The Biodiversity of Latin America has attracted worldwide attention, particularly with regard to Bird diversity. In this context, Colombia stands out as the undisputed leader, not only because of its diverse geography and climate, but also because of its policies and Conservation efforts that you have implemented. This country, rich in ecosystemshas been repeatedly recognized for its unparalleled records in bird watching and has therefore established itself as a tourist destination Favorite for ornithologists and fans from all over the world.
According to the minutes of South American Classification Committee (SACC)for its acronym in English, Colombia officially reports 1,869 species, which would represent 20% of the birds observed so far worldwide. These figures not only rank first in the world, but also reflect the country's natural wealth and the commitment of its residents and scientists to environmental protection and bird research.
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Why is it said that Colombia has the greatest bird diversity in the world?
In Colombia there are officially 1,869 species registered by the SACC It ranks first in the world in terms of bird diversity; surpasses countries like Peru and Brazil. This success is not a coincidence, but is due to great diversity of ecosystems from the warm coasts to the cold Andes, through jungles and deserts.
The Barranquero, a species of bird found in the coffee region. Photo: Dorian Anderson
This number could even rise to 1,968 Colombian Committee for Ornithological Records (CCRO). The country's highest authority on the subject points out that the official lists do not include birds flying through the islands or island areas, which is very common in coffee-growing areas such as Gorgona, San Andrés and Providencia.
The Alexander von Humboldt Institute points out that Colombia is home to 82 endemic species, many of which occur in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, an area of particular interest due to its remoteness and unique biodiversity. Photo: Coeligena / Rodrigo Gaviria
In addition, Colombia is an important corridor for migratory birds, with 14.5% of the birdlife coming from other latitudes, particularly North America. This migration, as well as that of six different eagle species, further enriches the range of species and makes the country a place of global scientific and tourist interest.
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Is Colombia on high alert for its birds?
Despite his wealth Colombia faces major challenges in protecting its birds. The degradation of habitats due to deforestation, pollution, etc Species trade They endanger the survival of these creatures. According to recent data, 141 Colombian birds are at risk of extinction, representing 7.1% of the national bird population. Types like that Paisa mountaineers and that Colombian Curassow They are at the top of the list of endangered birds, a situation that has raised alarm among conservationists and authorities.
A warlike woodpecker in Tayropa Park. Photo: Awake
In addition, deforestation in the country results in the loss of approximately 180,000 hectares of forest annually. This figure represents an area similar to that of the city of Bogotá, including its rural area. Much of this degradation is occurring in the Amazon, but it is also affecting fundamental birdlife corridors, such as the northern Chocó region and Antioquia.
Has Peru managed to overtake Colombia as the country with the largest number of birds?
According to a recent report by EFE, Peru claimed to have overtaken Colombia and Brazil with 1,879 species, which would surpass Colombia by 10. This announcement, based on the identification of 19 new species in the Amazon region Madre de Dios has been recognized by the Peruvian Bird Records Committee (CRAP), but is still awaiting confirmation by the South American Bird Classification Committee (SACC). Although this number is remarkable, it still does not surpass the official record of 1,869 that Colombia has, and certainly not the one that awaits verification of the 1,968 that the CCRO alleges.