U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Adds Two Ecuadorian Birds to Endangered Species List

Black-breasted puffleg at the Yanacocha Reserve in Ecuador. Two species of birds from Ecuador are now protected by the Endangered Species Act following the publication of two U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service final listing determinations in the July 27, 2010 Federal Register. The black-breasted puffleg, a hummingbird native to Ecuador’s Volcán Pichincha, and the medium tree finch of the Ecuadorian island of Floreana in the Galapagos Islands, have been listed as endangered. Photograph © Steve Blain, Internet Bird Collection U.S. National Fish and Wildlife Service

Two species of birds from Ecuador are now protected by the Endangered Species Act following the publication of two U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service final listing determinations in the July 27, 2010 Federal Register.

The black-breasted puffleg (Eriocnemis nigrivestis), a hummingbird native to Ecuador’s Volcán Pichincha, and the medium tree finch (Camarhynchus pauper) of the Ecuadorian island of Floreana in the Galapagos Islands, have been listed as endangered.

The black-breasted puffleg population has declined between 50 and 79 percent in the past 12 years, due to habitat destruction, alteration, conversion, and fragmentation. The species’ already small and declining population makes the black-breasted puffleg particularly vulnerable to extinction.

The medium tree finch is found in the moist highland forests on the island of Floreana in the Galapagos Islands. The species is at risk primarily due to the introduced parasitic fly, Philornis downsi. The effects of P. downsi parasitism in finches is severe, accompanied by high incidences of nestling mortality, as well as lower fledgling success, reduced nestling growth, and reduced hemoglobin levels in nestlings. In addition, the clearing of native vegetation for agriculture and ranching; the destruction and degradation of habitat caused by introduced animals and plants; predation; and inadequate existing regulatory mechanisms are also threatening the continued existence of the species.

Granting foreign species protection under the Endangered Species Act means import or export of any of the species, or their parts or products, as well as sale in interstate or foreign commerce, is prohibited. The only exceptions are for scientific purposes and to assist in efforts aimed at enhancing the propagation or survival of these species.

The final rule appeared in the Federal Register on July 27, 2010. For more information visit the Service’s website at www.fws.gov/endangered.

This news is from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 27 July 2010.

Note:

The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals and commitment to public service. For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit www.fws.gov.