Autor: Admin Paul

The Magdalena Spider Monkey (Ateles hybridus) is a Neotropical primate species almost endemic to Colombia and listed as one of the 25 most endangered primate species in the world, and unfortunately falls into the category of critically endangered according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).  Historically it was widely distributed in the Magdalena river valley and the mountains bordering NE Colombia and NW Venezuela.

The IUCN publishes its Red Data list every two years, where the Magdalena Spider monkey now appears for the fifth time after being first included in 2004. View report.

Conservation

In November 2003, with the support from the American Bird Conservancy and the Global Conservation Fund, ProAves established the El Paujil Bird Reserve located in the departments of Boyacá and Santander. The reserve has over 7,900 acres of primary forest, the natural habitat of the spider monkey, where, thanks to the implementation of conservation strategies, environmental education and research projects, hunting has been eliminated.

By permanent monitoring a recovery has been demonstrated, not only in population but also in range, which had declined in recent years due to the expansion of the agricultural frontier and selective logging. All this is possible thanks to the implementation of various programs of community inclusion among which highlight the annual reforestation with approximately 5000 plants  associated with the monkey’s biology.

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ProAves, under its policy of inter-institutional cooperation, continues supporting academic institutions and NGOs to develop specific research on species of different orders that are endangered on its nature reserves. An example is Foundación Primates, led by Dr. Andres Link, who completed more than five years of study on the ecology of this species of primate. This cooperation between institutions and individuals seeks to dispel the specter of impending extinction, not only of the Magdalena Spider Monkey, but also of other species dependent on this fragile and important ecosystem.

The meeting was attended by the entire team of Environmental Education and ProAves Membership including: Yulied Bautista, Fernanda Martínez, Ana Velásquez, Juliana Toro, Leidy Pérez, Leidy Alarcón y Alejandro Grajales, also with the participation of our executive director Lina Daza Rojas; the event began with an overall presentation of the Chestnut-capped Piha Bird Reserve by Johanna Villa, Assistant Director Northwest Region.

During the meeting there was a presentation by the Membership and Environmental Education sections, and on educational processes developed in the municipalities of Jardín, department of Antioquia, Génova in Quindío and Roncesvalles, Tolima
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With the assessment of the Strategic Plan and Annual Operating Plan for these areas and the activities undertaken in 2012, development plans were created and the goals to meet during the year 2013 were set; these objectives include significantly increasing the number of municipalities where ProAves conducts environmental education and therefore the number of people sensitized to these issues.

Additionally the Reciprocal Water Agreements Project (ARA’s) was explained and the role environmental groups play in different areas where ProAves is present and the importance of youth participation was analyzed and finally the methods of assessment of strategies to improve educational processes were set out.

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The community also participated in the meeting. During the event recreational activities took place with members of the village of Roble, a buffer zone of the Chestnut-capped Piha Bird Reserve; a general presentation on the work of ProAves to raise awareness and knowledge about importance of protecting natural resources was made. Also, after an invitation extended to the women in the community to participate in the project “Women for Conservation”, a training workshop was held demonstrating the interest of women wishing to join in these activities.

The meeting ended with an excellent balance “we ended up very pleased with the work done and the achievements, we are sure they will be a great motivation to continue with this important work of environmental education,” Rojas Lina Daza, Executive Director.

The World Conservation Congress is the largest and most diverse conservation event in the world. It is held every four years and aims to improve the way we manage our natural environment for human, social and economic development.

Government leaders, public sector organizations, NGOs, corporates, UN agencies, and social organizations attended the event to discuss, debate and decide solutions for the most pressing issues of the world in terms of environment and development.

Discussions by participants from government, business and civil society in the Congress defined the measures necessary to conserve the biodiversity of the Earth which was divided into four main areas: Conservation on a larger scale; Sustainability in action for our Common Future; Closing the gap in the governance of the use of nature, The way forward from Jeju. See the full document Jeju Declaration.

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During the congress, our Director made a presentation of the work of ProAves over the last 13 years, the formation of nature reserves and the impact in Colombia of the initiative of the Alliance for Zero Extinction to a specialized and multicultural audience, this experience gives us more opportunities and opens doors to complement our conservation experience with best practices from around the world.
Likewise, Dr. Lina participated by voting in the election of President of the Union, the Council and Regional Councilors.

For ProAves and our Executive Director this is a great experience. Having had the opportunity to participate in this important event has provided a large number of tools and information that will be taken into account in the development and implementation of our mission.

“It is our commitment to work and our passion that defines our role in the protection of the invaluable natural wealth of our country, in accordance with the policies established in Congress we will work to synch “towards a new era of conservation, sustainability and nature based solutions.” Our director added.

Supported by:

In 2006, after working seven years for the conservation of the Yellow-eared Parrot (Ognorhynchus icterotis), the ProAves Bird Reserve Loro Orejiamarillo was established and then supported by the Loro Parque Foundacion. Over these 13 years we have achieved remarkable results, most notably leading to the change in the parrot’s threat category, but also the selection of the species as the bird emblem of the municipality and its inclusion within the coat of arms of the municipality.

Today we celebrate the establishment of the conservation strategy ARA’s – (Reciprocal Water  Arrangements) – and its inclusion in the Municipal Development Plan, which was an initiative led by ProAves as a municipal policy for the 4 year plan. This ensures the conservation of the watersheds of Quebrada La Bonita and La Mendoza, which was accomplished after a strong lobbying effort with institutions that have an impact on decision-making in environmental matters such as the Mayor’s Office and Town Council, CORANTIOQUIA, Unidad Agroambiental and the Jardín community who participated in all the activities.

The importance of this agreement lies in the benefit that the water users in the town receive in terms of water quality and quantity, whilst the environmental services providers receive incentives for conservation. Additionally through this agreement the concepts of Voluntary contribution, Conservation Fund and the Committee for the Protection and Conservation of watersheds and endangered species will be created that allow the active involvement of the users of environmental services.

“From the beginning we have been perfectly willing to support this initiative, which as well as creating Reciprocal Agreements for Water also creates the program … we are ready to support such initiatives over others which are trying to threaten our natural resources, such as the issue of mining and in that the city administration has a very clear position” added the Secretary of Government of Jardín City Hall, Dr. Johan Uribe Palacio.

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This great achievement would not have been possible without the tireless awareness campaign ProAves and colleagues have developed over the last 13 years in the town. Currently they are developing a variety of environmental education campaigns and festivals under 5 programs: Bird Friendly Schools, Ecological Group Friend of Birds, Sister Schools, Social Services and Youth researchers.

In these weekly activities about 1,000 people are involved, including children, youths and adults, in environmental education, cultural and recreational activities whose primary purpose is to encourage behavioral changes, generating knowledge, a sense of belonging, and respect for the  biodiversity of the region and thus ensuring its protection, in this specific case the protection of the two areas mentioned above.

Actions taking place in Jardín have shown the institutional will to address the concern for preserving and protecting environmental services, thus ensuring resources for future generations and improving the quality of life of its inhabitants; also demonstrated was the high commitment and interest of landowners and the sustained effort in environmental, social and community work by ProAves with the essential support of Loro Parque Fundación during these 13 years.

ProAves is a purely conservationist NGO, which for more than 10 years has been implementing and developing tools and conservation activities, in order to mitigate the impact caused by the man on the habitats of endangered species.

The ProAves conservation area works to contribute to maintaining the quality and availability of habitat for conservation of priority bird species through the establishment and management of nature reserves in civil society and to develop other forms of protection supported by a concept of self-sustainability and community integration, influencing local, regional and national environmental protection.

Its objectives are:

• To establish, expand and manage comprehensively the protected areas of the Foundation, ensuring compliance of the function in perpetuity.

• To implement, evaluate and strengthen programs and tools for conservation in nature reserves and areas of influence.

• To promote and develop self-sustaining actions to ensure the perpetuity of the reserves.

• To participate in and influence the formulation, management and implementation of conservation policies.

We have thus managed to retain under our Natural Bird Reserves 30,503 hectares of various kinds of ecosystems, and restore and reforest 1,200 hectares and establish 3,600 hectares under figures of Payments for Environmental Services.

Related news

A new generation of Eco-Guides in Colombia
Thursday 2 August 2012.

The 3rd Eco-guide Training Course was undertaken by professional guides from 13-21 June in the Las Tangaras Bird Reserve with rural community citizens and Reserve Rangers. A new generation of highly trained guides in birding and nature guiding will provide outstanding services.

Biodiversity of Antioquia presented in Jardín
Friday 27 July 2012.

At the Regional Meeting “Southwestern Antioquia: the Biodiversity Jardín” with around 200 participants took place in May in Jardín, where ProAves presented “Bird Reserves: a strategy for the conservation of biodiversity in southwestern Antioquia”.

Conservation Success for three Endemic and Threatened Colombian Birds
Tuesday 3 July 2012.

The recent change in the threat category for three Colombian endemic bird species – now no longer in imminent danger of extinction – is in large part thanks to the conservation and research efforts of ProAves, particularly with its strategic network of 21 Bird Reserves across Colombia.

Sloth rescue in Colombia’s threatened forest
Wednesday 14 December 2011.

Generous donations to rangers help protect the forest home of the Two-toed sloth and a multitude of other threatened species.

Roncesvalles, pioneer town for the signing of Reciprocal Water Agreements
Thursday 29 September 2011.

In September, ProAves assisted two property owners in Roncesvalles, Tolima, to commit to preserving the majority of their land that is within the town’s watershed. As agreed, for at least ten years, the total of 3,200 acres will be saved and restored for natural habitat conservation.

ProAves establishes Colombia’s first joint Municipality Environmental service agreement
Thursday 4 August 2011.

The Municipality Council of Roncesvalles approved ProAves Environmental Service Agreement to create the first joint program, funded by water users, to protect watersheds and endangered species.

The wetlands of Bogotá – critical habitat for birds
Monday 1 August 2011.

At the invitation of the Association EcoVida, our collaborator Monica Parada gave a Talk: “The wetlands of Bogotá and Cundinamarca, an important habitat for waterfowl in Colombia”, in the Wetlands Course with the lakeside community of Santa Maria del Lago.

ProAves at the IUCN Regional Forum
Thursday 21 July 2011.

ProAves Executive Director, Lina Daza, attended the first South American Forum of Members of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) in Lima, Peru, from 13-15 June.

Fifth protected areas management course
Wednesday 29 June 2011.

The 5th meeting of protected area managers from 15 protected areas from across Colombia was held from 3-11 June, 2011 in El Paujil Bird Reserve thanks to NMBCA. Training included monitoring biodiversity, camera trapping, management planning, mapping and constructing platforms.

ProAves presents to the GEF Council in Washington DC
Wednesday 15 June 2011.

ProAves presented its progress on establishing some of Colombia’s first environmental service agreements in Tolima to the Global Environment Facility (GEF) Council between 23 to 26 May 2011 in Washington DC.

ProAves helps protect Paramo del Sol in Antioquia
Tuesday 4 January 2011.

To socialize the actions and strategies undertaken at local level aimed at the protection and management of the Páramo del Sol, on 9th December ProAves held a workshop on “Management, Conservation and Protected Areas of the Páramo del Sol”. ProAves is working to protect this highly vulnerable AZE site.

Life Distinction Award for Fundación ProAves
Monday 25 October 2010.

The Corporación Autónoma Regional CorAntioquia, celebrated its 15 years of work with a ceremony in which it acknowledged ProAves with a Life Distinction, the highest award given to organizations who have worked diligently and consistently for the preservation of natural resources in Antioquia.

Pride Campaign in Roncesvalles, Tolima
Monday 2 August 2010.

Under an agreement established with the Conservation Organization RARE and through Pride Campaign, ProAves is promoting actions aimed at the conservation of ecosystems that offer environmental goods and services to generate environmental awareness in communities.

Vote for the Golden poison frog by ProAves here

AZE has posted a list of 20 candidate sites from which voters can select their choice of seven. The 20 shortlisted sites were chosen from among 587 sites around the world identified by scientists working with AZE; sites that are the last refuges for one or more endangered species. The 20 sites represent a variety of taxonomic groups, including birds, mammals, amphibians, and reptiles, as well as diverse geographies. Voting will be open through November and can be carried out at the campaign website: www.AZE7Wonders.org

Fundación ProAves has been a member of the Alliance for Zero Extinction for 7 years, and uses the AZE list of threatened sites and species to prioritize its work. ProAves has established 10 nature reserves in areas classified as AZE by global committee, in order to preserve forever AZE species found there.

Vote for the Golden poison frog by ProAves here

“The world rallies to preserve the heritage of priceless historical places like the Great Pyramid of Giza or the Colosseum, and we should also protect the places on Earth that harbor the most endangered species,” said Mike Parr, AZE Chair and Vice President of American Bird Conservancy. “By highlighting seven places out of the 587 sites that are most important to the preservation of the Earth’s biodiversity, in the tradition of the ‘Seven Wonders of the World,’ we can help draw attention to the importance of saving these sites.”

“The idea is to stimulate interest in – and hence action to save – threatened species that only occur in one place. Local pride will go a long way towards protecting these species,” said Tom Brooks, AZE Steering Committee member and Vice President for Science and Chief Scientist at NatureServe.

The campaign was launched today at the World Conservation Congress, which is being hosted by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), and where some 8,000 people have gathered to address global conservation issues. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species was used by AZE to help identify the 920 Endangered and Critically Endangered species restricted to 587 single sites worldwide.

“These species have lived on Earth longer than any man-made structure, and we cannot allow them to disappear in the shadows, unnoticed,” said Parr. “We hope citizens feel a sense of pride and vote for the charismatic species found only at the unique places in their country.”

The following 20 sites (in random order) and their endangered species were selected for voting in the AZE’s 7 Wonders campaign:

1. Gough Island, UK – Tristan Albatross

2. Isla Robinson Crusoe, Chile – Juan Fernandez Firecrown

3. Abra Patricia, Peru – Long-whiskered Owlet

4. Raso da Catarina, Brazil – Lear’s Macaw
5. Hellshire Hills, Jamaica – Jamaican Ground Iguana
6. Anhui Chinese Alligator Nature Reserve, China – Chinese Alligator
7. Roti Island, Indonesia – Roti Island Snake-necked Turtle
8. Baly Bay National Park, Madagascar – Angonoka Tortoise
9. Yadua Taba Island, Fiji – Fiji Crested Iguana
10. Río Saija, Colombia – Golden poison frog

11. Bale Mountains, Ethiopia – Malcom’s Ethiopia Toad
12. Morningside and Handapan Ella Plains, Sri Lanka – Shrub Frog
13. Manas National Park, India – Pygmy Hog
14. Menabe – Andranomena, Madagascar – Madame Berthe’s Mouse Lemur
15. Helan Shan Nature Reserve, China – Helan Shan Pika
16. Rodrigues Mainland, Mauritius – Rodrigues Flying Fox
17. Massif de la Hotte, Haiti – La Hotte Glanded Frog
18. Lower Tana River, Kenya – Tana River Mangabey (monkey)
19. Chatham Islands, New Zealand – Shore Plover
20. Poyang Hu, China – Siberian Cran

The campaign is sponsored by AZE member, American Bird Conservancy. AZE (www.zeroextinction.org) is a joint initiative that aims to prevent species extinctions by identifying and safeguarding key sites, each of which is the last remaining refuge for one or more Endangered or Critically Endangered species. AZE’s goal is to create a frontline of defense against extinction by protecting as many of these sites as possible. Data are available on all AZE sites and an accompanying map graphically illustrates the location of each of the sites around the world.

The Colombian charity Fundación ProAves owns and manages the 2,600 acre El Dorado Bird Reserve with excellent ecotourism facilities perched on the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta Mountains – the highest coastal mountain on earth. This reserve is fast becoming the top birding site the entire tropics – 22 endemic birds (not to mention many endemic amphibians, plants, etc.) within a stones throw of a wonderful birding Eco-Lodge and two hours from Caribbean beaches. ProAves has recently upgraded facilities with over 26 beds and high-speed internet and has a constant stream of birding and nature groups staying.

We are seeking a birder that can live at the El Dorado Eco-Lodge from Oct/Nov 2012 until April 2013 (with the possibility of an extension) to guide birders and naturalists. We would offer accommodation and other benefits, plus payment for each day of guiding. Candidates must be experienced birders (although not necessarily experienced in Colombia) and hard-working, often guiding for long hours over many days. Experience with ecotourism and/or conservation is useful. A US or other driving license is essential.

How to apply?

Send cover letter explaining why you would be the ideal candidate and resume to the following email address: fundacion@proaves.org

ProAves has used this technique for many purposes, from identifying individual species to assessing population size and various aspects of their ecology and behavior, the use of trap cameras is one of the most important and versatile methods for biological research for conservation purposes; they allow behavioral studies, activity patterns and population estimate, among others to be made.

The trap cameras were installed in July and during the 20 days spent capturing photographic records it was possible to identify a female deer (Mazama americana), apparently pregnant, while we also got a spectacular record of a Jaguar (Panthera onca), almost extinct in the department of Casanare, which shows the importance of ProAves conservation actions in transitional forests of the Orinoco to the Amazon.

Register with camera traps a Jaguar (Panthera onca).

Register with camera traps individuals Cajuches (Tayassu pecari).

Register with camera traps of Danta (Tapirus terrestris)

A herd of Collared Peccary (Tayassu pecari) of around 150 individuals, among adults and juveniles, was identified for the first time; likewise a very important register of a Crestless Curassow (Mitu tomentosum) was made.

This time the cameras were installed in lakesides or salty wetlands, a favorable environment where these species find vital nutrients and minerals.

This tool has been used by ProAves in studies while monitoring the population of Crax Alberti, Ateles hybridus and Tremarctos ornatus, among others and to check for the presence of other species of mammals and birds in protected areas located in the most threatened ecosystems in our country.

Thanks to its implementation, at least 40 species, between birds and mammals, have been registered, the majority of special interest for their conservation status or level of endemism, and others for their scarce records and being considered as rare species.

At ProAves we hope to continue to use this method in studies of biodiversity, abundance and population monitoring and of special interest for the conservation of several species of flora and fauna in our country.

“If you want to have a future, forests and water you must protect” – that accompanies the campaign slogan in Jardín, Antioquia.

The objective of the campaign is to encourage high mountain farmers to conserve their sources and other natural resources, especially the basins Quebrada La Bonita and La Mendoza.

Past June we launched the Pride Campaign in the town of Jardín, Antioquia, which included the active participation of the public institutions of the town like the Town Hall, Undersecretary of Rural Development and Environment, DMI cuchilla Jardín-Támesis, Public Companies, City Council, the Caramatarruba Indigenous Community and urban residents.

With the delivery of the project according to the Mayor of Jardín in May, great buzz and interest was created in implementing the Reciprocal Water Agreements (RWA/ARAS) as a key measure for the town, one of the activities that raised most motivation among the inhabitants of Jardín was the development of the logo and the slogan that champion the campaign, this activity helped to promote pride and awareness to help the conservation of flagship species such as the Yellow-eared Parrot.

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ProAves Foundation has developed a strong working socialization with institutions that have an impact on decision-making in environmental matters, as in the case of the Mayor and City Council, and CORANTIOQUIA & the Agri-environmental Unit who were present during the activities.

“If you take care of Río Gris, Génova will be happy “- slogan that accompanies the campaign in the town of Genova, Quindío.

During the month of May we make the official launch of the Pride Campaign in this county with the slogan “If you take care of Río Gris, Génova will be happy.” Event allowed the community to socialize and institutions the project by presenting cultural events (puppet plays, spots and banners); in addition to encouraging, motivating and initiating actions for the conservation of biodiversity in the town.

Likewise, a consensus workshop was established with the High mountain inhabitants of the villages of Río Gris which identified what kind of incentive landowners required to conserve waterbasins and watersheds that supply municipal aqueduct. Among the inhabitants interest was perceived in participating in the process to improve and recover their natural resources.

The event was attended by the Mayor of Génova Mr. Albert Cañas, City Council members, some educational institutions, the Environmental Police and Community officials of the Autonomous Regional Corporation of Quindío (CRQ), members of the Avizor Foundation, and owners of high mountain farms, the Civil Defense and representatives of Community Action Committees, among others.

Actions in the two municipalities have shown institutional willingness to address the concern of preserving and protecting environmental services and resources and ensure future generations and improve the quality of life of its inhabitants also demonstrated high commitment and the interest of landowners and hard work of environmental work, social and community that ??ProAves has made supported by Loro Parque Fundación over these 13 years.

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For the past three years the restoration and reforestation in Ranita Dorada Amphibian Reserve has been developed with the aim of promoting connectivity, recovery of open areas and to provide plants used for foraging wildlife, especially birds.

Located in the department of Tolima, the Amphibian Reserve Ranita Dorada is the first Reserve in the world created for the conservation of threatened species belonging to this order.

Thanks to the work done so far, a remarkable regeneration of native plant species can be seen in primary and secondary succession in what were previously pastures, recovering part of the habitat for several species of amphibians including two spectacular endemic and endangered frogs, and Ranitomeya doriswainsonae and Ranitomeya tolimense found here.

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With these activities, ProAves is meeting the objectives in establishing silvopastoral systems, implementing hedges, reforestation at water sources, along the banks of rivers and streams, natural regeneration of stocks in pastures, coffee and cocoa shade plantations, working with the community and towns for the recovery of watersheds and the donation of trees for meeting the commitments in the easements.

Finally, during these years of work over 1,850 acres of pastures, margins of streams and rivers in different parts of country have been replanted and restored, not only giving proper management of these areas but also providing food supply for wildlife.

Supported by:

Climate change is expected to cause shifts in species distributions worldwide, threatening their viability due to range reductions and altering their representation in protected areas. Biodiversity hotspots might be particularly vulnerable to climate change because they hold large numbers of species with small ranges which could contract even further as species track their optimal habitat.

In July 2012, Stony Brook University PhD student and ProAves founder member Jorge Velásquez-Tibatá together with Drs Catherine Graham of Stony Brook University and Paul Salaman of World Land Trust-US and an advisory council member of ProAves published an article titled “Effects of climate change on species distribution, community structure, and conservation of birds in protected areas in Colombia ” in the journal Regional Enviromental Change. Copies are available on email request fundacion@proaves.org.

Using field data shared by ProAves, together with publically accessible data from BioMap data containing 230,000 records of Colombia bird specimens, together with field data compiled by Dataves, eBird, and xeno-canto, the extent to which climate change could cause distribution shifts in threatened and range-restricted birds in Colombia was analyzed. The online Darwin Database by Project BioMap was a collaboration of over 70 bird collections across the world, and lead by The Natural History Museum (UK), Instituto de Ciencias Naturales de la Universidad Nacional de Colombia, and Conservación Internacional-Colombia.

Results highlighted that threatened and range-restricted birds in Colombia are projected to lose on average between 33 and 43 % of their total range under future climate, and up to 9 Colombian endemic species may lose their climatically suitable range completely and therefore could go extinct. Worryingly, 8 of the 9 species that could go extinct are endemic to the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta and represent almost half of all the endemic bird species restricted to the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, including the spectacular Santa Marta Parakeet Pyrrhura viridicata.  An important population stronghold for many of the eight Santa Marta endemics is in the El Dorado Bird Reserve, but this 2,500 acre reserve is inadequate to sustain populations and greater efforts are needed to connect this reserve and the San Lorenzo ridge to the main National Park some 5 km away – which holds higher elevations that could temporarily buffer the impacts of climate change.

Furthermore, one of those species at risk of extinction from the effects of climate change is the Endangered Chestnut-capped Piha Lipaugus weberi from the northern slopes of the Central Cordillera – with the core surviving population contained within the ProAves reserve “Arrierito Antioqueño Bird Reserve”.

The article predicted that in the future, potentially between 5 to 70% of threatened and range-restricted birds in Colombia will be inadequately represented is protected areas.

This article provides recommendations for future research and conservation needs in Colombia, including:

(1) monitoring populations of birds for which future suitable climate is predicted to completely disappear;

(2) conducting field surveys, especially aimed toward species known in few locations, to improve distribution models;

(3) including predictions of the effect of climate change on species distribution as part of IUCN assessments of species extinction risk, and

(4) identifying sites that would complement the current protected area network to meet species representation targets.

It is critical that existing reserves, parks and other protected areas be better protected and expanded, while new protected areas be established in the most under-represented regions and ecosystems, particularly the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, the Chocó, northern slope of the Western and Central Andes and the northern half of the Eastern Cordillera.

Overall, the article lays an important foundation for scaling up conservation efforts in the race to combat the effects of climate change on Colombian birds.

Citation:

Velásquez-Tibatá, J., Salaman, P., y Graham, C. (2012) Effects of climate change on species distribution, community structure, and conservation of birds in protected areas in Colombia. Regional Environmental Change. Vol. 12, 329-342.

Alianza BioMap (Museo de Historia Natural del Museo Británico, Instituto de Ciencias Naturales de la Universidad Nacional de Colombia, y Conservación Internacional) 2006. Base de Datos Darwin: Proyecto BioMap base de datos de distribución de la avifauna Colombiana. http://www.biomap.net.

Figure 3 on page 8: Future pattern of species richness, under climate scenario A2: predicted percent of species’ losses relative to current richness (Velásquez-Tibatá et al. 2012).

Why Support ProAves:

ProAves has dedicated 15 years to saving the most endangered habitats and species in Colombia.

Our science-based targeted actions have saved 627,773 acres across Colombia, including the direct acquisition of over 66,718 acres of forests at imminent risk of destruction, now protected forever.

We are saving the planet’s most imperilled biodiversity. We work with rural communities to develop sustainable economies and improve livelihoods.

When you support us you are supporting real conservation actions

100% of your donation will buy and save critical habitats:

$1,000 will save 435,000 sq feet (10 acres)

$100 will save 43,500 sq. feet (1 acre)

$50 will save 21,780 sq. feet

$25 will save 10,890 sq. feet

Thank you for donating to ProAves and making a difference for biodiversity in Colombia.

Please contact ProAves Executive Director for assistance in English or Spanish:

Telephone: (57-1) 340-3261 or (57-1) 340-3229 (Bogotá, Colombia) 

Email: fundacion@proaves.org

We celebrate the first nest attempt of the Rusty-faced Parrot (Hapalopsittaca amazonina) in a nest-box provided by ProAves in the Colibri del Sol Reserve.

The nest box was occupied by a pair of Rusty-faced Parrot who laid a single egg on April 11, and then raised the single chick until 13 July when the chick successfully fledged from the nest.

“The first record of the use of nest-boxes provided by ProAves for the Rusty-faced Parrot is of great importance and provides hope for the conservation of the Rusty-faced Parrot. With the support from Fundación Loro Parque, we implemented the program of artificial nest boxes in the Colibrí del sol Bird Reserve with the intention of assisting the species recovery through providing optimal conditions for breeding.” said Lina Daza, Executive Director of ProAves.

ProAves created the Artificial Nest box Program in 2003 with the support of Fundación Loro Parque as a conservation initiative, which is a response to the lack of natural cavities for threatened parrots across Colombia as mature trees and palms with cavities are often cut down for timber and firewood. ProAves has been developing the Program as a means to increase potential nesting sites for endangered parrots.

With the occupation of the nest boxes the reproductive behavior of each species can be studied.

Many individuals of the Rusty-faced Parrot made explorations of the 41 nest boxes provided, so perhaps more pairs of the species could occupy nests in the next breeding season.

Fundación ProAves performs monthly activities of Conservation, Research and Environmental Education in the Colibrí del Sol Bird Reserve for the Hapalopsittaca amazonina to raise awareness in the community regarding the protection and conservation of the species.

The Colibrí del Sol Nature Reserve was created in 2005 with the support of American Bird Conservancy, and is located in the municipality of Urrao, Antioquia, with and an area of 1,800 acres of high Andean forest and páramo habitat for the Dusky starfrontlet (Coligena orina) and Fenwick’s Antpitta (Grallaria fenwickorum), which are both Critically Endangered.

Adopt a nest

To prevent the extinction of a species of parrot in Colombia, you can support us through your donation online to Adopt a nest, which is sponsoring the exploration, construction, monitoring and evaluation of natural and artificial nests for a year of some of the most endangered parrot species in the country. To donate, simply click Here to complete the adoption form.

Home and visits:

Contact EcoTurs headquarters in Carrera 20 No. 36 – 61, Bogotá, phone (57) (1) 245-5134 and ( 57) (1) 340-3285, email e-info@ecoturs.org or visit www.ecoturs.org

With support from:

Article principal:

Climate change is expected to cause shifts in species distributions worldwide, threatening their viability due to range reductions and altering their representation in protected areas. Biodiversity hotspots might be particularly vulnerable to climate change because they hold large numbers of species with small ranges which could contract even further as species track their optimal habitat.

In July 2012, Stony Brook University PhD student and ProAves founder member Jorge Velásquez-Tibatá together with Drs Catherine Graham of Stony Brook University and Paul Salaman of World Land Trust-US and an advisory council member of ProAves published an article titled “Effects of climate change on species distribution, community structure, and conservation of birds in protected areas in Colombia ” in the journal Regional Enviromental Change. Copies are available on email request fundacion@proaves.org

Using field data shared by ProAves, together with publically accessible data from BioMap Data, containing 230,000 records of Colombia bird specimens, together with field data compiled by Dataves, eBird, and xeno-canto, the extent to which climate change could cause distribution shifts in threatened and range-restricted birds in Colombia was analyzed. The online Darwin Database by Project BioMap was a collaboration of over 70 bird collections across the world, and lead by The Natural History Museum (UK), Instituto de Ciencias Naturales de la Universidad Nacional de Colombia, and Conservación Internacional-Colombia.

Furthermore, one of those species at risk of extinction from the effects of climate change is the Endangered Chestnut-capped Piha Lipaugus weberi from the northern slopes of the Central Cordillera – with the core surviving population contained within the ProAves reserve “Arrierito Antioqueño Bird Reserve”.

The article predicted that in the future, potentially between 5 to 70% of threatened and range-restricted birds in Colombia will be inadequately represented is protected areas.

This article provides recommendations for future research and conservation needs in Colombia, including:

(1) monitoring populations of birds for which future suitable climate is predicted to completely disappear;

(2) conducting field surveys, especially aimed toward species known in few locations, to improve distribution models;

(3) including predictions of the effect of climate change on species distribution as part of IUCN assessments of species extinction risk, and

(4) identifying sites that would complement the current protected area network to meet species representation targets.

It is critical that existing reserves, parks and other protected areas be better protected and expanded, while new protected areas be established in the most under-represented regions and ecosystems, particularly the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, the Chocó, northern slope of the Western and Central Andes and the northern half of the Eastern Cordillera.

Overall, the article lays an important foundation for scaling up conservation efforts in the race to combat the effects of climate change on Colombian birds.

Citation:

Velásquez-Tibatá, J., Salaman, P., y Graham, C. (2012) Effects of climate change on species distribution, community structure, and conservation of birds in protected areas in Colombia. Regional Environmental Change. Vol. 12, 329-342.

Alianza BioMap (Museo de Historia Natural del Museo Británico, Instituto de Ciencias Naturales de la Universidad Nacional de Colombia, y Conservación Internacional) 2006. Base de Datos Darwin: Proyecto BioMap base de datos de distribución de la avifauna Colombiana. http://www.biomap.net.

Figure 3 on page 8: Future pattern of species richness, under climate scenario A2: predicted percent of species’ losses relative to current richness (Velásquez-Tibatá et al. 2012).

ProAves has 5 reserves open to the public and placed in several of the most important maintained ecosystems in Colombia.

These reserves have excellent accommodation, meeting rooms, canteens, electricity, mobile communication and trails; besides it is also possible to observe species of several orders in different degrees of threat, allowing researchers, academia and visitors to increase logistically knowledge of biodiversity in the environment as a formative experience.

It is a target for ProAves to make available and provide the best conditions for the academic community to develop university practices and field research for undergraduate work, master’s or doctoral degrees, with subsidized entry costs and all-risk insurance.

We want this opportunity to be the beginning of investigations of flora and fauna that contribute to the knowledge of our biodiversity and academic practices that facilitate the training of future professionals.

Research interest: ecology, biology and inventories of all Infrastructure orders

Infrastructure:

Costs:

All bookings include:

• Services like electricity, water, 3G internet

• Research permits

Description of the Birds Nature Reserves

For more information contact:

Research Director: Alexander Monsalve

ProAves, Cra 20 No. 36-61, Bogota, DC

Tel: (57-1) 3403229 / 340326 Fax (57-1) 3403285

Email: amonsalve@proaves.org