Conservation of the Blue-billed Curassow
at El Paujil Bird Reserve, Colombia
Region: |
Serranía
de las Quinchas, Colombia |
Partner: |
Fundación
ProAves |
Initiation: |
January 2004 |
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Introduction: The
El Paujil Natural Reserve is an Alliance
for Zero Extinction site because of the presence of the
Critically Endangered Blue-billed Curassow (Crax alberti).
It is also home to 313 species of birds and other wildlife,
such as the Critically Endangered Variegated Spider-Monkey (Ateles
hybridus), Magdalena Tapir (Tapirus terrestris;
a Critically Endangered subspecies), and the Magdalena Bocadito
(Prochilodus magdalenae, a Critically Endangered fish).
The Magdalena River and adjacent highway
have been the main conduits for commerce and communication
for the densely populated interior of Colombia. Most of its
wide forested flood-plains and slopes have been converted
to agricultural land with only a few fragments remaining,
the largest of which is around Serranía de las Quinchas.
In 2003, ABC supported the acquisition
and establishment of the Paujil reserve that protects 1,548
hectares (3,824 acres) of humid lowland and foothill forest.
For the past year, ProAves hasbeen exploring the area and
mapping properties with a view to protecting remaining forested
tracts that form the core range of the Blue-billed Curassow.
Poverty in rural areas is a great challenge,
where incomes are very low and most women are poorly educated,
lack skills and forced to work in extreme conditions, often
to the neglect of their families. As part of the efforts to
protect the curassow and other wildlife in the area, we are
undertaking a training course for 65 women in four villages.
They will receive training and coaching by a sustainable techniques
trainer, followed closely by monitoring of the program. Through
this program we hope to reduce the considerable pressure on
critical habitats from cutting forest for cooking, hunting,
and for food provisions.
Objective:
Establish a reserve for the protection of the Blue-billed
Curassow and other wildlife.
Actions:
1. Acquire and protect up to 5,000 hectares (12,000 acres)
for the curassow and other fauna and flora.
2. Educate local people in the importance of the curassow
and in sustainable methods.
3. Promote ecotourism to the site to assist with reserve sustainability.
Accomplishments:
1. Acquired 1,100 hectares (2,700 acres) in 2004 to establish
the Paujil reserve.
2. Acquisition of a further 305 hectares (754 acres) in 2008
to consolidate the El Paujil reserve.
3. Local school changed its name to El Paujil in honor of
the curassow.
4. Hunting of the Blue-billed Curassow and Variegated Spider-Monkey
suspended.
For more information on how
to visit the lodge at El Paujil Bird Reserve.
Checklist of the
Reserve's 313 birds.
For more information on this project or
other ABC projects in Colombia, please contact
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Mission and Vision 
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