International Projects
Even designated conservation areas are under assault; for example recently “Tanzania had lost two-thirds of its once mighty elephant population in just four years, as demand from China for their ivory tusks sent a highly-organized army of rifle and chainsaw-wielding criminals into its game reserves.”
Tanzania features the greatest mammalian migration on Earth on the Serengeti Plain, the Ngorongoro Crater (The Garden of Eden), Mt. Kilimanjaro (the highest peak in Africa) and the Selous Game Reserve (largest reserve in Africa and perhaps the World). Uganda and Rwanda are home to the spectacular Mountain Gorilla, many disappearing primate species, incredible avidiversity that rivals the neotropics and many other species of plants and animals.
We are exploring future partnerships in Uganda and Rwanda.
http://nationalbiodiversityparks.blogspot.com/2015/02/expedition-to-rwanda-and-uganda.html
NBP is dedicated to preserving the incredible natural resources in East Africa; contact us if you would like to support our conservation efforts or travel to the area on safari. Please call us or fill out the form below and we will have our US based ecotourism representative who has been to several countries in East Africa contact you. Upon request in special situations we may also meet with your group personally to help plan your special, once in a life-time safari.
Species not previously inhabiting the islands slowly established populations over millennia. The rising high mountains eventually provided the geographic isolation required for additional speciation on each side of the impressive ranges and the many large transverse ridges and valleys. The geologic lifting provided the raw material for speciation– segregation of populations from each other over long periods.
Over 1,560 species of birds, 557 species of reptiles and 498 species of amphibians have been observed in this incredible land. NBP has researched the area during 25 trips to Central America; there is a great need for further conservation efforts.
Here is an example of only some of the endemics of Central America:
Mangrove Hummingbird, Amazilia boucardi, Coppery-headed Emerald, Elvira cupreiceps; Black-cheeked Ant-Tanager,Habia atrimaxillaris.
Coco’s Island Endemics
Cocos Cuckoo, Coccyzus ferrugineus, Cocos Flycatcher, Nesotriccus ridgwayi; Cocos Finch, Pinaroloxias inornata .
Black Guan, Chamaepetes unicolor, Black-breasted Wood-Quail, Odontophorusleucolaemus, Chiriqui Quail-Dove, Geotrygonchiriquensis, Buff-fronted Quail-Dove, Geotrygoncostaricensis, Sulfur-winged Parakeet, Pyrrhurahoffmanni, Red-fronted Parrotlet, Touitcostaricensis, Bare-shanked Screech-Owl*3, Megascopsclarkii, Costa Rican Pygmy-Owl, Glaucidiumcostaricanum, Dusky Nightjar, Caprimulgussaturates, Fiery-throated Hummingbird, Panterpe insignis, Black-bellied Hummingbird, Eupherusanigriventris, White-tailed Emerald, Elvira chionura, Purple-throated Mountain-gem, Lamporniscalolaemus, White-throated Mountain-gem, Lamporniscastaneoventris, Magenta-throated Woodstar, Calliphloxbryantae, Volcano Hummingbird, Selasphorusflammula, Scintillant Hummingbird, Selasphorus scintilla, Orange-bellied Trogon, Trogon aurantiiventris, Prong-billed Barbet, Semnornisfrantzii, Ruddy Treerunner, Margarornisrubiginosus, Streak-breasted Treehunter, Thripadectesrufobrunneus, Silvery-fronted Tapaculo, Scytalopusargentifrons, Dark Pewee, Contopuslugubris, Ochraceous Pewee, Contopusochraceus, Black-capped Flycatcher, Empidonaxatriceps, Golden-bellied Flycatcher, Myiodynasteshemichrysus, Yellow-winged Vireo, Vireo carmioli, Silvery-throated Jay, Cyanolycaargentigula, Ochraceous Wren, Troglodytes ochraceus, Timberline Wren, Thryorchilusbrowni, Black-faced Solitaire, Myadestesmelanops, Black-billed Nightingale-Thrush, Catharusgracilirostris, Sooty Thrush, Turdusnigrescens, Black-and-yellow Silky-Flycatcher, Phainoptilamelanoxantha, Long-tailed Silky-Flycatcher, Ptilogonyscaudatus, Flame-throated Warbler, Parulagutturalis, Collared Redstart, Myioborustorquatus, Black-cheeked Warbler, Basileuterusmelanogenys, Wrenthrush (Zeledonia), Zeledoniacoronate, Sooty-capped Bush-Tanager, Chlorospinguspileatus, Spangle-cheeked Tanager, Tangaradowii, Peg-billed Finch, Acanthidopsbairdii, SlatyFlowerpiercer, Diglossaplumbea, Sooty-faced Finch, Lysuruscrassirostris, Yellow-thighed Finch, Pselliophorus tibialis, Large-footed Finch, Pezopetescapitalis, Volcano Junco, Junco vulcani, Black-thighed Grosbeak, Pheucticus tibialis; Golden-browed Chlorophonia, Chlorophoniacallophrys.
Costa Rican Swift*3, Chaeturafumosa, White-crested Coquette, Lophornisadorabilis, Garden Emerald*1, Chlorostilbonassimilis, Charming Hummingbird, Amazilia decora, Snowy-bellied Hummingbird, Amaziliaedward, Baird’s Trogon, Trogon bairdii, Fiery-billed Aracari, Pteroglossusfrantzii, Golden-naped Woodpecker, Melanerpeschrysauchen, Black-hooded Antshrike, Thamnophilusbridgesi, Turquoise Cotinga, Cotingaridgwayi, Yellow-billed Cotinga, Carpodectesantoniae, Orange-collared Manakin, Manacusaurantiacus, Black-bellied Wren*3, Thryothorusfasciatoventris, Riverside Wren, Thryothorussemibadius, Cherrie’s Tanager, Ramphoceluscostaricensis;Spot-crowned Euphonia, Euphoniaimitans.
Black-eared Wood-Quail, Odontophorusmelanotis, Crimson-fronted Parakeet*2, Aratingafinschi, Snowcap, Microcheraalbocoronata, White-bellied Mountain-gem, Lampornishemileucus, Lattice-tailed Trogon, Trogon clathratus, Yellow-eared Toucanet*3, Selenideraspectabilis, Rufous-winged Woodpecker*2, Piculus simplex, Streak-crowned Antvireo, Dysithamnusstriaticeps, Thicket Antpitta*3, Hylopezusdives, Black-crowned Antpitta*3, Pittasomamichleri, Tawny-chested Flycatcher, Aphanotriccuscapitalis, Snowy Cotinga, Carpodectesnitidus, Bare-necked Umbrellabird, Cephalopterusglabricollis, Black-throated Wren, Thryothorusatrogularis, Stripe-breasted Wren, Thryothorusthoracicus,Black-and-yellow Tanager, Chrysothlypischrysomelas, White-throated Shrike-Tanager*2, Lanioleucothorax, Sulphur-rumped Tanager, Heterospingusrubrifrons, Blue-and-gold Tanager, Bangsiaarcaei,Plain-colored Tanager, Tangarainornata, Nicaraguan Seed-Finch, Oryzoborusnuttingi, Nicaraguan Grackle, Quiscalusnicaraguensis, Yellow-crowned Euphonia*2, Euphonialuteicapilla; Tawny-capped Euphonia *3, Euphoniaanneae .
*1 also present on Caribbean slope, *2 also present on Southern Pacific slope, *3 range extends to northwestern Colombia
Please fill out the form below to assist us in developing or continuing conservation projects in Central America. Please fill out the form below to inquire about our trips and tours to Central America.
The size of the country, high number of desired and endemic species and the nature of birding, where species present are not seen on a single visit, means multiple exciting trips are in your future. Colombia with its spectacular biodiversity, scenery, culture and people is a little piece of heaven. National Biodiversity Parks will offer trips that efficiently cover discreet areas of the country and someday a “Best of Tour” that may attempt to see a majority of the habitats and bird endemics.
Despite its relatively small size, occupying ~ .8 % of the world’s landmass, Colombia boasts ~ 19% of the world’s species of birds (more than most continents including North America and Europe combined).
When studying patterns of zoogeography it is evident that both endemism and biodiversity are highest, often dramatically, in areas where temperatures are warm, rainfall above average, seasonality is limited, altitudinal variances exist and there are geographic barriers to animal movement. Although the latter impedes animals, over time geographic isolation must be present to create exceptional regional faunal speciation.
The basic evolutionary mechanisms of mutation, migration, genetic drift, and natural selection — can produce major evolutionary change if given enough time. Geographic isolation can accelerate the effect of these mechanisms and, in some instances exponentially compound the number of species that eventually occur in one region.
Colombia has had the raw materials for biotic change and speciation for many millions of years, —-constant warm weather; substantial rainfall, partitioning of the region by a complex of mountain ranges—– and the associated high chaparral, cliffs, foothills, streams and valleys. Add in some oceans, coast, lakes and several large tributaries of the greatest watershed on Earth, with the Amazon, and the result is a spectacular show.
In other words Colombia has these five distinct natural regions from roughly north to south: The Santa Marta Mountains and Caribbean Region, The Andean Region, the Pacific or Chocó Region, the Orinoquia or Llanos Region and the Amazon Region.
Colombia’s varied culture and history, diverse scenery, spectacular avidiversity, and gastronomic rewards have been difficult for guests to discover due to a long struggle that is coming to a conclusion. NBP works with various locals and government departments to review safety issues that are a concern to potential ecotourists. There has been great progress in the last few years in making almost all of the country safe for birding, and world travelers are again enjoying its treasures.
The Choco Bioregion’s rainforests along the Pacific Ocean were and are under assault due to logging, gold mining and palm-oil plantations. It is estimated that in the mid-1990s, industrial gold mining with its mercury contamination and erosion cleared 80,000 hectares (200,000 acres) of forest per year. Over 66% of the forests in the Choco have been destroyed. Large development plans and the impending completion of the Pan American Highway threaten the biodiversity of the Choco and the lives of the many indigenous communities who have lived for thousands of years on the waterway’s shores.
By visiting the wild areas of the country you support their preservation. Our local guides, community non-profits, stakeholders and Colombia’s lively people are enthusiastic about showcasing their wonderful birds………and country.
The various scientists, ornithologists, environmental and tourism stakeholders have been working hard to preserve areas and improve infrastructure in the many existing parks. The great majority of avian and endemic species can be viewed by the birder who has the spirit to make the enjoyable effort.
Please fill out the form below to assist us in developing or continuing conservation projects in Colombia. Please fill out the form below to inquire about our bird tours to Colombia.
Non-Passerines (38):
Chestnut-winged Chachalaca,Ortalisgarrula, Colombian Chachalaca,Ortaliscolumbiana, Cauca Guan,Penelope perspicax, Blue-billed Curassow,Craxalberti , Chestnut Wood-Quail,Odontophorushyperythrus,Gorgeted Wood-Quail,Odontophorusstrophium, Colombian Grebe,Podicepsandinus, Bogota Rail,Rallussemiplumbeus, Tolima Dove,Leptotilaconoveri, Santa Marta Parakeet,Pyrrhuraviridicata, Brown-breasted Parakeet,Pyrrhuracalliptera, Barred Parakeet,Bolborhynchuslineola, Rufous-fronted Parakeet,Bolborhynchusferrugineifrons, Indigo-winged Parrot,Hapalopsittacafuertesi, Todd’s Nightjar,Caprimulgusheterurus, White-chested Swift,Cypseloideslemosi, Bogota Sunangel,Heliangeluszusii, Blossomcrown,Anthocephalafloriceps, Black-backed Thornbill,Ramphomicrondorsale, GorgetedPuffleg,Eriocnemisisabellae, Colorful Puffleg,Eriocnemis mirabilis, Black Inca,Coeligenaprunellei, White-tailed Starfrontlet,Coeligenaphalerata, Dusky Starfrontlet,Coeligenaorina, Santa Marta Woodstar,Acestruraastreans, Red-billed Emerald,Chlorostilbongibsoni, Chiribiquete Emerald,Chlorostilbonolivares, Santa Marta Sabrewing,Campylopterusphainopeplus, Chestnut-bellied Hummingbird,Amaziliacastaneiventris, Indigo-capped Hummingbird,Amaziliacyanifrons, Sapphire-bellied Hummingbird,Lepidopygalilliae, Blue-tailed Trogon,Trogon comptus, Sooty-capped Puffbird,Bucconoanamae, White-mantled Barbet,Capitohypoleucus, Five-colored Barbet,Capitoquinticolor, Grayish Piculet,Picumnusgranadensis, Beautiful Woodpecker,Melanerpespulcher; Choco Woodpecker,Veniliornischocoensis .
Passerines (47):
Silvery-throated Spinetail,Synallaxissubpudica, Rusty-headed Spinetail,Synallaxisfuscorufa, Streak-capped Spinetail,Cranioleucahellmayri, Santa Marta Foliage-gleaner,Automolusrufipectus, Recurve-billed Bushbird,Clytoctantesalixii, Parker’s Antbird,Cercomacraparkeri, MoustachedAntpitta,Grallariaalleni, Santa Marta Antpitta,Grallariabangsi, Cundinamarca Antpitta,Grallariakaestneri, Bicolored Antpitta,Grallariarufocinerea, Brown-banded Antpitta,Grallariamilleri, Santa Marta Tapaculo,Scytalopussanctaemartae, Pale-throated Tapaculo,Scytalopuspanamensis, Upper Magdalena Tapaculo,Scytalopusrodriguezi, Stiles’sTapaculo,Scytalopusstilesi, Brown-rumpedTapaculo,Scytalopuslatebricola, ParamilloTapaculo,Scytalopuscanus, Antioquia Bristle-Tyrant,Phylloscarteslanyoni, Santa Marta Bush-Tyrant,Myiotheretespernix, Apical Flycatcher,Myiarchusapicalis, Chestnut-capped Piha,Lipaugusweberi, Choco Vireo,Vireo masteri, Niceforo’s Wren,Thryothorusnicefori ,Santa Marta Wren,Troglodytes monticola, Apolinar’s Wren,Cistothorusapolinari, Munchique Wood-Wren,Henicorhinanegreti, Santa Marta Warbler,Basileuterusbasilicus, White-lored Warbler,Basileuterusconspicillatus, Yellow-crowned Redstartl,Myioborusflavivertex, Black-and-gold Tanager,Bangsiamelanochlamys, Gold-ringed Tanager,Bangsiaaureocincta, Black-cheeked Mountain-Tanager,Anisognathusmelanogenys, Multicolored Tanager,Chlorochrysanitidissima, Turquoise Dacnis-Tanager,Pseudodacnishartlaubi, Caqueta Seedeater,Sporophilamurallae, Chestnut-bellied Flower-piercer,Diglossagloriosissima, Sierra Nevada Brush-Finch,Arremonbasilicus, Santa Marta Brush-Finch,Atlapetesmelanocephalus, Yellow-headed Brush-Finch,Atlapetesflaviceps, Dusky-headed Brush-Finch,Atlapetesfuscoolivaceus, Antioquia Brush-Finch,Atlapetesblancae, Sooty Ant-Tanager,Habiagutturalis, Crested Ant-Tanager,Habiacristata, Mountain Grackle,Macroagelaiussubalaris, Red-bellied Grackle,Hypopyrrhuspyrohypogaster, BaudoOropendola,Gymnostinopscassini; Velvet-fronted Euphonia,Euphoniaconcinna .