Current distribution range of the Andean Toucan Andigena laminirostris (Ramphastidae) and threats and expectations for its conservation in Ecuador

Abstract

Introduction. The Andean toucan Andigena laminirostris (Ramphastidae) is an important component of the avifaunal biodiversity of western Ecuador and Colombia. Most of their populations are threatened directly or indirectly by the development of productive human activities that generally harm their habitats. Objective. This document addresses different technical aspects that should be considered to achieve a better conservation of the Andean toucan Andigena laminirostris in the habitats in which it occurs, mainly in Ecuador. Methodology. It was based on a critical systematic review of several sources of updated information that detail the situation of this bird in Ecuador and Colombia, as well as the problems faced by its wild populations. Results. As a starting point, the areas in which this bird has been sighted regularly in recent years are presented and the threats of anthropic origin that usually cause population declines of this toucan are analyzed; The advantages of caring for this species in the regions where it lives and ways of maximizing strategies to do so are also discussed. Conclusion. If this Andean toucan and its habitats are not conserved or cared for, we would lose an emblematic species that plays several ecological roles in western Ecuador. To facilitate their knowledge and conservation (as well as their ecosystems) it is proposed to consider the umbrella species approach.