Justification This species has a very small population which is semi-nomadic along rivers in the Amazon basin, and has suffered from habitat loss and extensive trapping for trade. It is consequently listed as Endangered.

Family/Sub-family Psittacidae

Species name author (Gmelin, 1788)

Taxonomic source(s) SACC (2005 + updates), Sibley and Monroe (1990, 1993), Stotz et al. (1996)

Synonyms Aratinga guarouba Stotz et al. (1996), Aratinga guarouba Sibley and Monroe (1990, 1993), Guarouba guarouba SACC (2005), Guarouba guarouba BirdLife International (2000)

Identification 34 cm. Striking, golden parrot. Adult golden-yellow with green flight feathers. White periocular and large horn-coloured bill. Immature dull brownish-olive, streaked green above. Voice High-pitched, vibrant greh or kray calls are softer than Aratinga parakeets.

Population estimate

Population trend

Range estimate (breeding/resident)

Country endemic?

1,000-2,499

decreasing

103,000 km²

Yes

Range & population Guaruba guarouba is endemic to Brazil, where most records come from between the Tocantins, lower Xingú and Tapajós rivers in the Amazon basin of Pará. There are additional records from adjacent north Maranhão (populations survive around Gurupi and the rio Capim⁴), Rondônia (one record at Jamari in 1989, but not subsequently despite surveys²) and Mato Grosso (one record at Alta Floresta in 1991¹). It may always have been scarce, but overall numbers must have declined very considerably.

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

Ecology: It is apparently nomadic in lowland humid forest. In the dry season, it frequents the canopy of tall terra firme forest but, in the breeding season, appears to inhabit clearings with few scattered trees. Tree-cavities are used for nesting and roosting. It feeds on fruit, berries, seeds and nuts and, seasonally, on crops (especially maize, which ripens immediately before fledging). Breeding generally occurs in December-April, but has been noted in October. Breeding is apparently communal, with several females contributing two or three eggs to each nest and several adults caring for the young. Up to nine young have been recorded in a nest in the wild, and up to 14 in captivity.

Threats Habitat destruction and fragmentation as a result of road construction, subsequent development and settlement, with accompanying illegal logging, is a threat in the east of its range. Mahogany exploitation is particularly concerning in the Tocantins-Xingú area³. Selective logging of primary hardwoods removes suitable roosting and nesting cavities.⁵ It is trapped for trade (usually while roosting) and highly desired in both international and national trade. It is hunted for food, feathers, sport and to curtail crop damage.

Conservation measures underway CITES Appendix I and II and protected under Brazilian law (and has been proposed as the national bird of Brazil), but this legal status may have highlighted its value to dealers. A population is relatively well-protected in Tapajós National Park, and a remnant population may survive in Gurupi Biological Reserve. Jamari National Forest is poorly protected and suffers constant pressure from squatters, loggers and poachers². Conservation of this species in reserves is problematic because of its apparent nomadism.

Conservation measures proposed Survey to discover new populations, especially in the south and west of its range. Ensure the de facto protection of Gurupi Biological Reserve. Maintain the integrity of Tapajós National Park. Protect and manage intervening areas to facilitate nomadic movements. Enforce legal restrictions on trade, especially in internal markets.

References Collar et al. (1992). 1. Low (1995c). 2. F. Olmos in litt. (1999). 3. Snyder et al. (2000). 4. C. Yamashita in litt. (2000). 5. Yamashita (2003).

Further web sources of information

Fully detailed species account from the Threatened birds of the Americas: the BirdLife International Red Data Book (BirdLife International 1992). Please note, taxonomic treatment and IUCN Red List category may have changed since publication.

Recuento detallado de la especie tomado del libro Aves Amenazadas de las Americas, Libro Rojo de BirdLife International (BirdLife International 1992). Nota: la taxonomoía y la categoría de la Lista Roja de la UICN pudo haber cambiado desde esta publicación.

Text account compilers Phil Benstead (BirdLife International), David Capper (BirdLife International), Andy Symes (BirdLife International), Rob Williams (BirdLife International)

Contributors Fabio Olmos, Robert S. Ridgely (American Bird Conservancy), Carlos Yamashita

IUCN Red List evaluators Stuart Butchart (BirdLife International), Andy Symes (BirdLife International)

Recommended citation BirdLife International (2009) Species factsheet: Guaruba guarouba. Downloaded from http://www.birdlife.org on 10/2/2010

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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