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By Antonia González
More than 500 species of birds have been recorded in Chile, which is equivalent to 5% of the world's total. That includes spectacular species that are endemic to Chile, such as the Moustached turca (Pteroptochos megapodius), Chilean tinamou (Nothoprocta perdicaria), Chilean seaside cinclodes (Cinclodes nigrofumosus) and rare birds like the Thorn-tailed rayadito (Aphrastura spinicauda) that originally came from other countries.
Unfortunately, like so many other wildlife species these birds face multiple threats to their existence, such as climate change, the introduction of invasive species, land use change, urban expansion, and industrial projects, among others.
Pitipalena Añihue Marine Protected Area. Photos: Ministerio de Medio Ambiente de ChileConcerned citizens can have a voice in their protection.
Until November 29, Chile’s Ministry of Environment (MMA) is hosting a citizen consultation for the National Bird Conservation Strategy 2021-2030, which will update the 2005 guidelines on protecting the country's bird populations. The initiative includes all native bird species that inhabit the country at some point in their life cycle. The strategy delineates measures for the control, mitigation and/or eradication of threats, as well as outlines objectives and indicators for every necessary conservation action, thereby generating a roadmap that will be continually reviewed and adapted over time.
"This strategy will allow us to download and adapt guidelines that contribute to such unique species like the ñandú, a species that has only two habitats in the Aysén region, and on the other hand strengthen the actions that are being developed and planned in the Marine Protected Areas, such as the monitoring and control of invasive species,” said Mónica Saldías, the regional environmental secretary for Chile’s Aysen region, in a Ministry of Environment press release.
All individuals and organizations can view and comment on the document at: consultasciudadanas.mma.gob.cl/portal.
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