Mapping and exploring the distribution of the Vulnerable grey-winged cotinga Tijuca condita

The grey-winged cotinga Tijuca condita was first described in 1980 from an old specimen, misidentified as a congener. Field observations came later, from two remote, high-elevation forests in the mountains of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Both involved only a few pairs of birds at best, making this species one of the least known in the world. Accurately defining the locations this species inhabits is an obvious prerequisite for designing conservation strategies to protect it. Using remotely sensed data on elevation and forest cover we mapped this species' habitat and predicted six more sites where it may occur. Field surveys confirmed two of them, doubling the known range of the species. The two easternmost predicted sites did not contain the species but these areas have less annual rainfall than other sites, which may explain the absences. This research serves as an important guide to conservation actions, for it uncovered biologically important areas for this species that had been previously overlooked. It has also measured the remaining habitat of the species so that any future losses can be detected. © 2008 Fauna & Flora International.

Duke Scholars

Author Stuart L. Pimm Environmental Sciences and Policy