The spectacular, endangered Marvelous Spatuletail is one of the rarest hummingbirds in the world; it has only been recorded in the area surrounding and in the Huembo Reserve in northern Peru, created by ABC and our partner Asociación Ecosistemas Andinos (ECOAN) to save this species from extinction. The principal threat to this species is the destruction and fragmentation of its habitat caused by the illegal harvesting of wood and the clearing of land for agriculture by fire. In recent decades, the rate of habit loss has increased because many people have moved into the area from surrounding regions. Other threats to the spatuletail include invasive species, which slow the natural regeneration of native plants, and the hunting and the capture of birds for illegal sale.
ABC Conservation Framework
Efforts to save this species comes under Safeguarding the Rarest within ABC's Conservation Framework
The Huembo Reserve is home to four globally threatened birds: the Marvelous Spatuletail, Peruvian Pigeon, Little Woodstar, and Speckle-chested Piculet.
YouTube - Marvelous Spatuletail Courtship Display By abcbirds
Solutions
Protect land through the creation of a reserve, and reforest that reserve with native plants
Develop and implement a fire control plan
Develop conservation educational materials for the Huembo community making use of the local education center
Research and monitor the Marvelous Spatuletail to better understand its basic ecology
ABC Results
ABC and ECOAN responded to the call for action to save this species from extinction by creating the first protected area for this species at Huembo in 2006
ABC and ECOAN have reforested the reserve with native trees and shrubs
Since the creation of the reserve, a guard house and museum with displays on the ecology of the Marvelous Spatuletail have been built
ECOAN has instituted agroforesty demonstration projects with shade bananas and shade coffee to show local farmer the benefits of sustainable farming
The reserve now has several hummingbird feeders and blinds to facilitate viewing of the spatuletail by visitors, as well as gardens showcasing orchids, bromeliads, and edible plants
What Next?
Continue to reforest the reserve with native plants.
Develop and implement a fire control plan
Further develop conservation educational materials for the existing Huembo museum
Research and monitor the Marvelous Spatuletail to better understand its basic ecology.
Take Action
Support conservation by birding in Peru! The nearby Abra Patricia has an ecolodge from which the Marvelous Spatuletail is only a short drive away. Funds generated from ecotourism will directly support conservation actions. You can also donate to ABC to help with management costs of the reserve.
