The challenge of implementing the Important Bird Area program in a megadiversity and mega-threatened country

Abstract

Brazil is a megadiversity country but also has the highest number of threatened bird species in the neotropics. There are over 100 species of birds threatened with extinction in Brazil. Some of the most threatened birds occur in the highly threatened Atlantic Forest hotspot of Brazil. BirdLife International started an Important Bird Areas (IBA) program in Brazil by identifying 161 areas in 15 of the 26 Brazilian states. Two areas were selected as priorities for initial projects, and their case studies are presented here: Murici, in Alagoas, and Serra das Lontras, in the state of Bahia. In Brazil, Bird- Life has been working with local non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to develop and implement conservation projects. Local NGOs, which are an integral part of the process, have easier access to first-hand knowledge and information about the real situation of the areas under study. A network of such NGOs, linked through BirdLife, can then exchange experiences and thereby enhance the chance of success of any individual initiative.

Parent Publication

• Bird Conservation Implementation and Integration in the Americas: Proceedings of the Third International Partners in Flight Conference. 2002 March 20-24; Asilomar, California, Volume 1 and 2

Citation

Goerck, Jaqueline M.; Wege, David C. 2005. The challenge of implementing the Important Bird Area program in a megadiversity and mega-threatened country. In: Ralph, C. John; Rich, Terrell D., editors 2005. Bird Conservation Implementation and Integration in the Americas: Proceedings of the Third International Partners in Flight Conference. 2002 March 20-24; Asilomar, California, Volume 2 Gen. Tech. Rep. PSW-GTR-191. Albany, CA: U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Research Station: p. 1250-1255