The Guianan Cock-of-the-Rock

Which species ?

This bird, with its astonishing, gorgeous plumage, is confined to the Guianan Shield region, where it is endemic. A fruit eater, it inhabits primary forests where it plays a role in tree seed dispersal. It breeds exclusively in rock shelters or caves, which offer females favorable nesting sites.

Guianan Cock-of-the-Rock, French Guiana, M. Dechelle

During the breeding season, between December and June, males gather at display sites called leks. They gather in groups of 5 to 10 males, sometimes more, in an area not exceeding 200 m².

Why ?

The species is a regional conservation priority [1] [2], since its populations are reduced by the rarity of breeding sites and its discontinuous range. It is also threatened due to the economic attractiveness of its habitats for forestry and mining activities. The Guianan Cock-of-the-rock is also a victim of illegal trade animals. Twelve breeding areas, in which the species has been observed or signs of breeding activity found, are known in French Guiana. Two of these sites located on the coastal strip (Kaw Mountain and the Petites Montagnes Tortues) are easily accessible and thus exposed to anthropic activities (gold mining, logging, poaching, illegal deforestation, uncontrolled wildlife tourism). The third area targeted by the project, the Atachi-Bakka Mountains, is in the buffer zone of the French Guiana Amazonian National Park and is of potential interest for tourism.

Our actions

The first step will be to identify the most threatened breeding caves and feeding habitats in the three target areas. Prospecting, surveys among site users as well as tagging and radio tracking of known colonies will supplement knowledge on population location, ecology and dynamics. Ranking the threats to these populations will enable conservation priorities to be defined. This scientific diagnosis will be carried out in collaboration with the regional environmental authorities (DREAL), ONF (National Forestry Agency), miners, loggers and tour operators, whose constraints and objectives will be taken into account. A consultation process will be carried out whose aim is protection, planning and putting in place mining and logging practices with reduced impact for the species. The measures implemented will be regularly evaluated throughout the project.

Report, involve, raise awareness

A cycle of training courses for tour operators will be organized and a brochure to raise awareness amongst users on the three targeted forest sites as well as a technical guide on best management practices will be published in French, English and Spanish.