Birds of the Cordillera del Kutukú, Morona Santiago, Southeastern Ecuador

Abstract

The cordillera del Kutukú is located in the southeastern Ecuador and is partially isolated from the Andes mountain range. We conducted five field expeditions to the region, where we directly obtained information regarding the richness of birds. In addition, we compile bird richness data from published records and Ecuadorian museum's collections in order to provide an updated list. A total of 501 bird species were registered, in an elevation range from 500 to 2.300 m a.s.l. We found 13 species with new latitudinal and/or longitudinal distribution extensions. Twenty-six species (5.2%) are in an elevated risk category nationally or globally. The region's limited roads, added to the Shuar ethnic group policies for entering to their territory has aided in the conservation of forests, especially those over 1800 m a.s.l. Thus, the biological knowledge of this area remains to be discovered. This remote area protects an important diversity, as well as threatened bird populations, water resources, territory and culture of the indigenous groups that inhabit it. However, unfortunately the entire mountain range is under concession for exploration of mining projects. Therefore, the attention of regional and national authorities is required to join efforts to ensure their conservation and biological exploration.