Importance for avian conservation in a forest patch of the phytogeographic region of the Espinal, Argentina

Abstract

The phytogeographic region of the Espinal in Argentina is critically endangered, because much of its territory, historically covered by native forest, has been replaced by agricultural areas. To provide evidence regarding the conservation value of relictual forest patches in the region, we inventoried avian species present in one of the largest Espinal forest relicts in the center of Córdoba, and assessed whether it meets the requirements to be included as an “Important Bird and Biodiversity Area” (IBA, “AICA” in Spanish). We registered 116 species, belonging to 32 families, representing approximately one quarter of the total number of species cited for the entire Province. The presence on site of one “globally threatened species” (Rhea americana), two “nationally restricted species” (Poospiza ornata and Xolmis rubetra), and 18 species “specific to a biome” makes this relict of Espinal to comply with at least three of the pre-established criteria to consider an area as an IBA. This work highlights the great value of this relict of the Espinal for avian conservation, which constitutes a regional diversity reservoir. Based on these results and the critical conservation situation faced by the Espinal in Córdoba, we propose that it is essential to revalue this area as an IBA site.