Autor: Admin Paul

Friday 31 July 2009.

As part of the Colombian Independence celebration, ProAves and artists Fernando Laverde and Paula Andrea Romero, with the support of the Special Administrative Unit for Natural National Parks in Colombia, are organizing the exposition ‘Miniature, the art of Nature in miniature’ at the Centro Andino, Bogota, open until August 6 2009.

These images are part of the exposition and will also be put up on sale:

The exposition presents 62 painting miniatures portraying Colombian animals (mainly birds), plants and landscapes. The main piece is a painting of the Yellow-eared parrot (Ognorhyncus icterotis), ProAves’ emblem. 30% of the funds recovered from the sales will be donated to ProAves, and are destined to support conservation in Colombia,

For more information, please visit:

http://fernandolaverdebypaularomeroa.blogspot.com/

Wednesday 28 October 2009.

You are cordially invited to the “Natura” exhibition to appreciate the beauty of Colombian fauna and flora, created in small and large format paintings. 30% of the sales from this exposition will be donated to ProAves for conservation projects for the bird life of Colombia.

The inauguration will be on Thursday 29th October at 7:30 pm and the exhibition will last until the 4th December 2009.

Please come and visit at: Centro Cultural Skandia Av. 19 # 109 A – 30 For more information call: 3123456747 – 3114554571

 http://fernandolaverdebypaularomeroa.blogspot.com/

Thursday 8 April 2010.

288,000 stamps with the official value of $ 1,900 pesos (US$1) each will start circulation in Colombia and the world.

Nine of the most beautiful images that highlight Endangered species will be posted throughout Colombia and the world to raise environmental awareness and promote respect for birds. With the stamp issue “Endangered Colombian Birds” the Ministry of Information Technologies and Communications and the official postal operator, 4-72, seek to draw attention to the conservation of Colombian birds and our natural heritage.

Philatelic sheet of this issue

It is worth noting that although the issue described nine species of birds, four of them are Critical Endangered with extinction, while more than 100 species of birds in Colombia are in imminent danger. These species demand emergency measures for the conservation and preservation of their ecosystems.

Fundación ProAves has worked for 10 years for the protection of birds in Colombia, with our projects directly protecting 57% of listed species at risk in the 18 Nature Bird Reserves established in Colombia.

Among the most important projects by ProAves, whose species are found in this stamp issue, we have the Yellow-eared Parrot, the Blue-billed Curassow and Fuertes’ Parrot, among others; with these projects having major outreach both nationally and internationally. ProAves is working hard on implementing strategies and action plans that promote the conservation of species and their habitat.

288,000 stamps were printed in size 30 x 40 mm, which will have an official value of $ 1,900 pesos (US$1) each for the postage on mail pieces, letters and parcels nationally and internationally.

On 28th September in the framework of this event, Angela Gomez, Manager of EcoTurs, explained everything about the joint work carried out by EcoTurs and ProAves to promote ecotourism in Colombia. One of the key points of the exposition was to instill in participants the importance of ecotourism for the protection of the environment, besides which it is an essential alternative for conservation in perpetuity of the Bird Reserves of the Fundación.

It’s worth noting the importance of participating in this event since it is one of the most important of the Colombian tourist sector, where the country has a space to show their diversity and offer as a region. ProAves and EcoTurs had their stand in the Caribbean region as it promoted the El Dorado Bird Reserve located in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, being one of the most fragile and important sites in Colombia where a large number of animal species and unique plant exist.

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For the third consecutive year the Colombian Show of ANATO showed the strength of domestic destinations, and thanks to this, EcoTurs and ProAves with their information and promotional material, spread among visitors the privilege to visit 7 of 18 Natural Reserves ProAves has for ecotourism.

This great event will continue its journey through the country on October 5th in Medellin, ending in Cali on October 12th.

With the support of:

This past 11th of October, the successful launch of the Field Guide to the Birds of Colombia in Spanish took place in Bogotá. The new book contains illustrations all 1889 species found in Colombia, including 20 new illustrations of recently described birds not included in the previous English version. The book contains 200 distribution maps, high-quality paper, and new text describing key points for field identifications.

ProAves published the field guide to the birds of Colombia in Spanish with all 1889 species illustrated, in the hope that it will inspire a new generation of Colombians interested in studying and protecting their birds.

Coinciding with the International Month of Birds and after the success of the highly acclaimed Field Guide to the Birds of Colombia in English in 2010, ProAves is proud to publish the new Field Guide to the Birds of Colombia in Spanish.

The objective of this book is to promote an interest in birds and their conservation to all Colombians.

You can buy the book online here.

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This is the first Spanish language field guide that illustrates all 1,889 Colombian bird species, plus is practical to use being “pocket” sized. The Field Guide to the Birds of Colombia is the collaboration between the bird illustrator Miles McMullan, Alonso Quevedo and Thomas M. Donegan, based on bird research conducted by the authors throughout Colombia. It contains illustrations of 20 new species not included in the 2010 English guide, plus more than 200 updated distribution maps, and many new notes on plumage and voice highlighting the key features for identifying birds in the field.

The field guide is just $50.000 pesos (US$29.95) with a 10% discount for ProAves members, plus a further 10% discount when acquired at the ProAves office in Bogotá (Cra 20 #36-61).

All profits from the sale of this publication will be donated to ProAves, so those who buy the book directly contribute to research, conservation and education in Colombia!

This is the first Field Guide to Birds of Colombia in Spanish with illustrations of all species of birds of Colombia. It is practical to use and is the only guide “pocket” for bird world’s richest country. The book includes updated distribution maps, notes on plumage and voice, and a concise format that is based on modern taxonomy.

The Field Guide to the Birds of Colombia is the result of collaboration between the illustrator of birds and Miles McMullan and the Fundacion ProAves, based on research conducted by the authors on birds throughout the country. Contains illustrations of 20 new species not included in the previous version, upgrading of more than 200 distribution maps, several sheets improved, new texts, field notes and memos about the status of threatened and endemic species, highlighting the most important for identification in the field. The body of the publication consists of 226 pages and its size is only 12.5 x 22 cm.

This book is the first field guide to birds of Colombia’s main objective is the promotion of birding not only within the academic community but for all Colombians. The book will be available only for an initial period and, at the headquarters Fundacion ProAves in Bogota, but then will be sold by other means and organizations. Thus, the publication of the Field Guide is a great moment for Colombia and a big step to promote interest in the birds of our country and thus help preserve them.

We are confident that this book will inspire a new generation of Colombians interested in studying and protecting their birds.

All proceeds from the sale of this publication will be donated to ProAves, so those who buy the book will contribute directly to research, conservation and environmental education in Colombia!

The launch of the Field Guide to Birds in Spanish, will be held on October 11 at the headquarters of the Fundacion ProAves (Cra.20 No. 36-61) at 5:00 p.m.

Authors: Miles McMullan; Alonso Quevedo & Thomas Donegan

ISBN: 978-0982761526

Size: 12.5 x 21 cm.

Pages: 226

Price: $ 50,000 (US$29.95)

The camera traps have become an important tool since their development in early 1980s to monitor cryptic species with low densities which are naturally difficult to observe. In addition, this technique allows us to cover a wide range of environments that other methodologies do not permit.

Camera traps serve multiple purposes such as identifying individual species to the assessment of population size and information about various aspects of a species ecology and behavior. The use of camera traps is one of the most important and versatile methodologies for conservation biology and wildlife studies.

With this tool you can identify and confirm the presence of species that are difficult to recognize by their tracks or other evidence and allow for studies of behavior, activity patterns, population estimates, among others.

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The uses of camera traps are:

• To record medium and large animals which are naturally shy and difficult to observe, to estimate the number of individuals within an area using the photo capture-recapture of individuals and It is also useful to determine patterns of temporal and spatial movement.

• Photos with time/date to measure days or blocks of days as sampling events.

• Presence of species difficult to observe via nocturnal and elusive behavior.

• Allow to evaluate the quality of the ecosystem with the identification of certain apex species.

• Habitat preference data, forming groups, identification of land, identification of individuals.

• Surveillance of the roads and trails located within the Reserves.

ProAves has been implementing this tool in studies to monitor populations of Ateles hybridus and Crax alberti and to verify the presence of other species of mammals and birds in protected areas located in some of the most threatened ecosystems in our country.

Likewise, camera traps have allowed us to monitor the reserves to combat illegal hunting.

Thanks to the implementation of this methodology, we have obtained records of at least 40 different species of rare birds and mammals, many of which are endemic and of special interest for conservation efforts.

Fundación ProAves hopes to continue using this method in studies of biological diversity, abundance and population monitoring, all of which are relevant to the conservation and protection efforts for several species of fauna and flora within Colombia.

Developed with RARE, the project “Pride campaign for El Espinal and Roncesvalles” established Reciprocal Water Agreements as a tool for protection and conservation of watersheds and endangered species in the municipality. On September 13th the signing of the two agreements took place with the goal of incentivizing local farmers to preserve natural habitats and forests thus ensuring abundant and safe water resources for future generations.

Signing of Reciprocal Water Agreements. From left to right: Aleyda Oviedo (Secretary of the Court), Antonio Rivas (Committee Chairman), Alexander Bermúdez (Committee Secretary), Leidy Alarcón (outreach specialist) and Yesid Ocampo (property owner of Las Brisas.

The signing ceremony was held at the Municipal Court and was attended by Juan Antonio Rivas, the Chairman of the Committee for the protection and conservation of watersheds and endangered species, Secretary Alexander Bermúdez, ProAves local education coordinator Leidy Alarcon, Gonzalo Cardona, the committee member representing ProAves, Hernan Ocampo and Eduardo Ocampo, both local property owners.

Mr. Eduardo Ocampo (left), owner of the “Amberés” property located in the Cucuanita village, committed to conserve 2,718 acres hectares out of his 2,965 acres; and Mr. Hernán Ocampo (right) owner of the “Las Brisas” property contributed to the conservation 481 acres out of 583 acres of his property. Thus, property owners committed to preserving remnants of forest and paramo in exchange for incentives for their farms, not only benefit the property owners, but also the municipalities of Roncesvalles and El Espinal via the securing of water from the Cucuana river and its tributaries. The El Espinal community is dependent upon the Cucuana river for growing rice; and this new agreements promotes conservation of biodiversity and enhances the quality of life among its inhabitants.

It is a considerable effort to protect and conserve the environment, and the strong commitment and interest of property owners, along with the hard work of environmentalists, communities and ProAves supported by Foundación Loro Parque over 13 years, have contributed immensely to the success of the “Pride Roncesvalles” campaign. The implementation of Reciprocal Water Agreements, and the active participation of stakeholders involved in this process have contributed to the success of this new initiative: Antonio Rivas (City Council representative and chairman of the Committee), Alexander Bermúdez (Rep. of downstream users and secretary of the Committee), Norberto Rodríguez (rep of Water Company ESPRON), Maria del Rosario Peña (Mayor’s rep) and Gonzalo Cardona (rep. of environmental NGO).

At the conclusion of this historic event, the committee chairman invited the property owners and integral people to the “Signing of the Reciprocal Water Agreements as a means to promote pride and commitment to our natural resources” and said that these two agreements are just the beginning.

Thanks to the commitment each of these actors have shown, today Reciprocal Water Agreements are a reality in Roncesvalles, a pioneer town in the department of Tolima which has established long-term effective tools to encourage the protection and conservation of their natural resources.

Supported by:

 

Roncesvalles (Tolima)

During the first telemetry study conducted in the Natural Bird Reserve Colibrí del Sol, with the discovery of the Rusty-faced Parrot (Hapalopsittaca amazonina) population in the Cordillera Occidental, the journey of two individuals: Inty and Chia, were tracked recording their locations to identify possible changes in their movements and the use that this species makes of the habitat, in this case the Colibrí del Sol Reserve.

We found that the H. amazonina group studied uses an area of 2686 acres which comprises three major habitat types: the first is a primary forest where they are assumed to have carried out fruit consumption activities. The second is an oak forest, in which it seems they develop eating and perching activities, and sites mainly used for roosting. And finally the moorland, less frequently visited but where they did salt consumption and grooming activities.

Rusty-faced Parrot (Hapalopsittaca amazonina).

Also it was determined that the group of these individuals broke up into small and medium-sized subgroups during their daily activities inhabiting other parts of the sector where the reserve is located.

Through this study data were obtained on habitat selection by the Rusty-faced Parrot population in the Cordillera Occidental, their movements and how they form their groups to perform daily activities, likewise, the importance of conservation of this area has been confirmed through the establishment of Colibrí del Sol Bird Reserve along with the Páramo de Frontino are part of the habitat for this species in this area of the country.

This research was conducted with support from:

The article was published thanks to information provided by the ProAves and the accompaniment we provided to renowned nature photographer Roland Seitre during his tour of the ProAves Reserve Loros Andinos.

Article on the Yellow-eared Parrot published by National Geographic.

Roland Seitre’s photographs during his tour of the Fundación ProAves reserves:

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In 1998, ProAves, with the support of the Fundación Loro Parque and American Bird Conservancy , initiated the Yellow-eared Parrot Project with the main objective of ensuring the survival of the species and habitat protection in the Colombian Andes.

Almost twelve years later, its population has grown from 81 individuals to over 1000; which is why the International Union for Conservation of Nature IUCN, in 2010, dropped its threat category from Critically Endangered to Endangered.

ProAves has developed several initiatives to save the Yellow-eared Parrot, in 2009 it established the Andean Parrot Bird Reserve; in order to protect the Yellow-eared Parrot, the strategic acquisition of over 4,000 ha of critical habitat and significant efforts in reforestation was added in the department of Tolima.

The artificial nests program is one of the more effective conservation tools, this program was created and implemented in 2003 and since then has provided new nesting sites that reflect, directly, the increase in population.

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Video: Yellow-eared Parrot Project.

Another important effort is the preservation of the Wax Palm, Colombia’s national tree, which is also endangered because the Palm is the unique habitat of the Yellow-eared Parrot, the campaign Reconcile with Nature was institutionalized, which, with the support of the Catholic Church has been able to discourage, in large proportion, the use of the Wax Palm in celebrations of Palm Sunday.

The effort of conservation of the Yellow-eared parrot advances day by day thanks to the support of local authorities and the commitment of rural communities and environmental education projects.

With the support of:

Amparo Crafts, marketing the product page of Women for Conservation, has received a BAFTS (British Association of Fair Trade Shops) certificate, this certification tells our customers that the way we do business primarily benefits artisans, and the work of Women for Conservation adheres completely or is working towards full compliance with the 10 regulations WFTO (World Fair Trade Organization), these include: fair payment for the hand made products, contribute to the conservation of the environment, not to employ children in the making of products, having a good democratic relationship with the artisans where women’s work is properly valued and rewarded, among others.

Members of the program making jewelry.

Fair trade is based on cooperation between producers and consumers. The producers have fairer and more profitable commercial terms, this allows them to improve their living conditions and make future plans. For consumers, fair trade is an effective way to reduce poverty through their everyday purchases, source (Fairtrade International).

In this sense, the ProAves project, Women for Conservation, through Amparo Crafts, has trained women in four rural populations of Colombia in the use of natural resources for making crafts, and offers them business opportunities to help relieve pressure on natural resources in protected reserves.

With the support of:

The activity was held on May 28th in the community room of St. Mary of the Lake, district of Bogotá, thanks to the Association EcoVida course developed for the community, with the attendance of 40 people interested in learning about the importance of conserving wetlands and wildlife associated with these ecosystems.

Attendees at the presentation.

The presentation was based on the characteristics of a wetland and its importance, on the other hand the most representative species of wetlands in Bogotá and Cundinamarca were selected, classifying them in local species, endemic species (endangered) and migratory species, she also spoke about the bird species associated with wetlands that have not had any new records and finally she explained the 4 important aspects to help shape an environmental group in a community: 1) Conservation and Recovery, 2) Environmental education and Recovery, 3) Planning and Environmental Management and 4) Environmental Management.

ProAves is grateful to Mr. Juan Jose Senior from the Association EcoVida for the invitation to the Wetlands Course and also the participation and support of the Foundation Natural Planet.

With the support of:

The meeting provided a forum for good clean fun creating identity and consciousness for the conservation of natural resources. As part of the holiday different recreational activities were carried out to publicize the threat categories of Rusty-faced Parrot (Hapalopsittaca amazonina), which, according to the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) is Endangered (EN).

These activities created in the children and young people of the town, a sense of belonging and regional identity around the recognition of this endangered species and the specific characteristics of its ecosystem.

During the activities environmental workshops were also held with chicks from the Hogar Infantil La Isla, a radio program with Friends of the Birds girls and the Youth Social Service involving an average of 98 children per day.

With the support of:

	Génova (Quindío)

The first South American Forum of Members developed a three-day agenda of work, a methodology that sought to combine presentations by keynote sessions and group work techniques to provide feedback and prepare proposals, focusing on the following themes:

1. Update technical issues related to conservation and management of nature through parallel sessions with the invitation of specialists and experts.

2. Review and input to the initiative of One Program and the Global Program.

3. Review of progress of the 2009-2012 regional program and steps for a new regional program.

4. Preparation of recommendations and actions to be considered on the thematic lines with the collection of contributions and observations to the proposed 2013-2016 and review of the responsibilities and scope of the constituents. Establishment of a drafting group of the regional program.

5. Review of key governance issues on the agenda of the Council of IUCN.

6. Getting to know the World Nature Conservation Congress and mechanisms for participation of members.

7. Process of filing motions.

8. Information on the definition of candidates for Directors and formation of a monitoring group for the election process after the Forum.

For more information go to:Foro de miembros UICN 2011.

Colombian participants:

From left to right: Lina Daza, ProAves, Brigitte L.G. Baptiste, Institute Alexander von Humboldt, Sonia Peña Moreno, IUCN Switzerland, Andres Guhl, Quinaxi; Joao De Queiroz, South office IUCN, Julia Miranda Parques Naturales Nacionales and Elizabeth Taylor, CORALINA Corporation .

“Participation in this event was very important for strengthening relationships with leading conservation organizations in South America, likewise, the policies that frame the operation of the IUCN were made known, the situation and needs at regional level were identified and information was collected on the World Nature Conservation Congress, at which stage the participation of ProAves of Colombia in 2012 is essential.” said Lina Daza, Executive Director of ProAves.

Elizabeth Taylor, CORALINA Corporation; Lina Daza, ProAves; Inseob Lee, Director of the IUCN World Congress in Jeyu.

Baptiste LG Brigitte, Alexander von Humboldt Institute; Bernardo Ortiz, Traffic South America; Lina Daza, ProAves.

The meeting provided a forum for good clean fun creating identity and consciousness for the conservation of natural resources. As part of the holiday different recreational activities were carried out to publicize the threat categories of Rusty-faced Parrot (Hapalopsittaca amazonina), which, according to the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) is Endangered (EN).

These activities created in the children and young people of the town, a sense of belonging and regional identity around the recognition of this endangered species and the specific characteristics of its ecosystem.

During the activities environmental workshops were also held with chicks from the Hogar Infantil La Isla, a radio program with Friends of the Birds girls and the Youth Social Service involving an average of 98 children per day.

With the support of:

	Génova (Quindío)

The draft agreement for the creation of the protection and conservation of watersheds and endangered species is formulated by the Municipal Government of Roncesvalles, the public utility services of Roncesvalles (ESPRON) and ProAves under the project of the Pride Campaign and Reciprocal Water Agreements and funded by RARE Conservation.

This is the first municipal agreement in Roncesvalles that has been created for the conservation of watersheds and micro watersheds that supply the town and several villages. Through this agreement, the benefit of users are thought about as well as flat areas of the department’s plan, as is the case of El Espinal, direct beneficiaries of water services from the Cucuana River to irrigate rice, cotton and sorghum the which are the productive base of the town.

With the creation of this agreement, the municipality now has a committee and a water fund which will support the establishment of Reciprocal Water Agreements (ARBs), or any other agreement or maintenance contract involving the owners of the forests and moors of the municipality.

Pictured: Edwin Guayara, Mayor of Roncesvalles (Tolima), members of City Council and the ProAves team.

Similarly, it was possible to create a voluntary fee which will be charged on the water bill from July, in order to link users with a contribution to the protection of these areas. The municipality also joined to contribute to the fund and so a group of actors have decided to support its establishment which will be conducted by a committee integrated by the community of Roncesvalles, which will allow long-term incentives for landowners to preserve the moors, forests and endangered species found in the area which, for our case, is the Yellow-eared Parrot.

Coming soon will be a committee which will administer the donated resources and sign contracts with the owners, defining and approving the incentives which will be given, thus, the first signatories of the Reciprocal Water Agreements (ARBs) will be available for early August this year. We thank all the people and institutions who have joined actively in the conservation of natural resources and environmental services.

With the support of:

Roncesvalles (Tolima)