Numerous ornithological studies are carried out in Venezuela\’s National Parks and Wildlife Refuges. These protected areas provide habitat for Venezuela\’s 1,400 bird species. ParksWatch-Venezuela recently participated in two ornithological studies: The Conservation and Management of the Flamingo (Phoenicopterus ruber) at Laguna de Los Olivitos Wildlife Refuge (Zulia State) and the monitoring of migrant birds at Henri Pittier National Park (Aragua and Carabobo States).
The Ministry of Environment\’s Wildlife Service organized the third flamingo banding at Los Olivitos. On April 21, 2001 one hundred juvenile flamingos were banded during three hours of intense work. There was considerable participation from community members of Ancón de Iturre (located on the west coast of lake Maracaibo). Volunteer fishermen provided transportation through the mangroves for the numerous biologists and veterinarians that traveled from different areas of the country to collaborate on this important governmental initiative.
In Henri Pittier every October, ParksWatch staff participate in banding of migrant and resident birds at Portachuelo Pass. This banding project is organized by the Audobon Society of Venezuela and has been active for 12 years, during which time extensive data has been collected. Migratory bird routes and bird movement within the park have been recorded, and other data, such as life spans, molt times, and reproductive rates is now available. The information from this study was used to help develop the Management Plan of Henri Pittier National Park in 1995.
This year, 1,140 resident and 198 migrant birds were banded and 929 hummingbirds were marked (by clipping the tip of their tails). Including this year\’s data, the database for Henri Pittier now includes 28,515 banded birds and 9,428 hummingbirds. Many students, tourists, and people from different regions of the country have participated as volunteers on this project.
Volunteers freeing a captured bird. Banded Black-hooded thrush (Turdus olivater).
Both projects highlight the importance of different actors in society involving themselves in conservation efforts. Several Venezuelan private companies donated funding to support these conservation initiatives. Coordinating citizen participation in scientific research is an important way to increase public awareness of environmental issues and protect Venezuela\’s natural world.
Los Olivitos Wildlife Refuge.
(Top photo: Flamingos captured during 2001 banding.)
ParksWatch: October 2001