and 2005.
El Cielo Biosphere Reserve in Mexico, has been a United Nations-recognized biosphere reserve sin... more El Cielo Biosphere Reserve in Mexico, has been a United Nations-recognized biosphere reserve since 1987. It hosts the northernmost cloud forest habitat in the Americas and hosts 175 migratory species and 275 resident species of birds.
We report records of 25 species of resident breeding birds in St Katherine Protectorate, south Si... more We report records of 25 species of resident breeding birds in St Katherine Protectorate, south Sinai, Egypt in 2006, 2007 and spring 2008. We note a number of chronological and geographical discrepancies in the distributions and abundances of these species in reference to earlier surveys and records. Located in the southern Sinai mountains, St Katherine Protectorate is an important area for both breeding and migratory birds and requires ongoing protection, appropriate management, and more detailed research in ecology and community-based conservation. A number of bird species that formerly appeared to be common in the St Katherine Protectorate were detected only rarely or were not detected at all in recent surveys. Remaining bird populations are threatened by overgrazing, illegal hunting and the demands placed on water supplies by development associated with a recent increase in tourism.
Between July 2003 and March 2005 we conducted field research on birds in the Cordillera de Colán ... more Between July 2003 and March 2005 we conducted field research on birds in the Cordillera de Colán in collaboration with two indigenous Aguaruna-Jívaro communities in an area previously unex-plored by ornithologists, using field surveys, mist net sampling, and interviews with local residents. We detected 315 bird species, including the globally threatened and near-threatened species: Royal Sunangel (Heliangelus regalis), Orange-throated Tanager (Wetmorethraupis sterrhopteron), and Olive-sided Flycatcher (Con-topus cooperi). Aguaruna collaborators exhibited substantial knowledge of bird taxonomy, ecology, and behavior. We observed a low rate of deforestation in Aguaruna communities and a high rate of forest clearance in adjacent areas recently colonized by immigrants from elsewhere in Peru. Forest within Aguaruna territories currently appears to be protected from large-scale destruction by existing management practices and a general prohibition on immigration. We expect that extensive deforestation and over-hunting in recently colonized areas elsewhere in the Cordillera de Colán will continue in the absence of effective conservation action. Conservation initiatives by Aguaruna communities include a moratorium on hunting a number of bird species whose populations were perceived to be in decline due to overexploitation, and the designation of a 7000-ha reserve where logging, forest clearance, and human settlement is prohibited. Aguaruna residents of the Cordillera de Colán appear to be motivated conservationists of forest birds, due in part to their concern with long-term forest protection and to the high cultural value traditionally placed on birds.
Resumen. – La conservación de aves por las comunidades nativas Awajún-Jíbaros en la Cordillera de Colán, Perú. – Entre Julio del 2003 y Marzo del 2005, hemos realizado estudios de campo en aves den-tro de la Cordillera de Colán. Los estudios fueron realizados en colaboración con dos comunidades nativas Awajún-Jíbaro, usando observaciones de campo, redes de neblina y entrevistas con la gente local. El área de nuestro estudio había permanecido hasta ahora inexplorada por los ornitólogos. Durante el estudio registramos un total de 315 especies de aves, incluyendo tres especies en peligro de extinción: Angel-del-Sol Real (Heliangelus regalis), Tangara Gargantinaranja (Wetmorethraupis sterrhopteron), y Pibí Boreal (Contopus cooperi). Colaboradores Awajún demostraron conocimientos sustanciales sobre taxonomía, ecología, y com-portamiento de las aves. Se encontró poca destrucción del bosque en territorios Awajún y mucha destruc-ción de bosque en áreas recientemente colonizadas por inmigrantes de otras partes del Perú. Actualmente el bosque en territorios Awajún parece estar protegido de la destrucción a gran escala que se origina en malas prácticas agrícolas y madereras. También se ha declarado la zona como prohibida para el asenta-miento de nuevos inmigrantes. Sin embargo, nosotros anticipamos que la extensiva deforestación y la caza intensiva continuaran en las áreas recientemente colonizadas, sean adyacentes o dentro de la Cordillera del Colán, y todo ante la ausencia de una efectiva acción de conservación. Entre las iniciativas para la conser-vación de las comunidades nativas Awajún, se incluye el nombramiento de una reserva de 7000 ha, dentro de la que se prohíbe la tala, la destrucción del bosque, la colonización y la caza de especies de aves que se encuentran en peligro de extinción local. Los residentes Awajún de la Cordillera de Colán se mostraron muy motivados en conservar las aves de la zona. Su preocupación y motivación residen en gran medida en que la existencia de su cultura en el tiempo y la de las aves, a las que otorgan un gran valor tradicional, dependerá también de la existencia de los bosques.
We provide an inventory of the avifauna of the Pongos Basin, northern Amazonas Department, Peru b... more We provide an inventory of the avifauna of the Pongos Basin, northern Amazonas Department, Peru based on museum specimens collected during expeditions spanning over 60 years within the 20th century. Four hundred and thirty-eight species representing 51 families are reported. Differences between lowland and higher elevation avifaunas were apparent. Species accounts with overviews of specimen data are provided for four species representing distributional records, two threatened species, and 26 species of Nearctic and Austral migrants, of which six are considered.
We present a detailed look at local ecological knowledge (LEK) of the Aguaruna-Jívaro on plants f... more We present a detailed look at local ecological knowledge (LEK) of the Aguaruna-Jívaro on plants foraged by frugivorous tropical birds. When asked how a particular plant is useful to people, Aguaruna men often mentioned whether the plant in question was eaten by birds or other animals. The Aguaruna use their knowledge about what plants particular birds eat to help them locate species when hunting. We focus on indigenous knowledge of the diet of five mainly frugivorous bird families that are of local economic importance: Cracidae (guans, chachalacas and curassows), Pipridae (manakins), Psittacidae (parrots), Ramphastidae (toucans) and Steatornithidae (Oilbird). Fieldwork took place in communities along tributaries of the upper Marañón river in the Peruvian Amazon from 2003 to 2005. Results indicate a high correspondence between western science and Aguaruna LEK. This research contributes to the larger goal of promoting dialog between indigenous and scientific systems of knowledge in the context of future conservation efforts.
Brown Nunlet Nonnula brunnea occurs in humid lowland forest east of the Andes, from south-east Co... more Brown Nunlet Nonnula brunnea occurs in humid lowland forest east of the Andes, from south-east Colombia to northern Peru3. Whilst this species is not considered threatened by BirdLife International, it appears to be rare throughout its range1–3,5.On 21 October 2004, we found a nest of this species near quebrada Wawas (c.05°18’S 78°20’W; elevation c.550 m), a shallow, fast-running river that drains into the río Chiricao, dpto. Amazonas, northern Peru. Whilst walking a trail near the west bank of the river, an adult Brown Nunlet flushed silently from below the spiked prop roots of a c.6 m palm in dense primary forest understorey, to a branch c.10 m up, in a tree c.10 m distant.We then discovered its nest in a shallow burrow at the base of the palm, concealed by the stilt root mass. A horizontal tunnel underneath the decayed leaf litter, c.25 cm long and 8 cm wide, led to the nest cavity; the tunnel entrance was partially hidden by dead leaves. The bottom of the burrow was lined with decayed leaf litter and contained an unmarked white oval egg that we visually estimated at 25 × 20 mm and a young nestling, its eye-slit beginning to open and its skin grey covered with white down.
Royal Sunangel Heliangelus regalis was previously known from five localities in northern Peru, in... more Royal Sunangel Heliangelus regalis was previously known from five localities in northern Peru, in a very small range where suitable habitat is declining1,3,5,6. It is classified as Endangered1. Records are from forest- edge shrubbery, typically on sandy soils, in humid elfin scrub at 1,350–2,200 m5. We conducted intermittent searches for Royal Sunangel between July 2004 and March 2005 in the north- west Cordillera de Colán, dpto. Amazonas, northern Peru, in conjunction with a larger project to survey the region’s birds2. Vegetation in this part of the Cordillera de Colán is mainly characterised by low- to mid- altitude humid cloud forest interspersed with scattered agricultural fields, and elfin scrub on some exposed ridges. We conducted a total of 49 field hours searching for Royal Sunangel over c.25 km of trails at two localities known to harbour elfin scrub2. We made a total 16 sightings at both sites, involving at least five male Royal Sunangels, on six different days between 3 August 2004 and 23 February 2005. We recorded the locations of our sightings using a GPS. Sightings were made c.80 km from the nearest previously published locality for the species in the south- east Cordillera de Colán6. Observations were of individuals and groups of 2–3 males at altitudes of 550–700 m, a significant expansion of its previously known altitudinal range, indicating that the species may be less restricted to mid and high altitudes than previously thought. Fourteen of our 16 Royal Sunangel sightings were in cloud/elfin transitional forest above the rural settlement of Duran (05º15’S 78º22’W), on 20 and 26–28 October 2004. We observed individuals in flight, briefly perching in trees and vines on rocky outcrops c.10 m above ground, and foraging on flowers <10 m above ground. They fed on at least two flowering plants, one of them matching the description of the melastome Brachyotum quinquenerve3, whilst the other was a thin liana reaching c.10 m, with horizontal pinkish- violet tubular flowers.
The Essential Electronic Agricultural Library (TEEAL) is an indexed library of key agricultural, ... more The Essential Electronic Agricultural Library (TEEAL) is an indexed library of key agricultural, environmental and related science periodicals created to help institutions in developing countries significantly expand their journal collections despite the prohibitive cost of journal subscriptions. TEEAL currently contains nine years of subscriptions (1993-2001) to over 140 scientific journals with 1.7 million pages of articles on 381 CD-ROMs. TEEAL
Now the most abundant carnivore in North America, cats are recognized by the International Union ... more Now the most abundant carnivore in North America, cats are recognized by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) as one of the “world’s worst” invasive species (IUCN 2008). The number of outdoor pet cats, strays, and feral cats in the U.S. alone now totals approximately 117 to 157 million (Dauphiné and Cooper 2009). Their densities can be extremely high, reaching up to 1,580 cats per square kilometer in urban areas (Sims et al. 2008).Instinctive predators, those cats will kill—hungry or not. Cats are the most significant invasive species affecting birds, with documented impacts on 254 threatened, near threatened, and extinct bird species worldwide (Butchart 2008). Cat predation is among the most significant anthropogenic causes of bird mortality in the U.S., responsible for an estimated annual death toll of at least one billion birds (Gill 1995, Dauphiné and Cooper 2009). Nearly one-third of the more than 800 species of birds in the U.S. are endangered, threatened, or in significant decline (NABCI 2009), while the number of pet cats has tripled over the same period (Lepczyk et al. 2010). This means that increasing numbers of cats are preying on decreasing numbers of birds. Cats may kill more than twice as many mammals as birds.
American birds face an estimated 117 to 157 million exotic predators in the form of free-ranging ... more American birds face an estimated 117 to 157 million exotic predators in the form of free-ranging domestic cats (Felis catus), which are estimated to kill at least one billion birds every year in the United States. Cats have contributed to declines and extinctions of birds worldwide and are one of the most important drivers of global bird extinctions. In this paper, we review recent scientifi c research on the impacts of free-ranging cats on birds, with an emphasis on threats to migratory landbirds in the United States. Studies have shown that cats pose threats to many bird populations, including priority species for conservation, through their predation of adult, nestling, and juvenile birds. Cats also have impacts on birds through competition with native predators such as raptors, and through the harboring and transmission of zoonotic and other diseases to birds and other wildlife. In addition to direct mortality, cats may also cause stress responses in birds due to predation risk that may result in bird population declines. A substantial increase in public outreach is urgently needed to educate citizens about the conservation and welfare problems caused and faced by outdoor cats. Effective cat and wildlife management in this context will also require strengthening and enforcing policies and laws that control outdoor cats, many of which are already in place. IMPACTOS DE LOS GATOS DOMÉSTICOS SUR LAS AVES EN LOS ESTADOS UNIDOS Resumen. Las aves Americanas enfrentan un estimado de 117 a 157 millones de depredadotes exóti-cos en la forma de gatos domésticos (Felis catus) en condición de libertad, los cuales probablemente matan anualmente al menos, mil millones de aves cada año en Estados Unidos. Los gatos han con-tribuido a la declinación y extinción de las aves a nivel mundial, y pueden ser la mayor causa de la extinción global de las aves luego de la destrucción de hábitat. En este articulo, yo reviso la reciente investigación científi ca sobre el impacto que los gatos en condición de libertad causan a las poblacio-nes de aves en los Estados Unidos, con énfasis en su amenaza a las aves migratorias. Estudios han demostrado que los gatos constituyen una amenaza importante para muchas poblaciones de aves, incluyendo aquellas especies cuya conservación es prioritaria, a través de la depredación de adultos, las nidadas y los juveniles, compitiendo también con depredadores nativos, tales como las aves de presa. En adicción a la mortalidad directa causada, los gatos causan reducciones en la fecundidad y supervivencia en las aves expuestas al riesgo de depredación, las mismas que potencialmente y substancialmente dañan y reducen las poblaciones. Acciónas efectivas para la conservación de las aves requerirá del fortalecimiento y aplicación de leyes que prohíben los gatos en condición de lib-ertad, muchas de las cuales ya han sido promulgadas, así como también una mejora sustancial en la educación y que este esfuerzo por enfrentar los problemas que son causados por los gatos llegue al público en general, y producir métodos para controlar las poblaciones y movimientos de los gatos en condición de libertad.
Native birds, especially parrots (Psittacidae), are extremely popular as pets in Peru and are als... more Native birds, especially parrots (Psittacidae), are extremely popular as pets in Peru and are also easily accessible targets by rural people in search of a means of generating income. Although laws are in place to regulate the wildlife trade in Peru, these laws appear to be both little-known and poorly enforced. The trade in native, wild-caught birds appears to be ubiquitous and thriving both in remote, rural areas, and in urban centers. Wild parrot nestlings are commonly collected and removed for sale, and mist nets used to trap live birds are available to the public. The collective impact of the live bird trade has a potentially substantial impact on the conservation of wild bird populations, but remains unquantified in Peru. There are moreover obvious, negative impacts on the welfare of individual birds captured for the trade. Here, I make a brief contribution to the public record of the pet trade in Peru using descriptive evidence based on incidental observations of the live bird trade I made in the departments of Amazonas, Loreto, and San Martín, northern Peru, between 2003 and 2005.
El Cielo Biosphere Reserve in Mexico, has been a United Nations-recognized biosphere reserve sin... more El Cielo Biosphere Reserve in Mexico, has been a United Nations-recognized biosphere reserve since 1987. It hosts the northernmost cloud forest habitat in the Americas and hosts 175 migratory species and 275 resident species of birds.
We report records of 25 species of resident breeding birds in St Katherine Protectorate, south Si... more We report records of 25 species of resident breeding birds in St Katherine Protectorate, south Sinai, Egypt in 2006, 2007 and spring 2008. We note a number of chronological and geographical discrepancies in the distributions and abundances of these species in reference to earlier surveys and records. Located in the southern Sinai mountains, St Katherine Protectorate is an important area for both breeding and migratory birds and requires ongoing protection, appropriate management, and more detailed research in ecology and community-based conservation. A number of bird species that formerly appeared to be common in the St Katherine Protectorate were detected only rarely or were not detected at all in recent surveys. Remaining bird populations are threatened by overgrazing, illegal hunting and the demands placed on water supplies by development associated with a recent increase in tourism.
Between July 2003 and March 2005 we conducted field research on birds in the Cordillera de Colán ... more Between July 2003 and March 2005 we conducted field research on birds in the Cordillera de Colán in collaboration with two indigenous Aguaruna-Jívaro communities in an area previously unex-plored by ornithologists, using field surveys, mist net sampling, and interviews with local residents. We detected 315 bird species, including the globally threatened and near-threatened species: Royal Sunangel (Heliangelus regalis), Orange-throated Tanager (Wetmorethraupis sterrhopteron), and Olive-sided Flycatcher (Con-topus cooperi). Aguaruna collaborators exhibited substantial knowledge of bird taxonomy, ecology, and behavior. We observed a low rate of deforestation in Aguaruna communities and a high rate of forest clearance in adjacent areas recently colonized by immigrants from elsewhere in Peru. Forest within Aguaruna territories currently appears to be protected from large-scale destruction by existing management practices and a general prohibition on immigration. We expect that extensive deforestation and over-hunting in recently colonized areas elsewhere in the Cordillera de Colán will continue in the absence of effective conservation action. Conservation initiatives by Aguaruna communities include a moratorium on hunting a number of bird species whose populations were perceived to be in decline due to overexploitation, and the designation of a 7000-ha reserve where logging, forest clearance, and human settlement is prohibited. Aguaruna residents of the Cordillera de Colán appear to be motivated conservationists of forest birds, due in part to their concern with long-term forest protection and to the high cultural value traditionally placed on birds.
Resumen. – La conservación de aves por las comunidades nativas Awajún-Jíbaros en la Cordillera de Colán, Perú. – Entre Julio del 2003 y Marzo del 2005, hemos realizado estudios de campo en aves den-tro de la Cordillera de Colán. Los estudios fueron realizados en colaboración con dos comunidades nativas Awajún-Jíbaro, usando observaciones de campo, redes de neblina y entrevistas con la gente local. El área de nuestro estudio había permanecido hasta ahora inexplorada por los ornitólogos. Durante el estudio registramos un total de 315 especies de aves, incluyendo tres especies en peligro de extinción: Angel-del-Sol Real (Heliangelus regalis), Tangara Gargantinaranja (Wetmorethraupis sterrhopteron), y Pibí Boreal (Contopus cooperi). Colaboradores Awajún demostraron conocimientos sustanciales sobre taxonomía, ecología, y com-portamiento de las aves. Se encontró poca destrucción del bosque en territorios Awajún y mucha destruc-ción de bosque en áreas recientemente colonizadas por inmigrantes de otras partes del Perú. Actualmente el bosque en territorios Awajún parece estar protegido de la destrucción a gran escala que se origina en malas prácticas agrícolas y madereras. También se ha declarado la zona como prohibida para el asenta-miento de nuevos inmigrantes. Sin embargo, nosotros anticipamos que la extensiva deforestación y la caza intensiva continuaran en las áreas recientemente colonizadas, sean adyacentes o dentro de la Cordillera del Colán, y todo ante la ausencia de una efectiva acción de conservación. Entre las iniciativas para la conser-vación de las comunidades nativas Awajún, se incluye el nombramiento de una reserva de 7000 ha, dentro de la que se prohíbe la tala, la destrucción del bosque, la colonización y la caza de especies de aves que se encuentran en peligro de extinción local. Los residentes Awajún de la Cordillera de Colán se mostraron muy motivados en conservar las aves de la zona. Su preocupación y motivación residen en gran medida en que la existencia de su cultura en el tiempo y la de las aves, a las que otorgan un gran valor tradicional, dependerá también de la existencia de los bosques.
We provide an inventory of the avifauna of the Pongos Basin, northern Amazonas Department, Peru b... more We provide an inventory of the avifauna of the Pongos Basin, northern Amazonas Department, Peru based on museum specimens collected during expeditions spanning over 60 years within the 20th century. Four hundred and thirty-eight species representing 51 families are reported. Differences between lowland and higher elevation avifaunas were apparent. Species accounts with overviews of specimen data are provided for four species representing distributional records, two threatened species, and 26 species of Nearctic and Austral migrants, of which six are considered.
We present a detailed look at local ecological knowledge (LEK) of the Aguaruna-Jívaro on plants f... more We present a detailed look at local ecological knowledge (LEK) of the Aguaruna-Jívaro on plants foraged by frugivorous tropical birds. When asked how a particular plant is useful to people, Aguaruna men often mentioned whether the plant in question was eaten by birds or other animals. The Aguaruna use their knowledge about what plants particular birds eat to help them locate species when hunting. We focus on indigenous knowledge of the diet of five mainly frugivorous bird families that are of local economic importance: Cracidae (guans, chachalacas and curassows), Pipridae (manakins), Psittacidae (parrots), Ramphastidae (toucans) and Steatornithidae (Oilbird). Fieldwork took place in communities along tributaries of the upper Marañón river in the Peruvian Amazon from 2003 to 2005. Results indicate a high correspondence between western science and Aguaruna LEK. This research contributes to the larger goal of promoting dialog between indigenous and scientific systems of knowledge in the context of future conservation efforts.
Brown Nunlet Nonnula brunnea occurs in humid lowland forest east of the Andes, from south-east Co... more Brown Nunlet Nonnula brunnea occurs in humid lowland forest east of the Andes, from south-east Colombia to northern Peru3. Whilst this species is not considered threatened by BirdLife International, it appears to be rare throughout its range1–3,5.On 21 October 2004, we found a nest of this species near quebrada Wawas (c.05°18’S 78°20’W; elevation c.550 m), a shallow, fast-running river that drains into the río Chiricao, dpto. Amazonas, northern Peru. Whilst walking a trail near the west bank of the river, an adult Brown Nunlet flushed silently from below the spiked prop roots of a c.6 m palm in dense primary forest understorey, to a branch c.10 m up, in a tree c.10 m distant.We then discovered its nest in a shallow burrow at the base of the palm, concealed by the stilt root mass. A horizontal tunnel underneath the decayed leaf litter, c.25 cm long and 8 cm wide, led to the nest cavity; the tunnel entrance was partially hidden by dead leaves. The bottom of the burrow was lined with decayed leaf litter and contained an unmarked white oval egg that we visually estimated at 25 × 20 mm and a young nestling, its eye-slit beginning to open and its skin grey covered with white down.
Royal Sunangel Heliangelus regalis was previously known from five localities in northern Peru, in... more Royal Sunangel Heliangelus regalis was previously known from five localities in northern Peru, in a very small range where suitable habitat is declining1,3,5,6. It is classified as Endangered1. Records are from forest- edge shrubbery, typically on sandy soils, in humid elfin scrub at 1,350–2,200 m5. We conducted intermittent searches for Royal Sunangel between July 2004 and March 2005 in the north- west Cordillera de Colán, dpto. Amazonas, northern Peru, in conjunction with a larger project to survey the region’s birds2. Vegetation in this part of the Cordillera de Colán is mainly characterised by low- to mid- altitude humid cloud forest interspersed with scattered agricultural fields, and elfin scrub on some exposed ridges. We conducted a total of 49 field hours searching for Royal Sunangel over c.25 km of trails at two localities known to harbour elfin scrub2. We made a total 16 sightings at both sites, involving at least five male Royal Sunangels, on six different days between 3 August 2004 and 23 February 2005. We recorded the locations of our sightings using a GPS. Sightings were made c.80 km from the nearest previously published locality for the species in the south- east Cordillera de Colán6. Observations were of individuals and groups of 2–3 males at altitudes of 550–700 m, a significant expansion of its previously known altitudinal range, indicating that the species may be less restricted to mid and high altitudes than previously thought. Fourteen of our 16 Royal Sunangel sightings were in cloud/elfin transitional forest above the rural settlement of Duran (05º15’S 78º22’W), on 20 and 26–28 October 2004. We observed individuals in flight, briefly perching in trees and vines on rocky outcrops c.10 m above ground, and foraging on flowers <10 m above ground. They fed on at least two flowering plants, one of them matching the description of the melastome Brachyotum quinquenerve3, whilst the other was a thin liana reaching c.10 m, with horizontal pinkish- violet tubular flowers.
The Essential Electronic Agricultural Library (TEEAL) is an indexed library of key agricultural, ... more The Essential Electronic Agricultural Library (TEEAL) is an indexed library of key agricultural, environmental and related science periodicals created to help institutions in developing countries significantly expand their journal collections despite the prohibitive cost of journal subscriptions. TEEAL currently contains nine years of subscriptions (1993-2001) to over 140 scientific journals with 1.7 million pages of articles on 381 CD-ROMs. TEEAL
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at least one billion birds (Gill 1995, Dauphiné and Cooper 2009). Nearly one-third of the more than 800 species of birds in the U.S. are endangered, threatened, or in significant decline (NABCI 2009), while the number of pet cats has tripled over the same period (Lepczyk et al. 2010). This means that increasing numbers of cats are preying on
decreasing numbers of birds. Cats may kill more than twice as many mammals as birds.
Resumen. – La conservación de aves por las comunidades nativas Awajún-Jíbaros en la Cordillera de Colán, Perú. – Entre Julio del 2003 y Marzo del 2005, hemos realizado estudios de campo en aves den-tro de la Cordillera de Colán. Los estudios fueron realizados en colaboración con dos comunidades nativas Awajún-Jíbaro, usando observaciones de campo, redes de neblina y entrevistas con la gente local. El área de nuestro estudio había permanecido hasta ahora inexplorada por los ornitólogos. Durante el estudio registramos un total de 315 especies de aves, incluyendo tres especies en peligro de extinción: Angel-del-Sol Real (Heliangelus regalis), Tangara Gargantinaranja (Wetmorethraupis sterrhopteron), y Pibí Boreal (Contopus cooperi). Colaboradores Awajún demostraron conocimientos sustanciales sobre taxonomía, ecología, y com-portamiento de las aves. Se encontró poca destrucción del bosque en territorios Awajún y mucha destruc-ción de bosque en áreas recientemente colonizadas por inmigrantes de otras partes del Perú. Actualmente el bosque en territorios Awajún parece estar protegido de la destrucción a gran escala que se origina en malas prácticas agrícolas y madereras. También se ha declarado la zona como prohibida para el asenta-miento de nuevos inmigrantes. Sin embargo, nosotros anticipamos que la extensiva deforestación y la caza intensiva continuaran en las áreas recientemente colonizadas, sean adyacentes o dentro de la Cordillera del Colán, y todo ante la ausencia de una efectiva acción de conservación. Entre las iniciativas para la conser-vación de las comunidades nativas Awajún, se incluye el nombramiento de una reserva de 7000 ha, dentro de la que se prohíbe la tala, la destrucción del bosque, la colonización y la caza de especies de aves que se encuentran en peligro de extinción local. Los residentes Awajún de la Cordillera de Colán se mostraron muy motivados en conservar las aves de la zona. Su preocupación y motivación residen en gran medida en que la existencia de su cultura en el tiempo y la de las aves, a las que otorgan un gran valor tradicional, dependerá también de la existencia de los bosques.
de Colán, dpto. Amazonas, northern Peru, in conjunction with a larger project to survey the region’s birds2. Vegetation in this part of the Cordillera de Colán is mainly characterised by low- to mid- altitude humid cloud forest interspersed with scattered agricultural fields, and elfin scrub on some exposed ridges. We conducted a total of 49 field hours
searching for Royal Sunangel over c.25 km of trails at two localities
known to harbour elfin scrub2. We made a total 16 sightings at both
sites, involving at least five male Royal Sunangels, on six different
days between 3 August 2004 and 23 February 2005. We recorded the
locations of our sightings using a GPS. Sightings were made c.80 km
from the nearest previously published locality for the species in
the south- east Cordillera de Colán6. Observations were of individuals and groups of 2–3 males at altitudes of 550–700 m, a significant expansion of its previously known altitudinal range, indicating that the species may be less restricted to mid and high altitudes than previously
thought.
Fourteen of our 16 Royal
Sunangel sightings were in
cloud/elfin transitional forest
above the rural settlement of
Duran (05º15’S 78º22’W), on 20
and 26–28 October 2004. We
observed individuals in flight,
briefly perching in trees and vines
on rocky outcrops c.10 m above
ground, and foraging on flowers
<10 m above ground. They fed on
at least two flowering plants, one
of them matching the description
of the melastome Brachyotum
quinquenerve3, whilst the other
was a thin liana reaching c.10 m,
with horizontal pinkish- violet
tubular flowers.
at least one billion birds (Gill 1995, Dauphiné and Cooper 2009). Nearly one-third of the more than 800 species of birds in the U.S. are endangered, threatened, or in significant decline (NABCI 2009), while the number of pet cats has tripled over the same period (Lepczyk et al. 2010). This means that increasing numbers of cats are preying on
decreasing numbers of birds. Cats may kill more than twice as many mammals as birds.
Resumen. – La conservación de aves por las comunidades nativas Awajún-Jíbaros en la Cordillera de Colán, Perú. – Entre Julio del 2003 y Marzo del 2005, hemos realizado estudios de campo en aves den-tro de la Cordillera de Colán. Los estudios fueron realizados en colaboración con dos comunidades nativas Awajún-Jíbaro, usando observaciones de campo, redes de neblina y entrevistas con la gente local. El área de nuestro estudio había permanecido hasta ahora inexplorada por los ornitólogos. Durante el estudio registramos un total de 315 especies de aves, incluyendo tres especies en peligro de extinción: Angel-del-Sol Real (Heliangelus regalis), Tangara Gargantinaranja (Wetmorethraupis sterrhopteron), y Pibí Boreal (Contopus cooperi). Colaboradores Awajún demostraron conocimientos sustanciales sobre taxonomía, ecología, y com-portamiento de las aves. Se encontró poca destrucción del bosque en territorios Awajún y mucha destruc-ción de bosque en áreas recientemente colonizadas por inmigrantes de otras partes del Perú. Actualmente el bosque en territorios Awajún parece estar protegido de la destrucción a gran escala que se origina en malas prácticas agrícolas y madereras. También se ha declarado la zona como prohibida para el asenta-miento de nuevos inmigrantes. Sin embargo, nosotros anticipamos que la extensiva deforestación y la caza intensiva continuaran en las áreas recientemente colonizadas, sean adyacentes o dentro de la Cordillera del Colán, y todo ante la ausencia de una efectiva acción de conservación. Entre las iniciativas para la conser-vación de las comunidades nativas Awajún, se incluye el nombramiento de una reserva de 7000 ha, dentro de la que se prohíbe la tala, la destrucción del bosque, la colonización y la caza de especies de aves que se encuentran en peligro de extinción local. Los residentes Awajún de la Cordillera de Colán se mostraron muy motivados en conservar las aves de la zona. Su preocupación y motivación residen en gran medida en que la existencia de su cultura en el tiempo y la de las aves, a las que otorgan un gran valor tradicional, dependerá también de la existencia de los bosques.
de Colán, dpto. Amazonas, northern Peru, in conjunction with a larger project to survey the region’s birds2. Vegetation in this part of the Cordillera de Colán is mainly characterised by low- to mid- altitude humid cloud forest interspersed with scattered agricultural fields, and elfin scrub on some exposed ridges. We conducted a total of 49 field hours
searching for Royal Sunangel over c.25 km of trails at two localities
known to harbour elfin scrub2. We made a total 16 sightings at both
sites, involving at least five male Royal Sunangels, on six different
days between 3 August 2004 and 23 February 2005. We recorded the
locations of our sightings using a GPS. Sightings were made c.80 km
from the nearest previously published locality for the species in
the south- east Cordillera de Colán6. Observations were of individuals and groups of 2–3 males at altitudes of 550–700 m, a significant expansion of its previously known altitudinal range, indicating that the species may be less restricted to mid and high altitudes than previously
thought.
Fourteen of our 16 Royal
Sunangel sightings were in
cloud/elfin transitional forest
above the rural settlement of
Duran (05º15’S 78º22’W), on 20
and 26–28 October 2004. We
observed individuals in flight,
briefly perching in trees and vines
on rocky outcrops c.10 m above
ground, and foraging on flowers
<10 m above ground. They fed on
at least two flowering plants, one
of them matching the description
of the melastome Brachyotum
quinquenerve3, whilst the other
was a thin liana reaching c.10 m,
with horizontal pinkish- violet
tubular flowers.