Cochabamba Mountain-Finch Poospiza garleppi conservation project

Cochabamba Mountain-Finch Poospiza garleppi Conservation Project
Project Coordinator: Noemí Huanca; nhuanca@armonia-bo.org
Project area: Montane slopes of the Tunari Cordillera, Department of Cochabamba

The Cochabamba Mountain-Finch is an endangered endemic species restricted nearly exclusively to the montane slopes of the Tunari Cordillera near the city of Cochabamba in central Bolivia. Previously considered an obligate Polylepis specialist, Noemí discovered small breeding populations surviving in agricultural land utlizing non-Polylepis trees for nest support. Through community outreach and education activities she has raised awareness and built local support for conservation efforts at two key sites. With support from Kilverstone Wildlife Charitable Trust and Conservation Leadership Programme, Noemí is working with an agronomist and environmental educator to develop community action plans to reduce threats to the species and support community development through habitat restoration and the introduction of sustainable agriculture practices. Also, Noemí received a Pamela and Alexander F. Skutch Research Award-Association of Field Ornithologists to study the reproductive ecology of the Cochabamba Mountain-Finch, in order that we might better understand the limiting factors that the species requires to maintain its population. In order to complete the three-person field team research/conservation projects, The Armonia Cochabamba Mountain-Finch Conservation Project needs USD 6,000 to cover field costs.

You can help support Armonia and this project by designating a US tax deductable donation to Armonia Cochabamba Mountain-finch through World Land Trust-US.