Jeremy Flanagan A Peruvian Plantcutter, one of the threatened birds of the Tumbesian region Zoom In | Hi-Res

Tumbesian region celebrated

07-11-2005

Each year on November 7th, one of the world’s richest bird areas is celebrated.

The Tumbesian region, which stretches from northern coastal Ecuador south to just north of Lima in Peru, holds exceptional levels of endemic bird species – species found nowhere else on the planet. However, heavy deforestation has resulted in many of its inhabitants becoming threatened, converting the region into a major conservation priority for BirdLife and other conservation organisations.

One of the first initiatives to unite ornithologists and conservationists from the region was a workshop held in 1999 in the Peruvian coastal town of Talara, at which participants declared the 7th of November as International Day of the Tumbesian Endemic Bird Area.

"November 7th is a reminder each year that the forests of the Tumbesian region represent one of the richest and most threatened sites for biodiversity on the planet." —Amiro Perez-Leroux, BirdLife Americas Partner Development Officer

To celebrate the day different institutions throughout the region are organising events and presentations which will raise awareness through the local and regional press.

BirdLife's long history in the region continues to expand through initiatives such as the Important Bird Area (IBA) programme, British Bird Watching Fair funds for threatened species in northern Peru, a Darwin Initiative project and a UK Lottery Community Fund project in the border region between Peru and Ecuador.