Population density, social organization and habitat selection by the Red-billed Curassow, in the Reserva Natural Vale, Linhares, Espírito Santo

• Grant number: 12/08265-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master
• Start date: December 01, 2012
• End date: October 31, 2014
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Zoology
• Principal Investigator: Luís Fábio Silveira
• Grantee: Fernanda Alves de Amorim
• Host Institution: Instituto de Biociências (IB). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Associated scholarship(s): 13/09970-2 - Applying statistical models for the conservation of the endangered Red-billed Curassow, BE.EP.MS

Abstract

The Cracids (curassows, guans and chachalacas) are one of the most threatened groups of birds of the Latin America. These bird species are obligate forest-dwellers, with a dependence on primary habitats. The Red-billed Curassow was formerly found throughout the Brazilian Atlantic Forest but has disappeared with its habitat in many places and is subject to illegal hunting wherever it remains. This species is listed as Endangered and nowadays is restricted to the north part of Espírito Santo and south of Bahia. There is still a chronic lack of information on its biology, now urgently required to support attempts to save remaining populations through better management. The field work will be carried out in the Reserva Natural Vale (Linhares, ES), which is now the main stronghold for this species in the wild. Using line transects, census will be undertaken to collect data regarding population density. Along transects data related to vegetation structure and behavior will also be collected to analyze whether exists habitat selection by the Red-billed Curassow. The information obtained will be important to develop conservation strategies and will contribute to better understand the status of the species in the Reserva Natural Vale through a method that was successfully used in other studies with Galliformes.

Academic Publications

(References retrieved automatically from State of São Paulo Research Institutions)

AMORIM, Fernanda Alves de. Assessing the population status and habitat relations of the Red-billed Curassow Crax blumenbachii in a Brazilian Atlantic Forest fragment. 2014. Master's Dissertation - Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Instituto de Biociências (IBIOC/SB) São Paulo.