Skip to main content

Fundación ProAves – por la conservación en el país de las aves

Category: Investigación

Categories
Field Guides Investigación News Noticias El Dorado Noticias Reservas Proaves @en Revista Conservación Colombiana

The Flora of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta Documented in a New Guide for the ProAves El Dorado Reserve

The ProAves El Dorado Reserve continues to strengthen its position as a leading site for biodiversity research and conservation in Colombia. Recently, the Plant Guide of the ProAves El Dorado Reserve was officially published on the Field Museum’s Field Guides platform, one of the most internationally recognized scientific institutions.

This guide is the result of a collaborative effort led by researchers and botanists¹ who, throughout the project, documented and systematized a significant portion of the plant diversity found in the Reserve. The ProAves El Dorado Natural Reserve is located in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, one of the most biodiverse and unique ecosystems on the planet.

The publication of this material represents a key contribution to the knowledge of the region’s flora, as it provides identification and reference tools for researchers, students, local guides, and visitors interested in understanding the botanical richness of the territory.

As a next step, the research team plans to submit a scientific article derived from this work to the journal Conservación Colombiana, which will further expand the dissemination of the results and reinforce the importance of research applied to conservation.

The guide is freely accessible through the Field Museum’s platform: https://science.fieldmuseum.org/fieldguides/guides/guide/1729, reaffirming ProAves’ commitment to generating and sharing scientific knowledge in support of the conservation of Colombia’s biodiversity.

Additionally, as part of this same research effort, the article “Orchids in the Caribbean: Characterization of the Orchidaceae Family in the ProAves El Dorado Reserve”, was published in the journal Conservación Colombiana. Authored by researcher Miguel Ángel Gómez Riaño, this study deepens the understanding of one of the most diverse and representative plant groups in the region, providing detailed information on its diversity and distribution.

Both the plant guide and this scientific article are the only publications of their kind available for San Lorenzo, a key sector of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. This highlights their scientific value and their relevance for conservation, research, and environmental education.

These products not only expand knowledge of the floristic diversity of the ProAves El Dorado Reserve, but also strengthen conservation management and planning by providing essential information for monitoring, decision-making, and the appreciation of the territory’s natural heritage.

At ProAves, we recognize and thank the commitment and dedication of the individuals who made these works possible. Their impact extends beyond the Reserve and contributes to a broader understanding and appreciation of the plant diversity of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta as a whole.

¹ Photo credits: The photographs included in the Plant Guide of the ProAves El Dorado Reserve were taken by Yeison Herrera Medina, Alyssa T. Kullberg, Camilo Palacios, Juan Camilo Osorio Ospina, Maria Paula Contreras, Riley P. Fortier, and Lina Aragón, as part of the collaboration agreement developed for this project.

Imagen 1
Categories
Conservacion Investigación News Noticias Arrierito Antioqueño Noticias Reservas Proaves @en Uncategorized

Farewell to a Forest Elder: The Fall of a Magnolia coronata in the Arrierito Antioqueño ProAves Reserve

In the Arrierito Antioqueño ProAves Reserve, located in Anorí (Antioquia), one of the most emblematic and ancient trees of the forest has fallen. It was a Magnolia coronata, known locally as the “Crowned Almanegra,” regarded by the inhabitants and caretakers of the territory as a true elder of the forest — for its majestic size and the many years it had stood rooted in these mountains.

The fallen Magnolia coronata in the Arrierito Antioqueño Reserve — a symbol of life and memory in the forests of Anorí.

The forest ranger Alexander Arango reported the fall of the tree. According to his account, the heavy rains of recent weeks, combined with the natural aging of this giant, likely contributed to its collapse. Though the loss of such a specimen brings sadness, its legacy lives on in the ecosystem it helped sustain for decades.

The roots of the forest elder: silent witnesses to decades of life and balance.

This Magnolia coronata is an endemic species, listed as Critically Endangered (CR) by the IUCN (2025). It grows in the Andean forests of the Antioquia department, between 1,800 and 2,500 meters above sea level. Its flowers and seeds play a vital role in pollination and seed dispersal, while providing shelter and food to birds, insects, and other forest dwellers.

The flowers and seeds of Magnolia coronata are essential for pollination and the spread of life across the Andean forests.

This “Crowned Almanegra” was a monumental tree, rising above the forest canopy. It measured approximately 32 meters in height and 50 centimeters in diameter at chest level, growing beside a natural spring within the humid forest of the Reserve.

The ranger noted in his field notebook:

“…the Antioquia Brush-Finch (Lipaugus weberi) came to feed on one of its fruits,”
 illustrating how this tree was an active part of the local landscape and its web of life.

As Ana María Rueda, coordinator of the Magnolia Project at ProAves, explains:





“Although the fall of this elder moves us deeply, it also opens the way for life: the light now reaching the understory will allow young Magnolia coronata saplings and other native species to grow — reminding us that in the forest, nothing is lost, everything transforms.”

This event is not just the farewell to a single tree, but a reaffirmation of the importance of conserving and restoring Andean forests — home to unique and threatened species.

According to specialist Dr. Marcela Serna (IUCN, 2025),

“The population of Magnolia coronata has declined by more than 80% due to habitat fragmentation. Remaining subpopulations are small and isolated, composed mainly of mature individuals.”

At the Arrierito Antioqueño ProAves Reserve, monitoring and reforestation efforts will continue, honoring the memory of this forest elder by protecting the new generations of magnolias sprouting beneath its fallen canopy.

New magnolia seedlings emerge where the elder once stood — life always finds its way.

The images captured from the site show the magnitude of the fallen tree and the life that still thrives around it — a reminder that nature always finds ways to renew itself.

Imagen 1
Categories
Aves migratorias Conservacion Investigación News Noticias Arrierito Antioqueño Noticias Reinita Cielo Azul Noticias Reservas

Research from our Migratory Birds Scholarship Program was presented at an international bioacoustics conference in France.

Thanks to the Migratory Bird Scholarship Program awarded by Fundación ProAves, researcher Diego Mejía presented his scientific work at the third edition of the international JJBA conference (Journées Jeunes BioAcousticiens), held from June 23 to 26, 2025, in Vernon, France. His presentation reached an audience of over 60 bioacoustics and biology experts from various European countries,

This project was made possible through the support of Fundación ProAves, which fosters scientific advancement among young Colombians through its scholarship program—providing real opportunities for a new generation of researchers to contribute to biodiversity knowledge and conservation.

The research focused on identifying components of vocal behavior in two migratory bird species: the Golden-winged Warbler (Vermivora chrysoptera) and the Cerulean Warbler (Setophaga cerulea) during their stay in wintering areas in Colombia, specifically within the ProAves Arrierito Antioqueño and Reinita Cielo Azul reserves.

The goal was to understand how the ecological and developmental functions of their vocalizations vary in contrast to their breeding grounds in North America.

Mejía emphasized the importance of conducting research in tropical regions. His message was clear: “If studies focus only on temperate regions like Europe or the United States, we are seeing only half of the ecological story of migratory birds. In this sense, conducting research in megadiverse countries like Colombia is essential to understanding their full life cycles.”

The scholarship developed by Diego was one of twelve awarded by ProAves in the second half of 2024, and it represents not only a scientific achievement but also a powerful example of how academic support initiatives are paving the way for conservation and research in Colombia to gain international recognition and voice.

Imagen 1
Categories
Conservacion Investigación News Noticias El Paujil

ProAves Leads National Meeting to Build the Blue-billed Curassow Conservation Action Plan

In response to the urgent need to conserve the Blue-billed Curassow (Crax alberti), one of Colombia’s most threatened bird species, Fundación ProAves held a national meeting to develop its Conservation Action Plan. The goal is to prevent the loss of this critically endangered and endemic species.

The meeting took place at the facilities of the Marine and Coastal Research Institute – INVEMAR, in Santa Marta, and brought together representatives from key national institutions, including: ASOCARS, Conservation International, the Alexander von Humboldt Institute for Biological Resources Research, representatives from Regional Environmental Authorities (CARs), environmental agencies, National Parks representatives, ornithological associations, members of the scientific and academic communities, and other strategic actors.

During the event, participants shared the main advances in research, monitoring, and conservation of the species, identified priority threats, and agreed on strategic actions that will serve as the foundation for the design of the action plan. This process seeks to coordinate institutional, academic, and community efforts both nationally and internationally to address the critical situation of Crax alberti.






“This meeting reaffirms the urgency and importance of joining forces to save the Blue-billed Curassow. Although we have made progress in protection and monitoring, the threat remains severe and requires coordinated, determined, and ongoing action. Only by working together — institutionally, communally, and scientifically — can we guarantee a future for this critically endangered endemic species,”
stated Kruzi Paloma Carrillo León, Executive Director of Fundación ProAves.

Critical and Rapid Decline

According to a recent article published in our journal Conservación Colombiana, over the past 25 years the Blue-billed Curassow has lost 92.8% of its natural habitat, with its estimated distribution shrinking from 12,003 km² in 1999 to just 1,150 km² in 2024. This drastic decline is mainly due to deforestation, forest fragmentation, and indiscriminate hunting.

This species, endemic to the humid forests of northern and northwestern Colombia, is listed as Critically Endangered (CR) on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List. According to the latest estimates, the wild population includes approximately 1,000 adult individuals — representing a decline of over 95%.

Although the creation of the ProAves El Paujil Reserve in 2004 has led to important efforts in habitat protection, population monitoring, and environmental education in the region, the rapid loss of forest cover and ongoing hunting pressure continue to threaten the species’ survival.



“Crax alberti is perhaps Colombia’s most iconic bird species, recognized by the Zenú communities as early as 200 to 900 B.C. Unfortunately, it is also the one that has lost the most habitat—nearly 92.8% of its original range,” stated Alex Cortés, Director of Research at ProAves.




Science, Territory, and Collective Commitment

During the meeting, thematic and regional working groups were also held, identifying concrete actions under six strategic pillars: Habitat protection and management; Policies and management instruments; Research and monitoring; Actions against hunting and illegal trade; Improvement of captive breeding and reintroduction programs; Community participation and education.

The contributions from participants — representing regions where the species is still present, such as Magdalena, Antioquia, Bolívar, Santander, and Boyacá — will be key to the final structure of the National Action Plan for the Blue-billed Curassow. This roadmap seeks to stop its extinction through an integrated, territory-based approach.


From Fundación ProAves, we reaffirm our commitment to the conservation of this unique species and to the collective construction of solutions that ensure the protection of its habitat and its survival in Colombia’s forests.

Categories
Conservacion Investigación News Noticias Águila Harpía Noticias Arrierito Antioqueño Noticias Chamicero de Perijá Noticias El Dorado Noticias El Jaguar Noticias El Mirador Noticias El Pangán Noticias El Paujil Noticias Giles Fuertesi Noticias Gorrión de Andivia Noticias Halcón Colorado Noticias Hormiguero de Torcoroma Noticias Las Tángaras Noticias Lora Carirosada Noticias Loro Coroniazul Noticias Mirabilis Swarovki Noticias Pauxi Pauxi Noticias Ranita Dorada Noticias Ranita Terribilis Noticias Reinita Cielo Azul Noticias Tití Cabeciblanco Noticias Zamarrito del Pinche

ProAves Reserves: Key Refuges for Colombia’s Most Threatened Primates

Colombia is home to 43 primate species, making it the country with the third highest primate diversity in Latin America, after Brazil and Peru. This figure is particularly significant considering that South America hosts 177 primate species, many of which are endemic and highly threatened—positioning Colombia as a key player in regional conservation efforts.

These charismatic mammals play a crucial role in maintaining ecosystem health: they disperse seeds, aid in forest regeneration, and act as indicators of environmental balance. 

According to the Red List of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), Colombia has 3 primate species classified as Critically Endangered (CR), 5 as Endangered (EN), and 15 as Vulnerable (VU). 

Among the most threatened are the Caquetá Titi (Plecturocebus caquetensis), the Cotton-top Tamarin (Saguinus oedipus), and the Brown Spider Monkey (Ateles hybridus), whose populations have drastically declined due to habitat loss and fragmentation, agricultural expansion, and the illegal wildlife trade. This situation calls for urgent action to strengthen conservation and ecosystem restoration strategies in the areas these species inhabit.

At Fundación ProAves, we actively work across our 27 Nature Reserves, protecting strategic habitats for these at-risk species:

These mammals inhabit tropical forests that, thanks to continuous conservation, restoration, and education efforts, remain vital refuges for their survival.

To protect them, we implement actions such as:


Icono bosque

Habitat conservation and restoration to ensure safe areas where primates can thrive free from threats.


Icono libro

Environmental education programs with local communities to discourage the keeping of primates as pets and reduce hunting.


Icono mono

Scientific research to better understand their ecology, behavior, and population status.

Our commitment to primate conservation is a pledge to preserve ecosystem balance and ensure a healthy future for the generations to come. We will continue to strengthen our efforts through joint work with local communities, environmental authorities, and strategic allies—promoting a comprehensive conservation model that values and respects the natural wealth of our territories.

Learn more about these charismatic mammals at:

Imagen 1
Categories
Conservacion Investigación News Noticias El Dorado Proaves @en

New Orchid Species Discovered in Colombia

In an exciting new scientific discovery, Universidad Nacional de Colombia researchers supported by Fundación ProAves have identified a beautiful new species of orchid, Rasmussen Star Orchid Epidendrum rasmussenii, in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, Colombia. 

This stunning discovery highlights the region’s incredible biodiversity and underscores the importance of conservation efforts in one of the world’s most unique ecosystems.

The new species, officially described in the scientific journal Phytotaxa, was named in honor of Nathan Jens Rasmussen, whose family has played a crucial role in supporting conservation initiatives to protect this orchid and a myriad of biodiversity restricted to cloud forest in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta

“We are thrilled to support important discoveries like this one,” said Dr. Paul Salaman, President of Conservation Allies. “Rasmussen Star Orchid highlights the extraordinary biodiversity of Colombia and the critical need for sustained research and conservation efforts to protect the country’s endangered forests.”

The orchid was found within El Dorado ProAves Reserve, which is managed by Fundación ProAves with support from Conservation Allies. The reserve has long been a global stronghold for endemic and endangered species, providing a safe haven for Colombia’s rich flora and fauna. The discovery of the Rasmussen Star Orchid reinforces the importance of protecting these habitats from deforestation.

“This discovery would not have been possible without the invaluable support of Nathan Jens Rasmussen’s family and the support of Conservation Allies. It is not only a tribute to the beauty and complexity of our flora, but also a reflection of the urgency to conserve our natural ecosystems. The ProAves El Dorado Reserve continues to be a stronghold of wildlife and a refuge for biological diversity. Orchids, as a symbol of resilience and ecological richness, inspire us to redouble our efforts to safeguard our natural heritage for future generations. 

Thank you for making it possible for science and conservation to continue flourishing in Colombia,” Cited by Kruzi Paloma Carrillo León, Executive Director of Fundación ProAves.

The newly identified orchid is distinguished by its striking red-carmin and yellow-green flowers. It is currently classified as an Endangered species due to its highly restricted location, emphasizing the urgency of preserving the forests it calls home.

“The Sierra Nevada, celebrated for its biological and cultural richness, high endemism, and unique geography, now unveils a new botanical gem. This discovery not only deepens our taxonomic understanding of orchids. But also underscores the urgent need to explore, study, and safeguard these extraordinary lands, which today face mounting threats,” Stated by researcher Miguel Ángel Gómez Riaño.

This finding was made possible through extensive fieldwork, scientific collaboration, and the dedication of conservationists working tirelessly to document and protect Colombia’s extraordinary biodiversity.

Categories
Conservacion Educación ambiental Investigación News Noticias Arrierito Antioqueño Noticias Colibrí del Sol Noticias El Paujil Noticias Las Tángaras Noticias Loro Coroniazul Noticias Loro Orejiamarillo Noticias Pauxi Pauxi Noticias Reinita Cielo Azul Noticias Reservas Noticias Tití Cabeciblanco Proaves @en Women for Conservation (Mujeres por la Conservación)

This Arbor Day, We Reaffirm Our Commitment to Magnolia Conservation

Every April 29th, Colombia commemorates Arbor Day, a moment to reflect on the vital role forests play in our ecological, cultural, and climatic well-being. Forests are not only the lungs of the planet but also guardians of biodiversity and our collective local heritage. Yet, according to the Humboldt Institute, 45% of Colombia’s endemic trees and shrubs are currently at risk of extinction. Protecting them is no longer optional, it’s essential for safeguarding biodiversity and ensuring the resilience of future generations.

At Fundación ProAves, we mark this day by celebrating the tireless efforts of our forest rangers, who work daily to protect one of Colombia’s most threatened plant groups: the Magnolias. Our country is home to 42 Magnolia species, many of which are endemic and critically endangered. Their survival depends on continued conservation, restoration and awareness.

Through our Magnolia Project, in collaboration with Fondation Franklinia and Women for Conservation, we work on the identification, monitoring and restoration of these species in our Nature Reserves with the goal of ensuring their survival in their natural habitat.

Through this project, we implement a range of strategies to protect these “souls of the forest”, including monitoring sessions, identification of individual trees, seed collection, nursery propagation, planting in strategic restoration zones and environmental education activities with local communities. Each action brings us closer to securing a future where Magnolias continue to thrive in Colombia’s forests.

From a research perspective, this work has been crucial in highlighting both the remarkable richness of Magnolia species and the serious threats they face in Colombia. Ongoing restoration and reforestation efforts have not only helped regenerate key habitats but also led to the documentation of several Magnolia species across different regions. These efforts have generated valuable data on their distribution and conservation status within our network of Nature Reserves, information that is essential for guiding future protection strategies.

Discover the Magnolias recorded in our Reserves:

In addition to Magnolias, our Nature Reserves shelter many other threatened tree species, which we protect every day with unwavering commitment and care. At Fundación ProAves, we remain steadfast in our mission to ensure the comprehensive conservation of Colombia’s forests, recognising that every single tree is a vital thread in the web of life. 

This Arbor Day, we renew our commitment to biodiversity and redouble our efforts to defend the forest ecosystems that sustain thousands of species and the future of our planet.

With the support of:

Imagen 1
Imagen 2
Imagen 3
Categories
Conservacion Educación ambiental Investigación News Noticias Reservas Proaves @en Women for Conservation (Mujeres por la Conservación)

Magnolia Project: A Vital Strategy to Save Colombia’s Most Threatened Tree Species

At ProAves, we’ve dedicated over 25 years to the conservation of Colombia’s most threatened species—protecting critical habitats and taking bold, tangible action to ensure their survival. As one of the most biodiverse countries on Earth, Colombia is home to thousands of species found nowhere else in the world.

This Earth Day, we proudly reaffirm our unwavering commitment to safeguarding biodiversity and preserving the unique ecosystems that make Colombia a global conservation priority.

Among the natural treasures we work tirelessly to protect are Magnolias—an ancient lineage of trees and shrubs found across Asia and the Americas. Colombia alone is home to 42 Magnolia species, of which 36 are endemic. Sadly, many of these are at serious risk of extinction due to deforestation, climate change, and agricultural expansion. 

Beyond their striking beauty and valued timber, Magnolias play a vital ecological role: they capture carbon and help regulate the climate, support the water cycle, and provide essential habitat for a wide range of species. Their protection is not only about saving individual species—it’s about preserving the integrity and resilience of entire ecosystems.

Thanks to the generous support of Fondation Franklinia and the collaboration between ProAves and Women for Conservation, we are making great strides with the Magnolia Project—an initiative dedicated to the identification, monitoring, and restoration of Magnolia species within our Nature Reserves. To date, we’ve identified around 20 different Magnolia species, many of which are rare and endemic, underscoring the critical importance of protecting their habitats.

Through dedicated fieldwork, we’ve developed and implemented a comprehensive conservation strategy to safeguard Colombia’s Magnolia species. Our approach includes:

  • Identification and monitoring of Magnolia trees in the field.
  • Fruit collection and seed germination in specialised nurseries.
  • Planting of seedlings in strategic ecological restoration zones within our Nature Reserves.
  • Environmental education and community awareness programs focused on the ecological and cultural importance of Magnolias.

An essential component of this project is the work of our forest rangers, who, through their ongoing efforts, ensure the protection of these trees and their ecosystems.






“Working on the Magnolia Project at the Las Tángaras Reserve has been a truly special experience. We are helping to rescue trees that are on the brink of extinction. I’ve learned so much about germination, dealing with pests, planting, and nursery care. It fills me with joy to care for nature and to contribute, with my own hands, to the protection of a species that could otherwise disappear.” Fanis Mosquera, Forest Ranger and Nursery Leader, Magnolia Project

Several Magnolia species are currently in their reproductive phase, with fruits maturing and requiring close monitoring to ensure viable seed production and support natural regeneration. These efforts highlight ProAves’ steadfast commitment to the conservation of endangered species and the protection of the forests that sustain Colombia’s incredible biodiversity.

With every rescued seed, every monitored tree, and every trained forest guardian, we are sowing hope for Colombia’s Magnolias and for the future of its rich biodiversity. On this meaningful day, we call for united action to protect these vital species, which are essential to the health, balance, and resilience of the Andean forests.

Discover the Magnolia species documented in our ProAves Reserves at our microsite: Souls of the Forest → https://proaves.org/blog/proyecto-magnolias/

Imagen 1
Imagen 2
Imagen 3
Categories
Conservacion Educación ambiental Investigación News Noticias El Paujil Noticias Reservas Proaves @en Women for Conservation (Mujeres por la Conservación)

We Relaunch Our “Women in Research and Science” Scholarship Program

The Blue-billed Curassow (Crax alberti) is one of Colombia’s most emblematic and critically endangered species, classified as Critically Endangered (CR) by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Its populations are scarce and highly fragmented, making research that contributes to its conservation an urgent priority. 

In this context, and with the goal of continuing to strengthen the participation of women in science and conservation in our country, we are opening a new call for applications to our scholarship program, aimed at: 

Five (5) women who wish to conduct undergraduate or graduate research in the ecology of endemic and/or threatened species in the ProAves El Paujil Reserve.

One (1) of the scholarships must specifically focus on estimating the abundance and density of the Blue-billed Curassow (Crax alberti) within our Reserve.

One (1) of the scholarships must be focused on the diversity of herpetofauna in the Reserve.

The scholarship includes:

  • COP $3,000,000 for transportation and food
  • 50% of lodging costs at the ProAves El Paujil Reserve during the stay
  • Publication in the journal Conservación Colombiana

Location: ProAves El Paujil Reserve, Puerto Pinzón (district), municipality of Puerto Boyacá, Boyacá, Colombia

Selected candidates must:

  • Submit a report of the activities carried out to the ProAves Director of Research
  • Conduct community workshops related to the research topics
    Submit an article on the research conducted for publication in Conservación Colombiana

Requirements to apply:

  • Be a woman enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program (to be verified by official documentation)
  • Conduct a research project focused on estimating the abundance and density of the Blue-billed Curassow at the ProAves El Paujil Reserve
  • If not currently enrolled in an academic program, applicants must submit a letter of intent explaining why they are a suitable candidate for the project and what research topic they would like to pursue. The letter should be sent to: acortes@proaves.org and lgmosquera@proaves.org
  • Applicants may also seek co-financing or additional support from other organizations if needed.

This call aims to encourage the active participation of women in science and conservation, offering a unique opportunity to carry out research projects in one of the most biodiverse areas of Colombia.

Applications will open on May 1, 2025, and will close as selected candidates are approved.

Applications must be submitted through the following form: https://forms.gle/eByPVekHa73nbDSNA

Opening date: May 1, 2025
Application deadline: June 13
Project socialization: June 19 and 20
Results announcement: June 27
Fieldwork: Minimum of 4 weeks (between July and August)
Article submission deadline: October 1
The article must be submitted following these guidelines: https://proaves.org/guia-para-autores/

If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact:

Alex Cortés

acortes@proaves.org  aborrero@proaves.org 

Celular: 315 4745155

 Luis Gabriel Mosquera

lgmosquera@proaves.org 

Celular: 3105375059

Categories
Conservacion Educación ambiental Investigación News Noticias Reservas Proaves @en Women for Conservation (Mujeres por la Conservación)

Women Driving the Conservation of Magnolias in ProAves Reserves

Thanks to the support of Fondation Franklinia, ProAves, together with Women for Conservation, is leading a targeted conservation strategy to protect 20 endemic and critically endangered Magnolia species across several Nature Reserves managed by the ProAves Foundation.






This initiative aims not only to regenerate, restore, and replant Magnolia species, but also to empower women by strengthening their leadership in nursery management and ecological restoration efforts.
Conserving Magnolia species and preventing their extinction demands meticulous, hands-on work—from locating parent trees and carefully harvesting their fruits, to the delicate process of germination, nurturing seedlings until they reach optimal planting size, selecting ideal reforestation sites, and conducting ongoing monitoring to ensure successful adaptation to their new environment.

A cornerstone of this process has been the construction of specialised nurseries. These spaces are designed for post-harvest handling, equipped with germination chambers, and set up for the close monitoring and care of each seedling, ensuring that every step of the restoration process is handled with precision and dedication.

Following fruit collection, our rangers and women leaders in the nurseries work together to carefully sort viable from non-viable seeds—an essential step for ensuring the success of the germination process. Additionally, we maintain close monitoring of humidity levels within the germination chambers to create optimal conditions for seedling growth.

Following the fruit harvest, the women leaders of the nursery, in collaboration with the rangers, undertake a crucial task: classifying the seeds. Separating the viable seeds from the non-viable ones demands both expertise and patience, as this step is critical to the overall success of the conservation process. Meanwhile, the germination chambers are continuously monitored to maintain optimal conditions for the healthy development of the future plants.

At ProAves and Women for Conservation, we actively promote the participation of women from local communities in the production of Magnolia seedlings as a key strategy for advancing gender equity. Through this initiative, we not only involve them in ecological restoration efforts but also work to strengthen their technical skills in nursery management, empowering them to play a central role in conservation.

Through the Magnolias Project, we remain dedicated to empowering women in critical conservation areas. With every Magnolia that blooms in our nurseries, we are not only sowing life and hope but also reinforcing the vital connection between ecological restoration and women’s leadership within our communities.

Currently, the nursery project is being implemented across several conservation areas, with a focused effort on reforesting endangered endemic Magnolia species in the following Nature Reserves:

With the support of:

Imagen 1
Imagen 2
Imagen 3
Categories
Conservacion Investigación News Noticias Arrierito Antioqueño Noticias Colibrí del Sol Noticias El Paujil Noticias Las Tángaras Noticias Loro Orejiamarillo Noticias Pauxi Pauxi Noticias Reinita Cielo Azul Noticias Reservas Proaves @en Women for Conservation (Mujeres por la Conservación)

The Magnolia Project Advances in ProAves Reserves: Taking Action for the Conservation of These Species

In an effort to protect Colombia’s biological diversity, ProAves and Fondation Franklinia are making progress in the identification, monitoring, and restoration of 16 magnolia species across 13 of our Natural Reserves. This work not only contributes to scientific knowledge but also strengthens conservation strategies for these unique and threatened trees.

Magnolias belong to the Magnoliaceae family, a primitive group of trees and shrubs with over 350 species distributed across Asia and the Americas. Colombia is home to 42 recorded species, making it the most magnolia-diverse country in the Neotropics. Of these, 36 species are endemic and urgently require protection measures.

Monitoring Progress and Key Findings

To date, our team of rangers and botanists has identified different magnolia species in reserves located in the Antioquia-Chocó and Santander-Boyacá regions.

In the ProAves Reserves Arrierito Antioqueño, Las Tángaras, Colibrí del Sol, and Loro Orejiamarillo, 165 magnolia trees have been documented, including new records expanding the known distribution of species such as M. coronata, M. chocoensis, M. espinalii, and M. lenticellata. Additionally, it has been confirmed that these areas host the largest recorded populations of M. coronata and M. urraoensis, a valuable contribution to their conservation.

In the El Paujil and Pauxi Pauxi reserves, magnolias of great ecological importance have also been identified. In El Paujil, six individuals of M. cespedesii were recorded, some in a reproductive state, along with other high-value species such as Dacryodes colombiana (EN) and Brownea santanderensis (CR). Meanwhile, in Pauxi Pauxi, one individual of M. resupinatifolia was recorded, alongside several threatened species, highlighting the importance of preserving these habitats.

Training and Restoration: Planting Hope

As part of this project, rangers have received training in species identification, seed management, and nursery practices, achieving:

  • Collection of 107 fruits containing 251 seeds
  • Monitoring of 20 developing fruits
  • Rescue of 13 seedlings, with 8 actively growing
  • Germination of 214 individuals of M. urraoensis, 16 of M. lenticellata, and 19 of M. espinalii

In Pauxi Pauxi, pilot plantations with endangered species have been carried out, marking an initial step in restoring these ecosystems.

Additionally, progress is being made in the development of six nurseries, managed by Women for Conservation, a key partner organization, to facilitate magnolia reproduction.

Seeds of Hope for Magnolia Conservation

Magnolias in the ProAves Reserves are currently in a reproductive phase, with maturing fruits requiring constant monitoring to ensure the production of viable seeds and their natural regeneration. These efforts reflect ProAves’ commitment to conserving endangered species and protecting the forests that sustain wildlife.

With each rescued seed, each monitored tree, and each trained ranger, we continue to plant hope for magnolias and Colombia’s biodiversity.

Thanks to the support of:

Imagen 1
Imagen 2
Categories
Conservacion Investigación News Noticias El Paujil Noticias Reservas Proaves @en Women for Conservation (Mujeres por la Conservación)

Women Scientists Complete Research Projects for the Conservation of Crax alberti and Primates in Our ProAves El Paujil Reserve

At ProAves, alongside Women for Conservation, we carried out the second edition of our Women in Research and Science Scholarships program, an initiative designed to promote women’s participation in the generation of scientific knowledge.
After a rigorous selection process, we chose three researchers to develop their projects in our ProAves El Paujil Reserve, located in the Puerto Pinzón district, in Puerto Boyacá, Boyacá. Over several months, they dedicated themselves to exploring, analyzing, and documenting three threatened species: the Blue-billed Curassow (Crax alberti), the Brown Spider Monkey (Ateles hybridus), and the White-fronted Capuchin (Cebus albifrons versicolor).

Investigating the Habitat of the Blue-billed Curassow: Foundations for Its Protection



Laura Sofía García Monroy, a Biology student at Universidad Distrital Francisco José de Caldas, focused her research on understanding the habitat use of the Blue-billed Curassow, a critically endangered species endemic to Colombia. This bird, restricted to dry and humid Andean forests, is a key indicator of ecosystem health and plays a crucial role in seed dispersal and biological control.




Her research results revealed that the Blue-billed Curassow primarily uses secondary vegetation habitats as feeding areas, demonstrating its ability to adapt to altered landscapes. This pattern highlights the importance of fragmented areas and the need for conservation strategies that prioritize habitat connectivity and the restoration of degraded areas. Additionally, the observed reproductive behavior reinforces the importance of the nature reserve as a refuge for this endangered species.

Conserving the Brown Spider Monkey and the White-fronted Capuchin





Dalia Katiana Arias Macedo, a Biology student at the National University of Colombia, and Dahiana García Vargas, an Environmental Engineering student at Fundación Universitaria de San Gil, focused their research on the Brown Spider Monkey (Ateles hybridus), a species essential for seed dispersal in tropical forests that faces serious threats such as deforestation and hunting.

Dalia also studied the White-fronted Capuchin (Cebus albifrons versicolor) and analyzed the population density of both primates in the ProAves El Paujil Reserve using direct observation methods and line transects.

These two researchers found that the Reserve harbors a high density of these species: 16 individuals of Brown Spider Monkey and 51 of White-fronted Capuchin per square kilometer. Their findings highlight the Reserve as a key refuge for these species and reinforce the need to protect their habitats to ensure their conservation.



They also recorded 24 sightings of Brown Spider Monkeys and determined that there are 5.50 groups per square kilometer, with a detection probability of 61.74%. Their results reflect a moderate population and a good sighting rate, emphasizing the importance of continuing conservation efforts for this endangered species.




Both studies reaffirm the importance of the ProAves El Paujil Reserve as a conservation area for these primates and other at-risk species..

Community Impact

In addition to their research, the women carried out community activities in Puerto Pinzón, sharing information about the studied species with local residents and students. These activities included visits to our Reserve, where children learned about biodiversity and the importance of protecting it.

With this second edition of the program, we reaffirm our commitment to empowering women in science and celebrate the positive impact these research projects have on the conservation of species such as the Blue-billed Curassow, the Brown Spider Monkey, and the White-fronted Capuchin. These initiatives strengthen female leadership and significantly contribute to biodiversity protection.

With the support of:

Imagen 1
Imagen 2
Categories
Articles Blog Conservacion Investigación News Noticias Reservas Proaves @en Revista

We are launching Volume 29 (2) of our Conservación Colombiana Journal, contributing to scientific research and biodiversity protection

The Conservación Colombiana Journal is a space dedicated to scientific research and knowledge on biodiversity in Colombia and other regions of Latin America. With a rigorous and multidisciplinary approach, the journal has established itself over more than 25 years as an essential tool for researchers, educators, and conservation enthusiasts, significantly contributing to the care of biodiversity and the protection of wildlife and their ecosystems.

Volume 29 (2) of the journal includes nine articles highlighting innovative research and important findings for the preservation of species and their habitats. Among the key topics covered in this edition are details on the ecological characterization of flora, herpetofauna, mammal fauna, and birds in the ProAves Las Tángaras Reserve, located in El Carmen de Atrato, Chocó, which has been declared a Regional Natural Park. This declaration underscores the importance of conserving one of the country’s most biodiversity-rich ecosystems, the Biogeographic Chocó.

Additionally, one of the articles reports the main challenges and opportunities for agrobiodiversity in Perú, providing a comprehensive analysis exploring how biodiversity can be key to sustainable development.

Foto: Nigel Voaden

This edition highlights the notable sighting of Eriocnemis mirabilis in the Peñas Blancas district, rural area of Cali, Valle del Cauca. This hummingbird, classified as Endangered (EN) and endemic to Colombia, is also the emblematic bird of the Munchique National Natural Park. This sighting is a significant record, expanding knowledge about its distribution and conservation efforts.

The Conservación Colombiana Journal not only highlights advances in research and conservation in Colombia and Latin America, but this content also serves as a reference for the academic community and a key resource for those working to protect wildlife and their ecosystems.

To access the full journal, visit the following link: https://proaves.org/blog/conservacion-colombiana-volumen-29-numero-2/

Categories
Conservacion Investigación News Noticias Arrierito Antioqueño Noticias El Dorado Noticias El Paujil Noticias Las Tángaras Noticias Loro Coroniazul Noticias Loro Orejiamarillo Noticias Pauxi Pauxi Noticias Ranita Dorada Noticias Reinita Cielo Azul Proaves @en

These Are the People Who Will Contribute to the Conservation of Migratory Birds Through Research in Our Country

At ProAves, we have concluded the selection process for our call for applications: Migratory Bird Research Scholarships, where we selected 12 researchers to conduct studies focused on the conservation of these extreme travelers, which are protected in our Natural Reserves.
The objective of these scholarships is to promote the knowledge and study of migratory birds, species that amaze us with their behaviors as they embark on epic journeys to protect themselves from the cold and find food.
Thanks to these scholarships, scientific research will be promoted, helping to identify the threats these species face during their journeys and behaviors. Through collaboration and a commitment to science, we aim to ensure that migratory birds continue to be a vital part of our biodiversity and, consequently, of the Natural Reserves we protect.

Here are the selected researchers, the titles of their projects, and the reserves where their research will be applied:

Cristian Mateo Ospina Montoya
Research project: Comparison of the Response of Resident and Migratory Birds to the Edge Effect in an Andean Landscape in the Department of Antioquia, Colombia
ProAves Reserve: Arrierito Antioqueño
University: University of Quindío – Biology

Juan Camilo Úsuga Fuentes
Research project: Study of the Occupation of Migratory Birds in the ProAves Arrierito Antioqueño Reserve located in the rural area of Anorí, Antioquia
ProAves Reserve: Arrierito Antioqueño
University: University of Antioquia – Coastal Zone Ecology

Ider Humberto Diaz Rivas
Research project: Migratory Avifauna in a Landscape Mosaic of the Coffee Belt of the Colombian Andes, Municipality of Génova-Quindío
ProAves Reserve: Loro Coroniazul
University: University of the Amazon – Biology

Jessica Esmeralda Lozano Romero
Research project: Interaction Between Migratory and Resident Birds in Different Vegetation Coverages in the ProAves Reinita Cielo Azul Reserve, Municipality of San Vicente de Chucurí, Santander
ProAves Reserve: Reinita Cielo Azul
University: Pedagogical and Technological University of Colombia (UPTC) – Environmental Management Specialist

Diego Mejía Tovar
Research project: Vocal Behavior of Setophaga cerulea and Vermivora chrysoptera in Wintering Areas of the ProAves Reinita Cerúlea and Pauxi Pauxi Reserves, Located in the Rural Area of San Vicente de Chucurí, Santander
ProAves Reserve: Reinita Cerúlea, Pauxi Pauxi
University: University of Rosario – Biology

Jhonatan Arias Martínez
Research project: Ecological Segregation Dynamics in Migratory Birds of the Parulidae Group (warblers) in the ProAves Las Tangaras Reserve, Located in the Municipality of El Carmen de Atrato, Chocó
ProAves Reserve: Las Tángaras
University: Francisco de Paula Santander University – Environmental Engineering

Laura Catalina Guarín Oviedo

David Steven Valero Vargas
Research project: Contrast in Habitat Occupation Between Resident and Migratory Birds in an Altitudinal Gradient: Diversity, Abundance, and Temporal Variation in the El Dorado Reserve, Municipality of Santa Marta, Magdalena
ProAves Reserve: El Dorado
University: Military University Nueva Granada – Applied Biology

Isaac Daniel Diaz Rivera 

Laura Vanessa Rodríguez Figueroa
Research project: Approaches to the Foraging Ecology of Setophaga swainsoni, WJ 1827 in the ProAves El Dorado Reserve
ProAves Reserve: El Dorado
University: University of the Atlantic – Biology

Yuly Milena Rincón Gómez
Research project: Analysis of a Migratory Species Assembly in the Various Covers in the Ranita Dorada Reserve in the Municipality of Falan, Tolima
ProAves Reserve: Ranita Dorada
Independent Researcher – Tourist Guide Technologist, Agroecology Student

Ángela Gutiérrez Suárez 

Juan Esteban Albán Laverde
Research project: Evaluating the Importance of Spatial Segregation Between Nearctic Migratory Birds and Resident Birds Through the Comparison of Habitat Use Patterns and Vertical Strata
ProAves Reserve: Loro Orejiamarillo
University: University of Valle – Biology

Romario Andrés Barona Muñoz

Leandro Rodríguez Peña
Research project: Evaluating the Importance of Temporal Segregation Between Nearctic Migratory Birds and Resident Birds Through the Comparison of Habitat Use Patterns and Vertical Strata
ProAves Reserve: Loro Orejiamarillo
University: University of Valle – Biology

Juanita Angarita Ricaurte

Paula Tatiana Alméciga Camargo

Daniel Rincón
Research project: Habitat Use and Selection of Migratory Bird Species in the El Paujil Reserve, Puerto Boyacá, Colombia
ProAves Reserve: El Paujil
University: Francisco José de Caldas District University – Bachelor in Biology

We are excited to announce that the 12 selected researchers will begin working on projects that will contribute to understanding and conserving these birds, which are essential to the health of ecosystems and conservation strategies in our protected areas.
We thank all those interested and passionate about birds, and we invite you to stay tuned for updates on the progress of these investigations, which will contribute to the preservation of these extreme travelers and their habitats.

Categories
Articles Conservacion Investigación News Noticias Reinita Cielo Azul Proaves @en

Important Fern Record in the Department of Santander

Colombia has a record of 1,450 native fern species, of which 110 are endemic, representing a remarkable 15% of the global diversity. In this context, a group of biologists conducted an important expedition in the ProAves Reinita Cielo Azul Reserve and the Serranía de los Yariguíes to explore the richness of these plants in this region.

Ferns are vascular plants that do not produce flowers or seeds; they reproduce through spores. Despite their ecological importance, they have been little collected and studied, leaving much still to be researched regarding their biodiversity and potential.

During 11 days of fieldwork, the team collected 407 specimens, distributed across 27 families and 151 different species. Among the most notable findings, the following was identified:






Pterozonium brevifrons
A specimen from the Pterozonium brevifrons, ugenus, a particularly significant finding as it represents the first record of this species in the department of Santander. Furthermore, it is a rare species in the country, previously only known from collections in the department of Caquetá.

This study not only expands scientific knowledge about the fern biodiversity in Colombia, but it also emphasizes the importance of conserving unique ecosystems like those in the ProAves Reinita Cielo Azul Reserve and the Serranía de los Yariguíes.
The obtained records demonstrate that these areas are essential for the preservation of species that, in many cases, are endemic or have very limited distributions.

The expedition reinforces ProAves’ and its allies’ commitment to scientific research, highlighting research as an essential pillar for biodiversity conservation in Colombia.

Categories
Articles Blog Investigación News Noticias El Dorado Proaves @en Uncategorized @en

ProAves and CORPAMAG signed an agreement that will contribute to the conservation of the most endangered ecosystems and species in the Magdalena department.

In an important step towards biodiversity conservation, ProAves and the Magdalena Regional Autonomous Corporation (CORPAMAG) signed an inter-institutional agreement that seeks to carry out conservation and restoration actions on the San Lorenzo ridge, in the Santa Marta District, to protect prioritised species in the Department of Magdalena.   

 

The signing of this agreement took place at the Corporation’s headquarters, with the presence of Sara Inés Lara, Executive Director of ProAves and the General Director of CORPAMAG, Alfredo Martínez Gutiérrez.

The agreement establishes a framework for collaboration that will allow the execution of specific projects aimed at protecting critical habitats and preserving biodiversity. The region faces various threats due to the loss of its natural environment and human activities. Through this alliance, we hope to implement ecological restoration and community awareness strategies, involving local communities in the defense of their natural heritage.

One of the main focuses of the agreement is the protection of the remaining habitats on the upper part of the San Lorenzo ridge, in the ProAves El Dorado Reserve, a vital area for biodiversity that protects more than a thousand hectares of forest in an excellent state of conservation. There, reforestation campaigns, eradication of invasive species and conservation programs focused on the protection of species such as the Santa Marta Parakeet (Pyrrhura viridicata) and various species of endemic amphibians, such as the Magdalena giant glass frog (Ikakogi tayrona).

The agreement also includes a research component to measure the impact of conservation actions and monitor birdlife and its population growth. This effort will allow the effectiveness of the implemented strategies to be evaluated and contribute to scientific knowledge of the species that are inhabiting the region’s ecosystems.

“This agreement marks a very important point for the protection and conservation of biodiversity of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. With this collaboration, we will advance in the protection of habitats that are in danger of extinction and the species that inhabit them. We are working closely together to implement conservation, research and environmental education strategies. That will allow us to have quick and concrete results that would benefit local communities and biodiversity,” said Sara Inés Lara, Executive Director of ProAves during the signing of the document.

On its behalf, the Autonomous Corporation of Magdalena highlighted the importance of inter-institutional collaboration as a key tool to address the environmental challenges affecting the region.

“With the signing of this agreement, we will have an opportunity to continue strengthening the protection and conservation of the Sierra Nevada of Santa Marta. We are joining forces to allow us to have planning instruments that, through regulations, guarantee the use of protection and conservation of these important areas. Areas such as the El Dorado Reserve, which is of great interest from an ecosystemic point of view.  As well with this agreement working hand in hand with the communities. Taking into account the great experience that ProAves already has in the territory” said Alfredo Martínez Gutiérrez, General Director of CORPAMAG.

This agreement is a reflection of the commitment of both parties to promote sustainable development and guarantee the health of the ecosystems that sustain life in Magdalena. With this joint effort, ProAves and the Magdalena Autonomous Corporation hope not only to protect local biodiversity but also to foster a culture of perpetual conservation with the communities of the region.

Categories
Conservacion Educación ambiental Investigación Proaves @en

Let’s protect our biodiversity. Say no to illegal wildlife trafficking!

In recent months, the media reported the news of the trafficking of 130 individuals of the Sylvatic Poison Frog (Oophaga sylvatica) by a woman apprehended at the El Dorado International Airport in Bogotá. These species were intended to be transported to the city of São Paulo in Brazil, posing a risk to the biodiversity richness our country possesses.

Sadly, illegal wildlife trafficking is one of the leading causes of biodiversity loss worldwide. Additionally, it is considered the fourth most profitable global crime according to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). Therefore, over time, the work of raising awareness to discourage humans from engaging in trafficking becomes increasingly urgent in order to prevent species extinction.

The Kiki frog (Oophaga sylvatica) is a species of poison dart frog, also known as the Red Devil, which is distributed in the tropical humid forests of the southern Pacific region in the departments of Cauca and Nariño in southwestern Colombia and in the northwest of Ecuador. It belongs to the Dendrobatidae group (poison dart frogs) and is one of the 7 species of frogs in the genus Oophaga found in our country.

ProAves, which has been engaged in biodiversity conservation efforts for over 25 years, has also undertaken actions to protect amphibians. Currently, in the ProAves El Pangán and Ranita Terribilis Reserves, located respectively in the departments of Nariño and Cauca, 7 different morphs of Oophaga sylvatica are recognized (5 in El Pangán and 2 in Ranita Terribilis).

This frog, like the vast majority of amphibians in Colombia, faces serious threats to its survival due to ongoing habitat fragmentation, poisoning of water sources by mining activities, agrochemicals, and sewage. In addition to these challenges, these impressive frogs, known for their aposematic colors, are affected by the chytrid fungus or Bd (Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis), which attacks the skin of these amphibians.

In addition to these risks, these individuals are collected and traded by unscrupulous individuals who remove them from their habitats, pushing them to the brink of extinction. Websites such as Terraristik.com and Seshop.es.tl are dedicated to the commercialization of species, offering prices ranging from €250 to €350, which corresponds to over 1 million Colombian pesos per individual. According to Juan Carlos Arévalo, operational commander of the Metropolitan Police of Bogotá, collectors are willing to pay up to $1,000 per individual.

Unfortunately, in addition to amphibians, species of utmost importance such as the white-headed titi monkey, marine turtles, pink dolphins, spectacled bear, among others, are among the most common targets of these commercialization practices, putting biodiversity at risk.

The richness of fauna and flora in our country is of utmost importance, and conserving it requires actions ranging from environmental education to research aimed at raising awareness about the need to protect these individuals that give Colombia its astonishing beauty.

Join our conservation efforts!
Say no to illegal wildlife trafficking!

Categories
Conservacion Investigación News Noticias El Dorado Proaves @en

Astounding new species of bird for Science discovered in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, Colombia

Fundación ProAves team member Nemesio Andres Gulfo discovered a mysterious huge antpitta – a thrush-like bird with powerful legs and appears tailless – that was feeding on the ground close to the El Dorado ProAves Reserve eco-lodge.  

ProAves ornithologists rushed to the El Dorado reserve and worked with Nemesio to identify the species. At first it appeared to be similar to the Undulated Antpitta Grallaria squamigera – a species found across the main Andean cordilleras of Colombia. However, after intensive observations, song tape recordings and finally the capture, measurement and release of an adult bird, the ProAves research team was able to confirm that Nemesio’s discovery represented a unique and distinctive new species of Antpitta for science!

In fact, the species may be closely related to the geographically closer Great Antpitta Grallaria excelsa known only from the Merida mountains of Venezuela, which is likewise a subtropical forest specialist, but over 400 km distant. The new isolated species in the El Dorado reserve has a distinct gray head contrasting with an olivaceous back and wings. But its facial characteristics are particularly strong with a bright white “beard” and black collar. The vocalizations are especially interesting as they are very similar to another species in the reserve, meaning this shy species has been almost completely overlooked by the countless birdwatchers and ornithologists visiting El Dorado ProAves Reserve since 2005.

While more evidence is being documented, such as its distinctive ecological traits, measurements and vocalizations, the team are provisionally referring to the new species as the “El Dorado Antpitta”. The research team composed of Nemesio Andres Gulfo, Alex Cortes, Juan Carlos Luna, Paul Salaman and Thomas Donegan aim to publish all the evidence in the coming year in collaboration with the University of Antioquia who are undertaking phylogenetic studies using blood taken from a captured individual – that was released unharmed after study.

Approximately 10,000 ornithologists and birdwatchers have visited the El Dorado ProAves Reserve and surrounding area in the past two decades and never seen or heard the species. There was one sighting of a bird for five minutes in 2015 by Sophie Osborn and Chad Olson, but only a distant blurred photograph was taken and which they considered to be of Undulated Antpitta. 

Even more astounding is that the new species occurs in the former property called Vista Nieves of one of South America’s most famous bird collectors, Melbourne Carriker. He and his family lived in the early 20th century and collected thousands of birds, but bizarrely never this species. 

It is very rare to find a new species of bird nowadays. Just three new species were described globally in 2023. Colombia is the world’s #1 country for birds with over 1,979 bird species recorded and yet new species can still be found there – the last bird described in the country was the Chami Antpitta in 2020.

This exciting new discovery further highlights the global importance of the 1,300 hectare El Dorado ProAves Reserve for biodiversity conservation thanks to Fundacion ProAves. It already protects over 20 endemic bird species and hundreds of other species of amphibians, orchids, reptiles and much more restricted to the subtropical and montane forests of the reserve and Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta.

Tragically, deforestation is accelerating in the cooler subtropical forests around the El Dorado ProAves Reserve and the Sierra Nevada because of a property boom to escape the increasing hot and dry coastal plain and city of Santa Marta attributed to climate change. This is pushing housing into the mountains where land prices have sky-rocketed and as a consequence unprotected subtropical forests in the region are being sold and cleared (often without authorization) to make way for holiday homes and new farms.  

This remarkable discovery of El Dorado Antpitta should be a moment of triumph for Colombia, however, it is worrying as the species is so endangered and its populations appear to be too small, which we fear for its future survival.

Categories
Investigación News

Rediscovery of the Colombian Bamboo Toro (Olallamys albicadus) in Quindío, Colombia

The rediscovery in Colombia of the Colombian Bamboo Toro (Olallamys albicaudus) with incredible photos and videos has just been made by the Fundación ProAves ranger Sergio Cruz in the Loro CoroniAzul ProAves Reserve, Department of Quindío.

The Colombian Bamboo Toro, also known as the or White-tailed Olalla rat, was described in 1879 and after almost 150 years is still only known from just 17 records in the Colombia Andes and one record from Ecuador. It is almost unknown in life so when the Fundación ProAves ranger – Sergio Cruz – discovered this extremely rare and endangered mammal he was shocked that it befriended him!

First published video of Colombian Bamboo Toro thanks to ProAves Ranger – Sergio Cruz

“I was undertaking surveys in the reserve, when around 2 pm at 3,430 meters elevation I saw this mammal down the trail feeding on bamboo and grass.” said Sergio Cruz, “Little by little I got closer and closer. It showed absolutely no concern for me and despite its large size and being a wild animal, it let me take photos until it actually came to me and climbed on me!  You can not imagine my surprise and joy!”

The Colombian Bamboo Toro is a distinctive large rodent with soft, long hair and an exceptionally long tail with a bold whitish tip. The body is bright reddish-brown, while the belly is whitish.  The species is virtually unknown in life and is considered near Endemic to Colombia with most records from around Bogota and just a few from the Central Cordillera with one record on the border with Colombia in Ecuador.

This exciting discovery is made within the Loro CoroniAzul ProAves Reserve located in the Municipality of Génova, Quindío. The reserve and adjacent areas are considered an Alliance for Zero Extinction site because of its global importance for endangered species and habitats.

 This species is so rare that experts are unsure just how endangered the species is, but its fondness for bamboo thickets inside high Andean cloud forest – a unique habitat at great risk from clearance for farming and from climate change – means the species is certainly at grave risk of extinction.

Fundación ProAves is now planning to study this wonderful species in the hope of assessing the population and understanding how we can best save it from extinction.

Categories
Conservacion Investigación News Uncategorized @en

Earth Day 2023: Celebrating 20 years of ProAves El Pangán Reserve, a refuge for biodiversity and a paradise for conservation

Every April 22, the world celebrates Earth Day, with the aim of raising awareness about issues such as climate change, species loss, and pollution. This day serves as a reminder for organizations around the world to promote responsible actions in harmony with nature.

Earth Day 2023 marks the 20th anniversary of ProAves acquiring the first plots of land to establish the ProAves El Pangán Reserve, which has since been committed to the perpetual protection and conservation of this majestic ecosystem and its wonderful species.

In 2003, our first ProAves Nature Reserve was established: the ProAves El Pangán Reserve, with the support of BirdLife International and Conservation International, in partnership with  the Strategic Ecosystem Alliance Fund (CEPF) program.

Thanks to the ProAves Trust Fund, a dedicated and passionate team of rangers has sustained protection of this reserve from unprecedented threats such as illegal logging, trafficking of endangered amphibians for the illegal pet trade, multiple oil spills due to illegal handling, and land invasion for illicit crop production. Working in partnership with local indigenous communities has been crucial in helping to protect natural resources in this area.

The El Pangán Reserve is located in the foothills of the western Cordillera of the Andes in the municipality of Barbacoas, department of Nariño. This protected area is also located within the biogeographic region of Chocó, one of the habitats with the highest number of endemism on the continent. Therefore, this Natural Reserve is among the 25 regions in the world classified as priorities for nature conservation and is designated as a Biodiversity Hotspot. Currently, this conservation area covers hundreds of key hectares for the protection of fauna and flora in the country.

The presence of species such as the Mache glass frog (Cochranella mache), which had only been reported in the departments of Valle del Cauca, Antioquia, and Chocó, is a testament to the high biodiversity of this territory. In addition, the amphibian Pristimantis ornatissimus, previously thought to be endemic to Ecuador, was first recorded in Colombia in this reserve.

This incredible reserve boasts an incredible biodiversity of over 350 species of birds, including 21 threatened, 2 endangered, 13 almost threatened, 4 vulnerable, and 49 endemic species. No other protected area of comparable size within the Andean Biodiversity Evaluation (EBA) harbors populations of so many restricted-range bird species, making it one of the highest priority ecosystems for conservation.

Thanks to all the donors, communities, and organizations that have joined this conservation dream, which began with the establishment of the ProAves El Pangán Reserve and has since evolved into the formation of 27 Natural Reserves throughout the country to preserve the most threatened terrestrial species and contribute to the care of the planet.