Endangered Birds of Northern Peru: Conservation Efforts
White-Winged Guan (*Penelope albipennis*)
Historically, the White-winged Guan existed throughout the northwestern region of Peru, dominated by the plant formation called “dry forest.” Currently, it only survives in the most remote and best-preserved wooded areas of the Peruvian departments of Lambayeque, Piura, and Cajamarca.
Physical Characteristics
The total length of the White-winged Guan ranges between 70 and 80 cm, and it can weigh up to 2.15 kg in captivity, with an average of 1.8 kg.
Diet
It feeds on more than 20 different plant species, including seeds, fruits, leaves, flowers, and herb shoots. Some of its preferred food sources are *naranjillo*, *frijolillo*, *higuerón*, *cerecillo*, *overo*, *pasallo*, and *tuple*.
Conservation Status
This bird, which is on the verge of extinction, has a wild population of about 150-250 specimens, plus a little less than a hundred that are kept in captivity. The population is estimated to be declining and is therefore considered endangered.
Threats
- Illegal hunting: For sport, trophies, and food.
- Habitat destruction: Due to illegal extraction of firewood and timber, and land-use change.
Conservation Efforts
In 1977, Gustavo Del Solar and John O’Neill rediscovered the White-winged Guan. Since then, significant efforts have been made to protect it. These include:
- Captive breeding program.
- Program of reintroduction to its natural habitat.
- Environmental education and dissemination program.
- Creation of natural protected areas to conserve the habitat of the White-winged Guan, such as the Laquipampa Wildlife Refuge and Chaparrà Private Conservation Area.
Peruvian Marvelous Spatuletail (*Loddigesia mirabilis*)
Description
The Peruvian Marvelous Spatuletail measures up to 15 centimeters and weighs between 40-70 g. It is a bird of blue, green, and copper colors with a violet crest. This exotic bird is endemic to the Utcubamba River area, located in the high jungles of northern Peru.
Unique Features
It is a rare and endangered bird, remarkable in the world of exotic birds as it is the only one with only four feathers on its tail. The most renowned characteristic of the Marvelous Spatuletail is the male’s presence of two very long, colorful, racket-shaped feathers that cross each other and have the ability to move independently.
Diet
It is primarily a nectivorous animal. Its thin, elongated beak and specialized tongue allow it to easily suck nectar from flowers and plants. The Marvelous Spatuletail also feeds on some insects and small spiders found within the flowers.
Threats and Conservation
The Marvelous Spatuletail is listed as an endangered species. This is due to the destruction and fragmentation of its natural habitat, deforestation caused by commercial crops like coffee, and illegal poaching of the male for its exuberant tail, which is highly sought after by hunters, fashion designers, and bird collectors.
Many programs support the conservation of this species. One notable initiative is the conservation program started by the American Bird Conservancy and ECOAN with the Pomacochas Community. Around thirty thousand native trees and shrubs were planted to protect the hummingbird’s habitat. This is the first program of its kind in Peru. Financial support through donations is crucial for these programs.