One thought on “Horned Curassow (Pauxi unicornis)”
I am Tjalle Boorsma, Conservation Program Director, Asociación Armonía (BirdLife International partner, Bolivia)
Asociación Armonía has been the only organization actively working on the conservation of the Horned Curassow for over 15 years. We have conducted population size estimations, collaborated closely with the Indigenous Yuracaré communities within the Isiboro Sécure National Park and Indigenous Territory (TIPNIS), and led conservation initiatives throughout the species’ known distribution. Based on our experience and continuous field presence, I express strong concern regarding the proposed downlisting of the Horned Curassow from Critically Endangered (CR) to Endangered (EN).
Lack of Reliable Population Data:
The proposed downlisting is not supported by current, robust population data. No recent large-scale or systematic surveys have been conducted to establish population trends for this elusive and understudied species. The assumption that forest cover equates to population viability is flawed. In the case of the Horned Curassow, forest cover alone does not reflect increasing pressures from unsustainable hunting, habitat degradation, and encroachment—even within designated protected areas.
Escalating Threats Across the Range:
The Yungas and Amazonian foothills of Amboró National Park, Carrasco National Park, and TIPNIS are among the most difficult regions to operate in due to ongoing illicit activities linked to cocaine production. Lowland areas around protected zones are being rapidly converted to coca plantations, with increased occupation by non-Indigenous settlers. We have documented rising levels of unsustainable hunting, which likely includes the Horned Curassow.
The TIPNIS region, once a stronghold for the species, is under increasing threat. A newly constructed road near Fátima de Moleto, within the protected area, appears connected to illegal gold mining. This infrastructure is opening access to remote areas, further intensifying hunting and land-use change. Once the road between Santa Cruz and San Ignacio de Moxos is completed, TIPNIS—the last stronghold for the species—will be further fragmented and degraded.
Loss of Ex-situ Conservation Potential:
The only two known Horned Curassows held in captivity, located at the Santa Cruz Zoo and previously considered for a potential captive breeding program, have died. Currently, no individuals exist in captivity, eliminating the possibility of reintroduction or insurance populations in the foreseeable future.
Weak Protection in “Protected” Areas:
Although the species’ known distribution overlaps with several national parks, the reality on the ground is alarming. Due to severe underfunding of Bolivia’s protected area system over the past two decades, there is virtually no enforcement or biological monitoring. Park rangers lack the necessary resources to patrol or control illegal activities, and land purchase or stricter private protection mechanisms cannot be implemented due to legal limitations within national parks.
Recommendation:
I strongly recommend maintaining the species’ status as Critically Endangered until a comprehensive, range-wide population census is conducted. Downlisting the species at this point risks undermining efforts to secure urgently needed funding. The Horned Curassow already receives limited conservation attention, and a lower threat category would significantly jeopardize the potential to protect the species before irreversible losses occur.
I am Tjalle Boorsma, Conservation Program Director, Asociación Armonía (BirdLife International partner, Bolivia)
Asociación Armonía has been the only organization actively working on the conservation of the Horned Curassow for over 15 years. We have conducted population size estimations, collaborated closely with the Indigenous Yuracaré communities within the Isiboro Sécure National Park and Indigenous Territory (TIPNIS), and led conservation initiatives throughout the species’ known distribution. Based on our experience and continuous field presence, I express strong concern regarding the proposed downlisting of the Horned Curassow from Critically Endangered (CR) to Endangered (EN).
Lack of Reliable Population Data:
The proposed downlisting is not supported by current, robust population data. No recent large-scale or systematic surveys have been conducted to establish population trends for this elusive and understudied species. The assumption that forest cover equates to population viability is flawed. In the case of the Horned Curassow, forest cover alone does not reflect increasing pressures from unsustainable hunting, habitat degradation, and encroachment—even within designated protected areas.
Escalating Threats Across the Range:
The Yungas and Amazonian foothills of Amboró National Park, Carrasco National Park, and TIPNIS are among the most difficult regions to operate in due to ongoing illicit activities linked to cocaine production. Lowland areas around protected zones are being rapidly converted to coca plantations, with increased occupation by non-Indigenous settlers. We have documented rising levels of unsustainable hunting, which likely includes the Horned Curassow.
The TIPNIS region, once a stronghold for the species, is under increasing threat. A newly constructed road near Fátima de Moleto, within the protected area, appears connected to illegal gold mining. This infrastructure is opening access to remote areas, further intensifying hunting and land-use change. Once the road between Santa Cruz and San Ignacio de Moxos is completed, TIPNIS—the last stronghold for the species—will be further fragmented and degraded.
Loss of Ex-situ Conservation Potential:
The only two known Horned Curassows held in captivity, located at the Santa Cruz Zoo and previously considered for a potential captive breeding program, have died. Currently, no individuals exist in captivity, eliminating the possibility of reintroduction or insurance populations in the foreseeable future.
Weak Protection in “Protected” Areas:
Although the species’ known distribution overlaps with several national parks, the reality on the ground is alarming. Due to severe underfunding of Bolivia’s protected area system over the past two decades, there is virtually no enforcement or biological monitoring. Park rangers lack the necessary resources to patrol or control illegal activities, and land purchase or stricter private protection mechanisms cannot be implemented due to legal limitations within national parks.
Recommendation:
I strongly recommend maintaining the species’ status as Critically Endangered until a comprehensive, range-wide population census is conducted. Downlisting the species at this point risks undermining efforts to secure urgently needed funding. The Horned Curassow already receives limited conservation attention, and a lower threat category would significantly jeopardize the potential to protect the species before irreversible losses occur.