The ProAves Foundation continues to strengthen scientific research in its Nature Reserves by awarding scholarships to young researchers across the country. In this call, three students carried out projects focused on the diversity and conservation of herpetofauna in three ProAves Reserves, while one young researcher developed a study on resident and migratory birds in Andean landscapes.
These scholarships make it possible to generate key knowledge to guide conservation actions while also supporting the academic growth of new generations committed to Colombia’s biodiversity.
Three young female researchers conducted their fieldwork in ProAves Foundation Reserves, contributing to a better understanding of the richness and conservation status of herpetofauna in strategic ecosystems:
- Anna María Cruz: “Herpetofauna diversity in the ProAves El Paujil Reserve – Puerto Boyacá, Colombia: an approach to its conservation and protection.”
Her study provides fundamental data on sensitive species in one of the most important forest remnants of the Middle Magdalena region. - Angie Camila Caicedo: “Abundance and diversity of herpetofauna associated with habitat in the ProAves Arrierito Antioqueño Reserve, Anorí, Antioquia.”
Her research analyzes how different habitat types influence the presence and distribution of amphibians and reptiles in a key conservation area. - Maida Michel Gutiérrez: “Herpetofauna diversity in the ProAves Blue-billed Parrot Reserve, Central Cordillera of Colombia.”
Her findings allow for a better understanding of species composition in this priority area for the Blue-billed Parrot and other associated taxa.
The three researchers presented the results of their projects at the 4th Colombian Congress of Herpetology, held in Santa Marta, Magdalena, representing ProAves and highlighting the importance of conserving critical ecosystems for amphibians and reptiles.
In the field of ornithology, the scholarship was awarded to Cristian Mateo Ospina, who is developing the project:
“Crossing the forest: contrasting responses of resident and migratory birds to edge and matrix effects in an Andean landscape in the department of Antioquia, Colombia.”
The researcher presented advances of his study at the 8th Colombian Congress of Ornithology, held in Cali.
This research contributes to understanding how birds respond to habitat fragmentation—information that is essential for planning biological corridors and management strategies in human-modified landscapes.
Other young researchers linked to ProAves projects also presented posters with progress in their research:
- Issac Daniel Díaz presented a study focused on migratory birds, developed thanks to the Migratory Bird Scholarships at the ProAves El Dorado Reserve, highlighting the importance of these sites for the conservation of species that travel long distances.
Laura Catalina Guarín and David Valero shared preliminary results from their thesis on Capito hypoleucus (White-mantled Barbet), based on surveys conducted in the ProAves El Paujil Reserve, providing valuable information for the conservation of this threatened species.
These presentations demonstrate the role of ProAves Reserves as key settings for scientific research and academic training.
Through these scholarships, ProAves reaffirms its commitment to training young researchers and strengthening scientific knowledge within its Reserves. The projects developed this year provide valuable information for the conservation of priority species and ecosystems in Colombia.
