For Immediate Release Contacts:
, ABC, 202 234-7181 ext. 207
, ABC, 202 680-2406

Spectacular Hummingbird Protected by First Conservation Easement in
Northern Peru

WASHINGTON, D.C. (July 18, 2006) American Bird Conservancy (ABC, www.abcbirds.org) announced today that the first conservation easement in northern Peru has been signed between a local community and ABC’s Peruvian partner group Asociación Ecosistemas Andinos (ECOAN, www.ecoanperu.org). The protected land lies on steep slopes above a remote Andean valley, and provides a lifeline for the survival of a rare hummingbird.

The hummingbird, known as the Marvelous Spatuletail, is among the strangest and most spectacular of all birds. Adult males have tails that are more than twice as long as their bodies and end in two great ungainly-looking spoon-shaped feathers. The birds are also cloaked in iridescent feathers, and like all hummingbirds, they are highly aggressive despite their small size. Local people once believed the birds conveyed aphrodisiac properties when consumed, likely compounding their problems which already include the conversion of their extremely limited habitat to cattle pasture and agriculture.

The site where the birds occur was identified last year as a global conservation priority by an international network of conservation groups known as the Alliance for Zero Extinction (AZE). AZE aims to protect 595 sites around the world that are the last refuges for endangered species that rely on single remaining locations for their survival.

Despite its remote location, the area where the hummingbird lives is already known to birdwatchers. In order to find the species it is often necessary to commission the services of one of the world’s youngest bird guides, ten-year-old Solomon Ortiz-Perez, who for a small fee will lead eager groups of bird tourists up steep slopes to search for the bird. The spatuletail is fast becoming a flagship species for tourism in the area, and has already appeared in travel advertisements in American magazines that aim to attract keen birdwatchers to the bird’s remote habitat. It has also been declared the “Regional Bird” for Peru’s Amazonas region.

“The new easement represents a major step forward for conservation and bird tourism in northern Peru which for years has been off the main tourist trails. The Marvelous Spatuletail is the Machu Picchu of the bird world. It is the ultimate hummingbird for most birdwatchers because of its rarity, ridiculously spectacular tail, and vibrant plumage” said Mike Parr of ABC. “By protecting the species’ habitat we can help ecosystem conservation, and bring much-needed tourist income to local families” he added.

“Conservation is not the role of single individuals but of our entire society. When you see communities that understand such challenges and sign such commitments as this conservation easement, you feel propelled to move forward. Indeed, you have no other choice” said Constantino Aucca Chutas, President of Asociación Ecosistemas Andinos.

Conservation plans for the area include a visitor’s center run by the local community, and a larger protected area nearby that will conserve a range of other highly threatened bird species. The work is funded by a grant from the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation, with additional support from BirdLife International. Legal documents were drafted by the Peruvian Society for Environmental Legislation.

For high resolution images suitable for print reproduction, please contact , ABC, 202 234-7181 ext. 207 or , ABC, 202 680-2406

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American Bird Conservancy (ABC, www.abcbirds.org) - is the only 501(c)(3) organization that works solely to conserve native wild birds and their habitats throughout the Americas. ABC acts to safeguard the rarest bird species, restore habitats, and reduce threats, while building capacity in the conservation movement. ABC is the voice for birds, ensuring that they are adequately protected; that sufficient funding is available for bird conservation; and that land is protected and properly managed to maintain viable habitat. ABC is a membership organization that is consistently awarded a top, four-star rating by the independent group Charity Navigator.