Recent records from Brazil, and particularly a recent northerly range extension, indicate that this species's status is better than previously thought. Nevertheless, the remaining population is still extremely small and severely fragmented, and the perturbation, damming and pollution of rivers continue to cause declines. For these reasons, it is listed as Critically Endangered. If recent suggestions that the population exceeds 250 mature individuals can be confirmed, the species will be eligible for downlisting to Endangered.
Population justification
The population was estimated at 250 individuals in 1992. Although no complete census has been conducted since this estimate, threats have continued, hence the current population is likely to be lower than this figure, thus the population is placed in the band 50-249 mature individuals. There are recent suggestions that the population may exceed this figure (L. V. Lins in litt. 2012), but this requires confirmation. Conservation actions underway
The species is legally protected in all three range states. It occurs in three Brazilian national parks, two state parks and one private protected area (Braz et al. 2003), although there are no recent published records from Emas National Park. A species action plan has been published which outlines in detail its current status, ecology, threats and proposed conservation actions (Ibama 2006). In Argentina, sections of the Arroyo Uruzú are protected within the Uruguaí Provincial Park (P. Benstead verbally 2004). Regular monitoring of the population in Serra da Canastra National Park is conducted and in 2008 a team from the WWT and Terra Brasilis colour-ringed 14 individuals and fitted five of them with radio transmitters in order to increase knowledge of the species's movements and ecology (Braz et al. 2003, WWT 2008). Since then, 36 individuals have been banded, and the work has provided data on the species's sexual maturation and dispersal ability (Ribeiro et al. 2011). During one phase of a long-term study in Serra da Canastra National Park four pairs fledged 70 young in five years, representing a considerable contribution to the species's long-term survival and highlighting the importance of the park (Bruno et al. 2006). Nest boxes have recently been installed within the protected area (L. V. Lins in litt. 2012). Genetic studies are underway in the population, which will help to inform conservation decisions (Vilaça et al. 2011). The WWT continues to raise funds for this species, and over the next 12 months hopes to continue monitoring and ecological research and develop education work to address the threats faced by the species (Anon. 2009). A captive breeding programme was initiated in 2011 at the Poços de Caldas Breeding Center in Minas Gerais. Two young have been successfully reared so far (L. V. Lins in litt. 2012). http://www.birdlife.org/datazone/speciesfactsheet.php?id=499
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