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 Yellow Cardinal
The Yellow Cardinal (Gubernatrix cristata) is a passerine endemic of southern South America, which is currently categorized as Endangered (IUCN Red List). In the past, this species was widely distributed in the thorny deciduous shrubland forests of central Argentina, most of Uruguay and part of southern Brazil. However, for over a century there has been a continuous removal of individuals, mainly males, to commercialize them as cage birds.
Yellow Cardinal male (M. Domínguez)
