Awacachi Corridor - Species Record Feb 2008

Ara ambiguus (great green macaw)

Endangered. Without a doubt this is one of the species of most concern in the area that we work. Extensive habitat destruction and capture for the cage-bird trade have caused very rapid and continuing population declines and the sub-species found in Ecuador is in critical danger, with the population in Esmeraldas Province (where the Awacachi Corridor is) likely to be under 100 individuals. The small population present in the Awacachi Corridor is without doubt one of the few remaining in the humid Chocó forests.

green macaw
Great Green Macaw - Evan Bowen-Jones/ Fauna & Flora International

Panthera onca (jaguar)

Near Threatened. This is the emblematic species of the neotropics. In Ecuador it lives on both sides of the Andes, but in very few locations are there stable populations as they require vast expanses of natural forest, sufficient prey and an absence of human hunters. In the Awacachi Corridor jaguar have been both seen and heard, and local rangers find tracks whilst monitoring along forest transects. The number of such records has increased in recent months, possibly because of an increase in prey due to improved forest protection.

Pantera
Jaguar - Juan Pablo Moreiras / Fauna & Flora International

Puma concolor (puma)

Near Threatened. Until recently we have only known that this species is present by finding their tracks; they are extremely hard to see in the flesh. However, in June 2007 a young Puma was spotted near the research centre in the Awacachi Corridor. As with jaguar, the increased availability of prey due to improved conservation through work with local communities is likely to greatly benefit these big cats.

Puma
Puma - Juan Pablo Moreiras / Fauna & Flora International

Lontra longicaudis (neotropical river otter)

Data Deficient. Recorded in the Awacachi Corridor, and recently a pair have been sighted in a river near the research station

otter eating
River Otter - Evan Bowen-Jones/ Fauna & Flora International

Otus centralis (Chocó Screech-Owl)

The species was first heard in the locality of the Awacachi Corridor in 1987, but for almost ten years there was no trace of it. In 2006 it was heard again, and was finally sighted (and photographed) for the first time last year.

screech owl Chocó Screech-Owl - Jorge Correa

Penelope purpurascens (crested guan)

Despite its large range in Central and South America, this species is one of the most sought after by hunters and is in danger of extinction in Ecuador.

crested guan
Crested Guan - Francisco Prieto/Fundación Sirua

Bolitoglossa biseriata (salamander)

salamander Salamander - Francisco Prieto/Fundación Sirua

Recorded on 2 occasions in the Awacachi Corridor in 2007

Neomorphus radiolosus (banded ground cuckoo)

Vulnerable. This is a species occurs at low densities throughout its range and seems to be dependent on primary forest. It has been recorded in very few Ecuadorian locations in the last 10 years, but has been seen and heard calling in the Awacachi Corridor. See: www.birdlife.org

Nyctiphynus rosenbergi (Chocó Poorwill)

Near Threatened. This unusual looking species is extremely difficult to see in the field. It has been heard calling by local community rangers who carry out a biological monitoring programme in the Awacachi Corridor.

see: www.andeandbirding.com