The detection of between 18 and 20 individuals of Cinclodes palliatus, a bird endemic to Peru and classified as Critically Endangered (CE) by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), is one of the most important findings of the recent bird inventory carried out by Conservación e Investigación Ambiental (CIAM). The record was made by biologist and ornithology specialist Jordan Riofano, as part of the project “Conservation and participatory community action for the recognition of the Nevado de Tunsho Private Conservation Area,” promoted by the Conserva Aves initiative and funded by the Government of Canada.
The significance of the finding is particularly important due to the ecological characteristics of the species. Cinclodes palliatus lives exclusively in high mountain wetlands and marshes, between 4,400 and 5,000 meters above sea level, which are fragile ecosystems highly vulnerable to climate change. It also has an extremely restricted distribution, small populations, and a declining population trend. According to BirdLife International (2021), the estimated global population ranges from 50 to 249 individuals, so the record of up to 20 specimens in a single area is a milestone for its conservation.
Odile Sánchez, Sub-Donations Manager at Profonanpe, highlighted that “the results of the bird inventory reaffirm the urgency of conserving high Andean ecosystems and provide decisive scientific evidence for the creation of the Nevado de Tunsho Private Conservation Area. This record confirms that these are strategic areas within the key biodiversity areas prioritized by the Conserva Aves initiative.”
Slopes of the Tunsho snow-capped mountain – Suitucancha District in Junín | Photo: Jordan Riofano – CIAM
The inventory was compiled using a rigorous methodology based on 100 counting points strategically distributed across six zones of interest, selected on the basis of social information, local knowledge, and preliminary reconnaissance visits. As a preliminary result, 44 bird species were identified, including four endemic to Peru (Cinclodes palliatus, Geositta saxicolina, Oreotrochilus melanogaster, and Asthenes virgata).
One of the most relevant aspects of the study was the identification of three sectors where the species is active, with groups of two to four individuals observed, a rare behavior that opens up new opportunities to further study its ecology, social dynamics, and habitat use.
Group of Cinclodes palliatus individuals | Photo: Jordan Riofano – CIAM
The preliminary results consolidate technical support for the creation of the Nevado de Tunsho Private Conservation Area by confirming the presence of a Critically Endangered (CE) species and demonstrating the high biological value of the area. The next steps in the project include more exhaustive research and the implementation of drones and artificial intelligence for advanced monitoring of the species, contributing to its effective long-term protection.
About the Conserva Aves Initiative
Conserva Aves is a hemispheric initiative committed to forward-thinking conservation: protecting endemic birds, strengthening community governance, implementing participatory monitoring, promoting ecotourism, and developing management and financial sustainability plans with a focus on gender, interculturality, and community conservation.
The Initiative is led by American Bird Conservancy (ABC), National Audubon Society (Audubon), Bird Life International, Birds Canada, and the Latin American and Caribbean Environmental Funds Network (RedLAC). The national partners are Profonanpe and ECOAN, leaders in implementation in Peru, with funding from the Government of Canada.
