Gorgeted Puffleg
Surfbirds News: BirdLife International Archives
The mountainous Serrania del Pinche region may hold other new species but their future isn’t secure.
“The isolated nature of the Serrania del Pinche within the biodiverse Choco region makes it likely that further new species await discovery,” said Luis Mazariegos-Hurtado of The Hummingbird Conservancy. “Yet a major threat to these forests exists: the increase in coca fields and ‘slash and burn’ agriculture. It is estimated that 500 hectares are lost each year.” commented Mazariegos-Hurtado.
The species has been heralded by BirdLife International as one of the most significant new discoveries of recent years.
Gorgeted Puffleg is predicted to have a very small habitat range,
hence its survival may hang in the balance ?? Alex Cortes
“This is an important discovery for bird conservation and further evidence of how much more there is to learn about the world’s forests, and how much we stand to lose if they are allowed to be destroyed.” said Ian Davidson, Head of BirdLife International's Americas Programme based in Ecuador. “Gorgeted Puffleg is a flagship species for the biodiversity of Serrania del Pinche, which must be conserved,” he added. |
