bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Distribution and conservation status ofHylorchiluswrens (Troglodytidae) in Mexico
Authors: de Silva Hector Gomez 
Published: May 2010

SummaryThe two species of Hylorchilus wrens are endemic to Mexico and were considered “Vulnerable” by Collaret al.(1994). They are restricted to humid tropical forest growing over karstic terrain, but large areas of apparently suitable habitat exist where they have not yet been recorded. I explored areas of potentially suitable habitat as well as a few localities where they were already known to occur in order to gather new data for a re-evaluation of the conservation status of these species. My records, together with six localities where these species have been reported by others in the past few years, add 15 localities to the 12 listed by Collar et al. (1992). Based on this and other new information, I recommend “Endangered” status for Nava's Wren, H.navai, based on criterion B of Mace-Lande (extent of occurence <5000 km2) and on the strongly fragmented state of its habitat. I would retain “Vulnerable” status for Sumichrast's Wren,H. sumichrasti, owing to its slightly larger range which is still relatively unfragmented and its apparently larger population density
The rediscovery of Giant IbisPseudibis giganteawith a review of previous records
Authors: Thewlis Richard M. , Timmins Robert J. 
Published: May 2010

SummaryThe Giant IbisPseudibis giganteawas formerly more widespread in mainland South-East Asia, being found in Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam. However, it has always been scarce throughout its range and has declined dramatically over the past 50 years as a result of habitat destruction, disturbance and hunting. This paper documents the species's decline with a review of all previous records including the recent sightings between 1993 and 1995, and suggests conservation measures to be taken for its continued survival.
The conservation status of forest birds on Flores and Sumbawa, Indonesia
Authors: Butchart Stuart H. M. , Brooks Thomas M. , Davies Charles W. N. , Dharmaputra Gunawan , Dutson Guy C. L. , Lowen James C. , Sahu Alo 
Published: May 2010

SummaryForest birds were surveyed on the islands of Flores and Sumbawa, Indonesia, in July-September 1993. Assessments were made of the conservation status and habitat requirements of the restricted-range, threatened, and near-threatened species. Semi-evergreen rainforest was found to be more important than moist deciduous monsoon forest for the conservation of these species, but such habitat is being rapidly degraded at mid-altitudes and in the lowlands. Moist deciduous monsoon forest is still widespread in the lowlands but it is also being degraded by human activities. Only one significant protected area exists in the region: Taman Nasional Komodo. This harbours an important population of Yellow-crested CockatooCacatua sulphureabut it is too dry o t support any semi-evergreen rainforest. Ten of the 24 restricted-range species found on these islands are of particular conservation importance mainly because of combinations of intolerance of degraded habitat, dependence on semi-evergreen rainforest, restriction to the lowlands, and low population densities. The highest priority species are Flores MonarchMonarcha sacerdotumand Wallace's Hanging-parrotLoriculus flosculus, which were only found in semi-evergreen rainforest at about 450-950 m at one site in the Tanjung Kerita Mese proposed protected area in south-west Flores. Effective protection of this site is urgently required in order to help secure the future of these species. Recommendations are presented for the protection of further areas on Flores and Sumbawa.
Seasonal changes in the abundance and diversity of birds in threatened juniper forest in the southern Asir mountains, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Newton Stephen F. , Newton Anne V. 
Published: May 2010

SummaryJuniper forest once covered much of the upper slopes (2,000-3,000 m) of the Rift Valley escarpment in the Asir mountains of south-west Saudi Arabia. One of the best preserved tracts is at Raydah near Abha, where a complete altitudinal floristic zonation persists. Although only about 125 bird species have been recorded in the area, the community is of considerable conservation interest due to high densities of endemic species and resident or breeding Afrotropical forest species, together with a wide range of diurnal raptors, owls and nightjars. The forest does not appear to support many Palearctic— African migrants during periods of passage, although several Palearctic species overwinter in considerable numbers. Scrub and mixed deciduous and riparian forest scattered throughout the junipers hold highest bird diversities but the juniper stands are vitally important to the well-being of Yemen ThrushTurdus menachensis, Yemen WarblerParisoma buryiand Yemen LinnetCarduelis yemenensispopulations. The disappearance of juniper forest from neighbouring Yemen necessitates that highest priority conservation action should be given to the remaining intact forests such as Raydah, in an attempt to preserve their unique biodiversity.
Seasonal breeding in birds and its implications for the conservation of biodiversity in the Oku region, Cameroon
Authors: Fotso Roger C. 
Published: May 2010

SummaryThe breeding activity of birds in the Oku region of Cameroon appears to be highly seasonal, with the majority of species breeding exclusively during the months of the dry season, November to April. Forest fires, which in the dry season often destroy large areas of suitable habitat, are likely to strongly influence nest failures in many species, including some endemic and endangered ones.
The taxonomic and conservation status of the Spectacled PetrelProcellaria conspicillata
Authors: Ryan Peter G. 
Published: May 2010

SummaryThe Spectacled PetrelProcellaria [aequinoctialis] conspicillataonly breeds at Inaccessible Island, central South Atlantic Ocean. During the early 1980s the population was estimated to be at most 1,000 pairs, but hundreds of Spectacled Petrels have been killed annually in longline fisheries off the east coast of South America since at least 1987. Although the population is characterized by a unique plumage trait, it is still regarded as a subspecies of the White-chinned PetrelP. aequinoctialis. Analysis of calls and playback experiments show that the Spectacled Petrel is vocally distinct from White-chinned Petrels and should be regarded as a valid biological species. It is also slightly smaller and breeds earlier than the White-chinned Petrel. Given its small population size and known mortality on longlines, the Spectacled Petrel is Endangered in terms of IUCN criteria C1 and C2b. Longline fisheries operating off South America should institute measures to reduce seabird by-catch. A survey of the breeding population at Inaccessible Island is required to assess the rate at which the population is decreasing.
Saving the Kakapo: the conservation of the world's most peculiar parrot
Authors: Clout Mick N. , Merton Don V. 
Published: May 2010

SummaryWe review the conservation history and describe the current status of the Kakapo Strigops habroptilus, a large New Zealand parrot which has been reduced to only 54 individuals through predation by introduced mammals, and is now threatened with extinction. Unique amongst parrots, Kakapo are both flightless and nocturnal. They have an unusual mating system in which females nest and raise their young unaided by males, after mating at traditional “courts” at which males display visually and vocally. Mating occurs naturally only in seasons of heavy fruiting of podocarp trees. A decline in range and abundance of Kakapo followed the introduction of alien mammals last century, and culminated in their reduction to a single breeding population on Stewart Island. Following a severe episode of predation by feral cats Felis catus, all known birds from this last population were translocated to a series of cat-free offshore islands. Adult survival on these island sanctuaries has been high (c. 98% per annum), but productivity has been low, with only six young (including a single female) raised to independence since 1982. Reasons for this low productivity are the naturally intermittent breeding of Kakapo, the low numbers of nesting females, high rates of egg infertility (~ 40%), and the early death of most nestlings through starvation or suspected predation by Polynesian rats Rattus exulans. These rats are present on both of the island sanctuaries where nesting has occurred. The Kakapo sex ratio is biased in favour of males (34:20) and only 8 of the 19 adult females are known to have laid fertile eggs in the past 10 years. Management of all remaining birds is now highly intensive, involving radio-tagging of all individuals, the provision of supplementary food, attempts to manipulate matings, nest surveillance, and protection against rat predation.
Bird diversity and abundance on two different shade coffee plantations in Guatemala
Authors: Calvo Lorena , Blake John 
Published: May 2010

SummaryMany studies have examined differences in bird communities between shade and sun coffee plantations but less is known about how different management practices within shade coffee plantations affect bird populations. This study compares diversity and abundance of resident and migrant birds in two shade coffee plantations located in Palajunoj, Quetzaltenango, Guatemala, that differ in their farming practices (e.g. pruning schedules and fertilizer regimes) and, consequently, in vegetation structure. One plantation represents a traditional, polyculture shade system whereas the second represents a more modernized, monoculture shade system. Both plantations supported many resident and migrant birds. Bird abundance and diversity were significantly greater during both wet and dry seasons on the traditional farm, due largely to the vegetation structure resulting from the different management practices. All plantations typically classified as ‘shade coffee’ are not equivalent, much of their conservation value coming from the more diverse and structurally complex traditional polycultures rather than from the newer, monocultural systems. Coffee production techniques that affect the structural and floristic diversity of the vegetation (e.g. pruning, application of chemicals) have important consequences for birds.
The Seychelles Paradise Flycatcher Terpsiphone corvina on La Digue: population size, habitat requirements and management options
Authors: Watson J. 
Published: May 2010

SummaryThe conservation of the Seychelles Paradise Flycatcher on La Digue is reviewed and compared with an earlier investigation (1978). The status of the bird and its habitat on the western plateau, which holds nearly 80% of the world population, was investigated, as was the Special Reserve, notably the validity of the present boundary and the need for management initiatives. The population on the western plateau has changed little in 10 years, with one pair less but more individuals, and there has been a small (<5%) decline in preferred breeding habitat. The number of pairs using the reserve was unchanged from 1978. The carrying capacity is small (c.6 pairs). Only one significant trend was isolated in an investigation of 10 habitat variables, suggesting that more birds occurred where trees were larger. The reserve boundary should be redrawn to include a significant part of the main freshwater marsh: earlier study showed that highest densities were found in woodland close to wetland, and conservation of the marsh is vital. The reserve requires a non-interventionist woodland policy, creation of ponds to extend wetland, improved boundary marking, provision of interpretation facilities and development of educational use. Away from the reserve, statutory zonation of land on the plateau for woodland and sustainable timber production is needed as part of an overall land-use policy.
The status and conservation of Jamaica's threatened and endemic forest avifauna and their habitats following Hurricane Gilbert
Authors: Varty Nigel 
Published: May 2010

SummaryDespite serious and widespread hurricane damage to the natural forests of Jamaica (43% of trees either toppled or with crowns broken in the John Crow Mountains, for instance), the populations of the endemic Ring-tailed PigeonColumba caribaea, Crested Quail-doveGeotrygon versicolor, Black-billed ParrotAmazona agilis, Yellow-billed ParrotA. collaria, Blue Mountain VireoVireo osburniand Jamaican BlackbirdNesopsar nigerrimusappear to have survived Hurricane Gilbert well. However, the expected reduction in food supplies, notably for the frugivores, caused by the severe damage to many trees, coupled with continuing and in some cases increasing human destruction and disturbance of the forests, puts the longer-term survival of these species in some doubt. The establishment of functioning protected areas encompassing the key forest regions for these birds; upgrading and more rigorous enforcement of the legislation governing conservation and management of wildlife and the natural forests; and the control and improvement of agricultural practices around forest areas, would greatly help to ensure the preservation of the forest avifauna and are recommended.
Improved breeding success of Great-winged Petrels Pterodroma macroptera following control of feral cats Felis catus at subantarctic Marion Island
Authors: Cooper John , Fourie André 
Published: May 2010

SummaryA population of feral domestic cats Felis catus has existed at subantarctic Marion Island since 1951. From 1977 to 1990 an ongoing programme has utilized an introduced disease, shooting and gin-trapping in an endeavour to control cat numbers, with the eventual aim of their eradication. Burrowing petrels (Procellariidae) form the majority of the cats' diet. The breeding success of the winter-breeding Great-winged Petrel Pterodroma macroptera has varied between nil and 20.5% in the period from 1979 to 1984, due primarily to cat predation of chicks causing up to 100% mortality. In 1990, by which time cat numbers had been greatly reduced from their 1970s' peak, Great-winged Petrels had a breeding success of 59.6%, with chick mortality being zero. No signs of cat predation were observed. This finding provides good reason to continue the control programme until cats are finally eradicated from Marion Island.
Conserving the Seychelles Warbler Acrocephalus sechellensis by translocation: a transfer from Cousin Island to Aride Island
Authors: Komdeur Jan , Bullock Ian D. , Rands Michael R. W. 
Published: May 2010

SummaryThe Seychelles Warbler was once a highly threatened single-island endemic species with a population of 26 individuals confined to Cousin Island in the inner Seychelles. Following long-term management of Cousin, the population steadily recovered to around 300- 360 birds. Given the vulnerability of one small island in the Indian Ocean, the possibility of establishing the species on additional islands had been proposed as a priority conservation measure. This paper describes the successful translocation of 29 Seychelles Warblers from Cousin to Aride, summarizes the ecological studies carried out prior to, during and after the translocation and documents the subsequent establishment of the new population. It is considered that the Seychelles Warbler will soon no longer be a globally threatened species.
Conservation status of endemic Galliformes on Hainan Island, China
Authors: Yu-ren Gao 
Published: May 2010

SummaryThe Hainan Hill-partridge Arborophila ardens is endemic to the island of Hainan, which lies off the south coast of China. Distinct subspecies of the Silver Pheasant Lophura nyethemera xvhiteheadi and Grey Peacock-pheasant Polyplectron bicalcaratum katsumatae are also endemic to the island. All three taxa are considered endangered and are very poorly known in the wild. Surveys of remaining patches of forest were undertaken between 1987 and 1994 during which local people were interviewed and some forest areas were visited. The hill-partridge was confirmed from three blocks of forest and reported from a further four. The Silver Pheasant was found in six areas of forest and probably occurs in all remaining patches of well-developed secondary and primary forest. The Grey Peacock-pheasant was recorded in five forests and reported from a further four. The hill-partridge was more restricted in its habitat use than the other two species, the latter using well-developed secondary forest in addition to primary forests. Provisional density estimates made at Ba Wang Ling National Nature Reserve were 6–8 Hainan Hill-partridges/km2, 7.5 Silver Pheasants/km2 and 3.75 Grey Peacock-pheasants/km2.
The conservation status of birds in Laos: a review of key species
Authors: Thewlis R. M. , Timmins R. J. , Evans T. D. , Duckworth J. W. 
Published: May 2010

SummaryLaos is an important country for bird conservation. Bird surveys between 1992 and 1996, the first since 1949, covered 20 main areas, with incidental records from many others.This paper reviews the status of all Lao species reported to be of elevated conservation concern (key species) in any of the following categories: Globally Threatened or Globally Near-Threatened (sensuCollar and Andrew 1988 and Collaret al. 1994), and At Risk or Rare in Thailand (sensuRound 1988 and Treesucon and Round 1990). Several additional species are covered which have clearly undergone a National Historical Decline in Laos. A comprehensive review of other Lao species was not possible, and some species which are in truth of conservation concern have doubtless been overlooked. Historical and modern records were reviewed and population trends identified where possible.Current global status listings (Collaret al. 1994) were supported, except that consideration should be given to changing Red-collared WoodpeckerPicus rabieriand Sooty BabblerStachyris herbertifrom Threatened to Near-Threatened. If the Lao situation is representative of the species throughout their range, then consideration should also be given to placing Ratchet-tailed TreepieTemnurus temnurusand River LapwingVanellus duvauceliias Near-Threatened.Twenty-seven Globally Threatened species are known from Laos, of which there are recent records of 22. There are recent unconfirmed records of two more. Forty-seven Globally Near-Threatened species are known from Laos, of which there are recent records of 39; there are unconfirmed records of one further species. Five Globally Threatened and five Near-Threatened species were recorded for the first time in Laos in recent years, suggesting that further species of elevated conservation concern remain to be found.
Population trends of Black VultureAegypius monachusin Dadia Forest, north-eastern Greece following the establishment of a feeding station
Authors: Vlachos Christos G. , Bakaloudis Dimitri E. , Holloway Graham J. 
Published: May 2010

SummaryDadia Forest in north-eastern Greece is well known for its diversity of breeding birds of prey. In 1980, the area was declared a wildlife reserve. One of the most endangered species at that time was the Black VultureAegypius monachus. To help the population of Black Vultures a feeding station was established in 1987. A monitoring programme from 1984 until present indicates that the operation of the feeding station has coincided with an increase in the numbers of Black Vultures wintering in Dadia by nearly threefold, an increase in the number of breeding pairs from 10 to 21, and an increase in breeding success from 40% to a peak of 95%. A slight faltering in the continued rise in the numbers of Black Vultures in Dadia is attributed to a poisoning event in 1995.
Winter bird numbers and land-use preferences in an arable landscape in eastern England
Authors: Mason Christopher F. , Macdonald Sheila M. 
Published: May 2010

SummaryThe winter bird assemblage and habitat preferences were studied in a largely arable landscape, dominated by winter cereals, in eastern England in one winter. A total of species was recorded on 70 l-km transects but 11% of transects had no birds. Overall densities were low, Skylark Alauda arvensis being the most abundant species. Bird was highest in the first winter period (October-December). Species richness varied proportion to the available habitat in the first winter period but there was a preference for stubble, grass and tilled land (harrow) in the second winter period (January-February) Skylarks preferred stubbles in the first winter period and stubbles and grass in the second winter period. Some 34% of all birds fed on winter cereals despite a lack of preference for this habitat, while 94% of seed specialists (finches and buntings) were recorded on stubbles. The areas of preferred habitats (stubbles, grass) were probably too limited to allow more than small populations to persist. Only by the widespread adoption of agricultural extensification and/or farming some of the land specifically for conservation benefits can the declines in bird populations on intensively managed arable farmland be reversed.
Densities and habitat preferences of Andean cloud-forest birds in pristine and degraded habitats in north-eastern Ecuador
Authors: Cresswell W. , Hughes M. , Mellanby R. , Bright S. , Catry P. , Chaves J. , Freile J. , Gabela A. , Martineau H. , Macleod R. , Mcphie F. , Anderson N. , Holt S. , Barabas S. , Chapel C. , Sanchez T. 
Published: May 2010

SummaryThe montane cloud-forests of the north-central Andes and the montane grassland and transitional elfin forest of the central Andean páramo contain a high diversity of bird species including several restricted range and uncommon species. Little is known of how densities of Andean cloud-forest species are affected by habitat degradation. Bird densities within pristine and degraded habitats at the Guandera Biological Reserve, Carchi province, Ecuador were recorded over a 10-week period. Densities were calculated for 48 species; where densities could be compared, 69% of species occurred at a higher density in pristine habitats. Pristine forest had the highest species richness with 72 species and páramo contained 44 species. In total, 26% of pristine forest species were only found in pristine forest, 39% of páramo species only in páramo, 13% of farmland species only in farmland and there were no exclusively secondary scrub species; 47% of species found in pristine forest, and 50% found in páramo were found in both secondary scrub and farmland. Restricted range species recorded at Guandera included the Carunculated Caracara Phalcobenus carunculatus, Black-thighed Puffleg Eriocnemis derbyi, Chestnut-bellied Cotinga Doliornis remseni, Crescent-faced Antpitta Grallaricula lineifrons, Masked Mountain-tanager Buthraupis wetmorei and Black-backed Bush-tanager Urothraupis stolzmanni. Three further species that occurred at Guandera of relatively local occurrence were the Grey-breasted Mountain Toucan Andigena hypoglauca, Golden-breasted Puffleg Eriocnemis mosquera and Mountain Avocetbill Opisthoprora euryptera. Of these nine species at least five used degraded habitats, while three occurred only in pristine treeline habitats.
Annual migration of Houbara Bustard Chlamydotis undulata macqueenii from the United Arab Emirates
Authors: Launay Frédéric , Combreau Olivier , Bowardi Mohammed Al 
Published: May 2010

SummaryThe Houbara Bustard Chlamydotis undulata macqueenii is a regular winter visitor from northern breeding grounds to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) but the migration routes and origin of these birds are still poorly known. Five bustards were fitted with platform transponder terminals in UAE in the winter of 1996-1997. The overall distances covered by the birds were very variable, ranging from 3,747 km to 11,938 km. The return migration date of Houbara from UAE ranged from 19 March to 2 April 1997, while the outward migration began from 10 September to 7 November 1997. The Houbara spent the summer n i different areas, namely China (north of lake Nor), Kazakhstan (Kyzyl Kum desert and north of the Aral Sea), Uzbekistan (south of the Aral Sea) and north Afghanistan. These results are the first to describe an annual cycle of migration for Houbara Bustards and should aid the development of appropriate conservation measures for this species.