The rarest of the rare: rediscovery and status of the critically endangered Belem Curassow, Crax fasciolata pinima (Pelzeln, 1870)

Abstract

The Belem Curassow (Crax fasciolata pinima) is one of the most endangered birds in South America, without sightings of birds in the wild for 40 years. This subspecies is nationally and internationally classified as critically endangered and close to extinction, suffering from poaching and deforestation in its range. Here we present new records of free-living individuals made on three indigenous lands in Para and Maranhao states: in part of Terra Indigena Mae Maria, Bom Jesus do Tocantins, Para; in locations within the Reserva Biologica do Gurupi/Terra Indigena Alto Turiacu, Centro Novo do Maranhao, Maranhao; and around the Terra Indigena Rio Pindare, Alto Alegre do Pindare, Maranhao. We also provide recommendations to protect this bird via a dedicated conservation program which includes finding new individuals in non-sampled areas (north of BR-222), estimating population size, enhancing taxonomic and natural history knowledge, capturing wild animals in order to start urgent ex\xa0situ conservation programs, and developing environmental awareness programs with the local and indigenous populations.