After 40 years without being seen in Brazilian territory, the curassow bird was found by researchers in an area close to the river that bathes the Mãe Maria indigenous land, in Bom Jesus do Tocantins (PA), in Amazon rainforest.
Two ornithological researchers spotted the animal after 10 days of expedition there. The bird, which is threatened with extinction, has become a rarity in the country.
The surprise was so great that professionals almost couldn’t believe the discovery.
To prove the feat, they filmed and took photos of the curassow. It was recorded for more than 10 minutes, according to ornithologist Gustavo Gonsioroski.
In total, the pair found six specimens of the species, some of which formed pairs.
Management and protection plan
Bird lives in a restricted area of the Amazon. – Photo: Reproduction
The discovery excited researchers so much that they plan to return to the site next month to try to find other birds. The idea is to implement a management and protection policy to assist in the conservation of the species.
The researchers involved are part of the Territorial Action Plan for the Conservation of Endangered Species of the Meio Norte Territory (PAT Meio Norte).
The project is coordinated by the Maranhão Environment Secretariat (Sema), the Nature Institute of Tocantins (Naturatins) and also by the Forestry and Biodiversity Development Institute of the State of Pará (Ideflor-Bio).
This is the first time that six individuals of Pinima curassow have been found, since the species was considered in threat of extinction.
The researchers had the help of information provided by indigenous people from the region, who belong to the Gavião Parkatejê ethnic group.
Furthermore, to make the work easier, they used audio recorders and trap cameras to ensure visual and sound recording of the animal.
Threat of extinction
According to the professionals’ report, they were almost giving up on finding the bird when the discovery happened. The cameras were placed in specific locations recommended by indigenous people.
The Pinima Mutum is a bird restricted to a small region of the Amazon, between the east of the Tocantins River and the Maranhão Amazon.
She lives in a region of devastated floodplain forest, which over time has been greatly impacted by environmental destruction. This configuration of factors is what threatens the existence and continuity of the species.
