Satellite telemetry of Blue-throated Macaws in Barba Azul Nature Reserve (Beni, Bolivia) reveals likely breeding areas

The Blue-throated Macaw (Ara glaucogularis) is a Critically Endangered species endemic to the Llanos de Moxos ecosystem of Beni, Bolivia. To aid conservation of the northwestern population that utilizes the Barba Azul Nature Reserve during the non-breeding season, we set out to learn the sites where these birds breed using satellite telemetry. We describe preliminary tests conducted on captive birds (at Loro Parque Foundation, Tenerife, Spain) that resulted in choosing Geotrak Parrot Collars, a metal, battery-operated unit that provides data through the Argos satellite system. In September 2019, we tagged three birds in Barba Azul with Geotrak collars, and received migration data for two birds, until battery depletion in November and December 2019. Our two migrant birds were tracked leaving Barba Azul on the same date (27 September), but departed in divergent directions (approximately 90 degrees in separation). They settled in two sites approximately 50-100 km from Barba Azul. Some details of the work are restricted out of conservation concern as the species still faces poaching pressures. Knowing their likely breeding grounds, reserve managers conducted site visits to where the birds were tracked, resulting in the discovery of breeding birds, although no birds still carrying a transmitter were seen then. A single individual still carrying its collar was spotted 13 August 2021 at Barba Azul. The work suggests that the Blue-throated Macaws of Barba Azul use breeding sites that are scattered across the Llanos de Moxos region, although within the recognized boundaries of the northwestern subpopulation. We conclude that the use of satellite collars is a feasible option for research with the species and could provide further conservation insights

An update on the avifauna of Gunung Lumut Protection Forest (East Kalimantan) and reflections on the potential conservation value of hutan adat

We present results of a second survey of the hutan adat (forest traditionally exploited on a small scale by local people) situated in the Gunung Lumut Protection Forest, East Kalimantan, conducted in 2007 and closely following the first survey in 2005 (Wielstra & Pieterse 2009. Kukila 14: 1-15). An additional 29 species were observed. These comprise two globally threatened (Vulnerable) species, 16 “Sundaic Lowland Forest” biome-restricted species, one “Sundaic montane forest” biome-restricted species and a congregatory waterbird species of which 1% of its biogeographic population is present. The findings substantiate our previous suggestion to recognize Gunung Lumut Protection Forest as an Important Bird Area. We also provide some remarks on the potential conservation value of hutan adat and raise issues to be addressed in further studies

Palm and soil measurements, Beni savanna

This dataset contains plot level data collected in the Barba Azul Nature Reserve, Beni Savanna, Bolivia between July and October 2016 as part of the MSc thesis project of Iris Hordijk, Fabian Meijer and Esther Nissen. Data on palm abundance and condition, juvenile abundance and condition, fruit density, soil fertility, general plot characteristics and geographic information are measured and recorded. The dataset is owned by the data collectors, Wageningen University and the Bolivian NGO Armonía

Data from: Cattle affect regeneration of the palm species Attalea princeps in a Bolivian forest-savanna mosaic

Attalea princeps is an important palm species that shapes the forest-savanna mosaic in Beni, Bolivia, because it dominates and shapes the two principal forest landscape elements (forest islands and gallery forest), and it provides a vital microhabitat, food and nesting source for numerous plant and animal species. The forest-savanna mosaic is used for extensive grazing, and the palm population is declining on the forest islands due to a low regeneration rate, which threatens the maintenance of this landscape. We therefore examined the (a)biotic factors that influence the population structure of Attalea in the centers and edges of forest islands and gallery forests. Ninety-one 0.1 ha plots were established and 500 palm adults and 3700 juveniles were measured for their size, health condition and fire damage. For each plot habitat characteristics, such as landscape position, grazing pressure, and soil conditions were measured. Attalea population density was significantly lower on the forest islands than in the gallery forests, especially in the juvenile life stage. A structural equation model showed that juvenile density is positively related to the health condition of the juveniles and amount of fruits present, where the amount of fruits is positively affected by the condition of the adults. Juvenile density is negatively influenced by grazing, affecting the health condition of the juvenile, as well as organic matter and phosphate availability in the soil. Therefore, it is recommended to decrease the grazing pressure by decreasing livestock densities, fencing off vulnerable forest islands, or by rotating cattle

Cattle affect regeneration of the palm species Attalea princeps in a Bolivian forest–savanna mosaic

Attalea princeps is an important palm species that shapes the forest–savanna mosaic in Beni, Bolivia, as it dominates the two principal forest landscape elements (forest islands and gallery forest), and provides a vital microhabitat, food, and nesting source for numerous plant and animal species. The forest–savanna mosaic is used for extensive grazing, and the palm population is declining on the forest islands due to a low regeneration rate, which threatens the maintenance of this landscape. We therefore examined the (a)biotic factors that influence the population structure of Attalea in the centers and edges of forest islands and gallery forests. Ninety-one 0.1-ha plots were established, and 500 palm adults and 3,700 juveniles were measured for their size, health condition, and fire damage. For each plot, habitat characteristics, such as landscape position, grazing pressure, and soil conditions, were measured. Attalea population density was significantly lower on the forest islands than in the gallery forests, especially in the juvenile life stage. A structural equation model showed that juvenile density is positively related to the health condition of juveniles and amount of fruits present, where the amount of fruits is positively affected by the condition of adults. Juvenile density is negatively influenced by grazing, affecting the health condition of the juvenile, as well as organic matter and phosphate availability in the soil. Therefore, it is recommended to decrease the grazing pressure by decreasing livestock densities, fencing off vulnerable forest islands, or by rotating cattle.Abstract in Spanish is available with online material.</p

The use of avian feeding guilds to detect small-scale forest disturbance: a case study in East Kalimantan, Borneo

Volume: 27Start Page: 55End Page: 6

Data from: Cattle affect regeneration of the palm species Attalea princeps in a Bolivian forest-savanna mosaic

Attalea princeps is an important palm species that shapes the forest-savanna mosaic in Beni, Bolivia, because it dominates and shapes the two principal forest landscape elements (forest islands and gallery forest), and it provides a vital microhabitat, food and nesting source for numerous plant and animal species. The forest-savanna mosaic is used for extensive grazing, and the palm population is declining on the forest islands due to a low regeneration rate, which threatens the maintenance of this landscape. We therefore examined the (a)biotic factors that influence the population structure of Attalea in the centers and edges of forest islands and gallery forests. Ninety-one 0.1 ha plots were established and 500 palm adults and 3700 juveniles were measured for their size, health condition and fire damage. For each plot habitat characteristics, such as landscape position, grazing pressure, and soil conditions were measured. Attalea population density was significantly lower on the forest islands than in the gallery forests, especially in the juvenile life stage. A structural equation model showed that juvenile density is positively related to the health condition of the juveniles and amount of fruits present, where the amount of fruits is positively affected by the condition of the adults. Juvenile density is negatively influenced by grazing, affecting the health condition of the juvenile, as well as organic matter and phosphate availability in the soil. Therefore, it is recommended to decrease the grazing pressure by decreasing livestock densities, fencing off vulnerable forest islands, or by rotating cattle

Habitat Selection of Three Neotropical Grassland Birds Is Dependent on Vegetation Structure and Resources

Grassland birds are globally imperiled. Those of endemic Neotropical savannas may be particularly threatened as knowledge of the ecology of many species is lacking, restricting our ability to take decisive conservation action. During the dry (non-breeding) season of 2010, we studied the population size, distribution, and habitat associations of the Cock-tailed Tyrant (Alectrurus tricolor), Black-masked Finch (Coryphaspiza melanotis), and Wedge-tailed Grass-finch (Emberiziodes herbicola) across a disturbance-mediated savanna–grassland gradient in Beni, Bolivia. We used distance sampling and surveyed structural and resource-specific habitat features at plots where birds were present versus random locations. Occupancy models identified fine-scale habitat associations. Cock-tailed Tyrant (7.1 ind./km2) specialized on open habitats in areas expected to be heavily inundated in the wet season, avoided trees, and selected tall grassy swards. Black-masked Finch (25.1 ind./km2) occurred across the gradient, associating with tall, forb-rich swards, sparse shrubs, and low levels of fruiting and seeding vegetation. Wedge-tailed Grass-finch (27.9 ind./km2) also occurred across the gradient, particularly associated with tall, forb-rich swards, abundant seeding grasses, and sparse shrubs. Our results offer the first quantitative abundance estimates for these species in Beni, provide vital baselines for future monitoring, and improve knowledge of the ecology and conservation management needs of these species. Importantly, our results suggest that populations of these three grassland birds may be best maintained in heterogenous, mosaic landscapes that can be produced by carefully managed burning and grazing. Further research in the breeding season would facilitate making stronger, more specific management recommendations

Priorities for translating goodwill between movement ecologists and conservation practitioners into effective collaboration

Abstract Addressing ongoing biodiversity loss requires collaboration between conservation scientists and practitioners. However, such collaboration has proved challenging. Despite the potential importance of tracking animal movements for conservation, reviews of the tracking literature have identified a gap between the academic discipline of movement ecology and its application to biodiversity conservation. Through structured conversations with movement ecologists and conservation practitioners, we aimed to understand whether the identified gap is also perceived in practice, and if so, what factors hamper collaboration and how these factors can be remediated. We found that both groups are motivated and willing to collaborate. However, because their motivations differ, there is potential for misunderstandings and miscommunications. In addition, external factors such as funder requirements, academic metrics, and journal scopes may limit the applicability of scientific results in a conservation setting. Potential solutions we identified included improved communication and better presentation of results, acknowledging each other's motivations and desired outputs, and adjustment of funder priorities. Addressing gaps between science and implementation can enhance collaboration and support conservation action to address the global biodiversity crisis more effectively