New Bird Species Found in Venezuela
Posted on: Wednesday, 22 October 2003, 06:00 CDT
CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) -- Scientists discovered a new bird species, but its habitat is threatened by a dam project in a southeastern Venezuela river basin, a British environmental organization announced Wednesday.
Birdlife International said the new species has been named the Carrizal Seedeater, or Amaurospina carrizalensis, after the tiny islet in the Caura River where was discovered by researchers Miguel Lentino and Robin Restall.
The Carrizal Seedeater is a species of the blue-flecked finch. It has a larger bill than other finches and small plumage differences, Birdlife International said in a statement.
The male is light gray with some blue feathers while the female is of various shades of brown.
The researchers hope the species might be found in the vicinity of the Caura River, located about 300 miles southeast of Caracas.
If Venezuela's state-run electricity company, Edelca, moves ahead with plans to build a hydroelectric dam across the Caura River, the new bird's only know habitat would be destroyed, said Restall.
"It is ironic that, as we celebrate the discovery of a new bird which has been under researchers' noses for so long. this bird may now be losing the most favorable habitat for its continued survival," said Restall.
Only three of the newly discovered blue-flecked finches were found and researchers don't have estimates regarding its total population.
In August, the U.S. environmental organization Conservation International announced that scientists discovered 10 new fish species and a previously unknown species of shrimp in Caura River Basin.
The Washington-based group called on Venezuela's government to designate the 11,115-acre area a wildlife reserve.
The Caura watershed - an expanse of forests and rivers - is in a pristine pocket of highlands known as the Guyana Shield, an ancient geological formation.
The wildlife rich region is under threat from illegal mining and deforestation, according to conservation organizations.
Venezuela is one the most biologically diverse countries in South America. There are an estimated 1,360 bird species in Venezuela.
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