Justification This species's once relatively large population has undergone a rapid decline (owing to habitat loss and degradation, and hunting) which is projected to continue into the future. For this reason it is listed as Vulnerable.

Family/Sub-family Cracidae

Species name author (Fraser, 1852)

Taxonomic source(s) AOU checklist (1998 + supplements), Sibley and Monroe (1990, 1993), Stotz et al. (1996)

Identification 59-65 cm. Marked sexual dimorphism. Adult males are relatively small, all black and have bright red legs, bill and dewlap. Females are larger, brown, profusely barred and lack the dewlap. Similar spp. Can be confused with Penelope purpurascens, which also has red dewlap and occurs in some cloud forests. From Crypturellus tinamous and Dendrortyx wood-partridges, which also have red legs, by long tail.

Population estimate

Population trend

Range estimate (breeding/resident)

Country endemic?

91,000

decreasing

103,000 km²

No

Range & population Penelopina nigra inhabits wet premontane and montane broad-leaved forests of subtropical and temperate zones on Pacific and Caribbean slopes of south Mexico (uncommon and local⁶, but moderate numbers in El Triunfo Biosphere Reserve¹), Guatemala (still locally common), Honduras, north-central Nicaragua (uncommon and rather local in both) and El Salvador (local)^2,3,5,8. It can occur at densities of 30 birds/km² and is probably more common than sightings suggest^3,5. A recent extrapolation estimates that all remaining habitat could support a total population of c. 91,000 individuals, although this figure is declining rapidly and this trend is likely to continue. Suitable habitat in Guatemala, the apparent global stronghold, has been reduced to under c.10,000 km², which is less than half its original extent⁵. Since 1990, it has been confirmed from 53 sites throughout its range⁶.

Important Bird Areas Click here to view map showing IBAs where species is recorded and triggers any of the IBA criteria.

Ecology: It inhabits the most humid and densely forested slopes of Chiapas Montane Forest, Chimalapas Montane Forest, Central America Montane Forest and Central America Pine-Oak Forest⁶. Although it is mainly restricted to cloud forest and pine-oak forests, it has also been recorded in mature cypress plantations and low canopy secondary forest⁶. It forages singly, in pairs or small groups, often at twilight, on berries and other fruits.

Threats Habitat alteration and hunting pressure are the principal threats. The human population is growing rapidly within the species's range⁶. Forest is cleared for agriculture, particularly coffee plantations, but also for plantations of leather leaf ferns (Rumohra adiantiformis) and ponytail (Beaucarnea spp.)⁸, and to a lesser extent for mining⁹. Climate change may threaten the species in the future⁹, probably through altitudinal shifts in habitat.

Conservation measures underway At several private reserves in Guatemala, the species's stronghold, habitat is protected and hunting is prevented⁶. In Alta Verapaz, fire-protection zones adjacent to primary cloud forest were established by planting fruit trees, reducing the risk of forest fires from corn plots⁸. Short-term habitat protection is achieved by providing incentives for forest conservation and reforestation⁸. Hunting of the guan is prohibited by law in Mexico and El Salvador^6,9.

Conservation measures proposed Monitor the rates of habitat loss and degradation. Model population trends using data from habitat trends. Carry out research into whether the species is, in part, an altitudinal migrant⁷. Protect remaining forest habitat in existing reserves and by establishing new ones. Encourage local people to exploit sustainable alternative food sources. Promote habitat restoration both within and outside reserves across the species's range⁸. Improve the management of protected areas⁸.

References 1. Gómez de Silva et al. (1999). 2. Howell and Webb (1995a). 3. del Hoyo (1994). 5. Vannini and Rockstroh (1997). 6. Eisermann et al. (2006). 7. Eisermann (2005). 8. K. Eisermann in litt. (2007). 9. O. Komar in litt. (2007).

Text account compilers Phil Benstead (BirdLife International), Jeremy Bird (BirdLife International), Stuart Butchart (BirdLife International), David Capper (BirdLife International), Joe Taylor (BirdLife International)

Contributors Rob P Clay (Guyra Paraguay), Knut Eisermann (PROEVAL RAXMU Bird Monitoring Program), Oliver Komar (SalvaNATURA Conservation Science Program), Philip Tanimoto (University of Arkansas)

IUCN Red List evaluators Stuart Butchart (BirdLife International), Joe Taylor (BirdLife International)

Recommended citation BirdLife International (2009) Species factsheet: Penelopina nigra. Downloaded from http://www.birdlife.org on 9/2/2010

This information is based upon, and updates, the information published in BirdLife International (2000) Threatened birds of the world. Barcelona and Cambridge, UK: Lynx Edicions and BirdLife International, BirdLife International (2004) Threatened birds of the world 2004 CD-ROM and BirdLife International (2008) Threatened birds of the world 2008 CD-ROM. These sources provide the information for species accounts for the birds on the IUCN Red List.

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