Loss of biodiversity and species extinction are among the most critical issues concerning wildlife and nature. In particular, 14% of all bird species are threatened to some extent (IUCN Red List 2015). Our group studies diverse South American bird species of conservation concern with the aim to provide managers and policy makers with information to outline accurate conservation actions. We use a mixture of molecular and field-based approaches to answer questions related to behavior, ecology, population genetics, and extinction risks.
Researchers and students involved in this area: J. C. Reboreda, B. Mahler, I. Roesler, M. Domínguez, N. Cossa and N. Lois
Conservation of the Hooded Grebe
The grebes (PODICIPEDIFORMES, 22 species) are a cosmopolitan group that inhabits aquatic environments, currently having serious conservation problems: three species have become extinct while five are globally threatened. The Hooded Grebe (Podiceps gallardoi, Rumboll 1974) is an endemic species from Argentina and was elevated to the Critically Endangered category in 2012 (IUCN Red List).
Hooded Grebe with two chicks (P. Hernández).
