Population densities of the Black-faced Cotinga Conioptilon mcilhennyi in south-east Peru

Abstract

Population densities of the near-threatened Black-faced Cotinga Conioptilonmcilhennyi were investigated during a 21-month survey of lowland rainforest bird communities in Madre de Dios, south-east Peru. Surveys for the species were conducted at two locations along the Rio Madre de Dios. C. mcilhennyi is more abundant in old floodplain/seasonally flooded swamp forest mosaic habitat than in seasonally flooded swamp forest. Regional population estimates along the Rio Madre de Dios, Rio Parramanu and Rio de las Piedras range from 1,153 to 2,178 individuals. Current threats to this species and its habitat are discussed along with several conservation recommendations, including the proposal that the newly designated Parc National Bahuaja-Sonene or existing Zona Reservada de Tambopata-Candamo are expanded to encompass suitable Black-faced Cotinga habitat.