PROTECTING MIGRATORY BIRDS IN THE ECUADOR

Habitat loss and degradation in the Neotropics are a major threat driving population declines in migratory birds. With less than 2% of original vegetation remaining, wintering habitat is critically threatened in Western Ecuador.

This project addresses habitat loss in the Choc, a key stopover and overwintering site for Olive-sided Flycatcher, Canada Warbler and Cerulean Warbler. Partners will restore and protect the Ecuadorian Choc through four objectives.

First, they will monitor 18,000 acres of wintering habitat including the Canand and Tesoro Escondido reserves and new transects surrounding them. These reserves will be patrolled continuously to prevent deforestation and hunting. Second, their monitoring allows them to identify critical areas for reserve expansion.

Third, they will plant 30,000 native trees on ~247 acres on private properties and thereby improve NMB habitat quality and connectivity among remaining habitat patches.

Finally, they will develop bird friendly income streams like carbon compensation and bird-friendly cacao production and build the capacities of local communities and stakeholders.