Protecting the Saffron-cowled Blackbird, the last populations of Argentina's grasslands symbol

INÉS M. PEREDA; FLORENCIA M. PUCHETA

2016-09-05/2017-06-16

1-13

Biológica

Medio terrestre-Conservacion

This report was prepared for The Rufford Foundation, which provided funding for the fieldwork aimed at generating the necessary knowledge to create an action based conservation strategy to protect the reproductive colonies of the Saffron-cowled Blackbird and raise the reproductive success of the populations in Entre Rios. To achieve this, we detected the reproductive colonies and determined the actual distribution of the species in Entre Rios. We also assessed the impact of predators and parasites on the reproductive success of the colonies and tested different conservation techniques to define a conservation strategy for both provinces. Furthermore, we examined the impact of illegal wildlife trade on the species to design conservation strategies to mitigate poaching and illegal markets, and advocated for the creation of political policies and education programs. Defining the real distribution of a threatened species was the first and unavoidable phase in designing any monitoring activities and active conservation strategies. In this context, we worked to update the distribution of the Saffron-cowled Blackbird in the province of Entre Rios. The distribution of the species was mapped for the province and its different environments, along with its presence in relation to areas of different conservation interests and land use. With the knowledge gathered on the threats, we developed a conservation strategy following the "Colony Guardians" methodology to apply both in the populations of Corrientes and Entre Rios. Prospections were conducted in search of colonies during the months of August and September to identify possible nests to monitor during the breeding period. A GIS project was completed before the exploratory campaign to address the different habitats available and of importance for conservation management. This was carried out in the months of July and August 2016. After the exploratory campaigns for colonies, the GIS project was assessed to define where the colonies were settled as part of the data analysis. The GIS project was finished during the months of February, March, and April. Furthermore, exploratory campaigns were carried out with the help of local stakeholders (COA - local birdwatching clubs), volunteers, and local NGOs during September and October. During the breeding period, once the established colonies were identified, field technicians surveyed daily until the fledglings left the nests. Workshops and talks were conducted in public schools in local communities of Entre Rios with the presence of Saffron-cowled blackbird. This was carried out in September and October, in different local events that promote birdwatching and tourism.