Newsletter / Blog
2011-10-02 New Bird Species for Bolivia - Palkachupa Cotinga
A bird recently rediscovered in Bolivia after an absence of almost
100 years is a distinct species according to a recently published
article in the Wilson Journal of Ornithology. The Palkachupa
Cotinga was rediscovered in 2000 by American Bird Conservancy (ABC)
partner Asociación Armonía. It was initially thought to be a subspecies
of the Swallow-tailed Cotinga, which is found in Brazil, but with
further study, it became clear the Palkachupa Cotinga deserved full
species status.
The Palkachupa Cotinga is a small, brightly colored bird with vivid
yellow, white, and black feathers; the males have a long forked tail.
It is distinguished from its more common Brazilian cousin by tail
length; plumage, eye and foot color; habitat; and vocalizations. The
cotinga forages by flycatching in the forest canopy and eating fruits.
It prefers to nest in trees along forest edges and even in isolated
trees among savannah-type habitat. Its nests have also been found on
barren, rocky ridge tops, which may indicate a lack of adequate nesting
trees.
The Palkachupa Cotinga is endemic to Bolivia, and is likely to be
classed as Critically Endangered due to its small population (600-800
individuals) and restricted geographic range. The special forest the
species requires has been devastated over the last 100 years, leaving
the species struggling for survival on the remaining forest fragments.
The population stronghold is based around the small village of Atén, in
western Bolivia just outside Madidi National Park, where Armonía has
been conducting a conservation project for the last three years. They
have established a 59-acre reserve and are working within the local
community to raise awareness of the bird’s plight.
“We truly hope this publication will result in more attention to
this unique species, as well as additional resources towards its
protection and improved understanding of its ecology,” said Bennett
Hennessey, Executive Director of Armonía and the author of the
forthcoming publication.
Habitat for this newly named species continues to be reduced by
cattle ranching and agriculture. Future conservation actions will
include reforestation and outreach campaigns, reserve expansion through
land acquisition, community-driven tourism, and species monitoring. |