Yellow-ridged Toucan

## About

A yellow-ridged toucan perching on a tree branch.

The yellow-ridged toucan ***(Ramphactos vittelinus culminatus)***, is a subspecies of the channel-billed toucan ***(Ramphastos vittelinus)***. Similarly to other toucan species, the yellow-ridged toucan has black plumage on the majority of its body however, it also has a small area of golden orange and red feathers above and below its rump, at the base of its tail. The bib-patch of this toucan species is white with small bands of yellow and red at the bottom. The toucan's eyes are surrounded by bare blue skin, whereas the eye itself is a dark colour. The yellow-ridged toucan is named for the longitudinal greenish-yellow line that runs across the bird's bill-ridge. The bill itself is mostly black however, it has blue and yellow bands at its base. it also possesses a long grove that runs its length, hence the species name being the channel-billed toucan. The exact purpose of the toucan's bill has been long debated however, most ornithologists believe that the bill's purpose is to fluctuate body heat. Like other species, the yellow-ridged toucan can efficiently control blood-flow to the area, allowing greater temperature regulation. Yellow-ridged toucans grow to a length similarly to the channel-billed toucan of 45-50cm (17-19in) and likely weighs the same or similarly of around 400g (14oz).

## Diet

Yellow-ridged toucans are omnivorous, consuming a wide variety of plant and meat matter. Most commonly and similarly to other toucans, the yellow-ridged toucan most commonly eats canopy fruit species, in which it uses its long bill to reach high fruits. The subspecies is also known to feed on reptiles, frogs, eggs, insects and the nestlings of other birds. Whilst eating, yellow-ridged toucans toss food into the air and catch it in their throats rather than simply chewing, due to the lack of dexterity of their bill.

## Conservation Status

Yellow-ridged toucans are greatly threatened by the continued encroachment of deforestation operations in its range. Areas of the birds range are commonly deforested due to the expansion of cattle and soy farms as well as road infrastructure. Private land owners in the toucan's Brazilian range are now obligated to maintain the surrounding forest, according to newly instituted laws present in the Brazilian Forest Code. This environmental awareness by the Brazilian government has helped the subspecies' range increase unfortunately, 9% of the toucan's tree canopy cover has been lost within the past 3 generations (from a 2021 analysis). However, the code also provided an amnesty for previous habitat degradations, rather than a punishment. The yellow-billed toucan's population is decreasing in part due to deforestation and also in part due to continued hunting pressure. Often the yellow-billed toucan and its relatives are hunted for their feathers and body parts which are used in decorations and traditional medicines respectively. Despite the direct threats to the yellow-ridged toucan, IUCN classes the animal as a least concern subspecies.

## Range and Population

Yellow-ridged toucans are likely dependent on areas of undisturbed rainforest, usually in lowland or close to inland wetlands, ranging from elevations of 1,700m (5577ft). This can be noted, as the bird is said to rarely, if ever, occur commonly in areas of logged/damaged forest and even after a decade of regeneration, the subspecies is unlikely to return to a previously logged area. Despite their clear preference for denser habitats, the yellow-ridged toucan can also be found living on the outskirts of forested regions, in tropical or even more arid savannas and clearings. The decreasing population trend of the yellow-billed toucan has not been directly analysed and de to the toucan's population being unknown, observations have proven to be difficult. It is known however, that around 10-19% of the yellow-ridged toucan population has decreased within the last 3 generations (2021 analysis) however, this data requires more examination and is likely inaccurate.

## Behaviour

Yellow-ridged toucans are classed as a subspecies of the channel-billed toucan, as the subspecies are known to interbreed in areas where they share the same range. The yellow-ridged toucan in particular, is more closely related to the Ariel toucan rather than the citron-throated toucan ***(R. v. citreolaemus)*** however, the yellow-ridged toucan and the latter, can still interbreed. Almost all toucan species are thought to be monogamous and the yellow-ridged toucan is no exception. A breeding pair will likely nest in a pre-excavated tree cavity, where they will raise their chick(s). Toucans are known to be very impatient nesters, with the incubating parent sometimes leaving their eggs to hunt or fly, often for extended periods of time. Not much else is known about the yellow-ridged toucan's reproductive habits however, they are likely similar to those of the channel-billed toucan.

### Relationship with Humans

Toucan species have long been appreciated and valued by the native Amazonian people. The birds are seen as spirits that represent both the living and spirit worlds. Despite, their strong cultural significance however, the toucans are still hunted for feathers and medicine. In Westernised culture, the yellow-ridged toucan along with its relatives are often kept as pets by exotic pet owners.

## In Captivity

Apart from being an uncommon exotic pet, the yellow-ridged toucan cannot be found in captivity outside of South America. Yellow-ridged toucans can be found exhibited in two Colombian zoos, being Bogota Zoo and Baru Zoo. the toucan is not a popular zoo species and thus is not found in any other zoos.

## Sources

* IUCN Red List of Threatened Species - https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/22726239/211232839
* Channel-Billed Toucan (Yellow-Ridged) | eBird - https://ebird.org/species/chbtou7
* Yellow-Ridged Toucan | BirdLife International Datazone - http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/yellow-ridged-toucan-ramphastos-culminatus/details