Distribution, threats and conservation of the white-collared kite (Leptodon forbesi, Accipitridae), the most threatened raptor in the Neotropics

Abstract

The White-collared Kite (Leptodon forbesi) is an endemic and threatened raptor of the Brazilian Atlantic Forest. Here we present the known records of the species, describe the vegetation types where it was found and show Ecological Niche Models generated using Maxent algorithm. Most of the presence data were recorded in open ombrophilous forest and easonal semideciduous forest in the states of Alagoas and Pernambuco. Maxent model had a good performance (AUC =.982 ± 0.004 SD), showing higher suitability for the species from Paraiba to Alagoas states. Maxent average odel revealed a distribution range of 20,344 km2 and an area of occupancy of 1,636.89 km2. The most suitable areas for the species are those near watercourses and streams. We suggest the creation of protected areas, including private ones, and possible restoration actions to connect the most suitable forest fragments, along with the captive breeding, as the most appropriate strategies for the conservation of the White-collared Kite.