The Cock-of-the-rock project gathers speed

First male captured and tracked by telemetry. Johann Tascon, French Guiana

In September, a new male Guianan Cock-of-the-rock was captured, ringed, and followed by radio-tracking for 15 days, all under good conditions. Following this new individual has yielded additional information on this emblematic species as well as on the effectiveness of the instruments used and the reporting techniques employed in this programme.

In addition, the first male captured and then lost was recaptured. This has enabled us to get an idea of what effect the treatment to which it had been subjected had had on its welfare. After some tests it was felt that the bird was in very good health! A very pleasing outcome for the association!

Moreover, a second series of investigations on the Little Tortoise Mountains was carried out at the end of October. While the first series did not allow the identification of any Cock-of-the-rock sites, the second has been successful:

• Two leks 200 metres apart have been identified (each composed of four arenas, so involving four males) and
• Seven nesting sites with nests.

The Little Tortoise Mountains, French Guiana. Thomas Luglia

The association has now, therefore, confirmed the presence of the Cock-of-the-rock in this area.

This has boosted the morale of the GEPOG team, responsible for the work, and which is already preparing to capture another bird in November, to put in place more faeces collectors as well as undertaking the first season of nesting studies on the Kaw and Gouffre mountains (sections of the Little Tortoise Mountain range).

Alizée Ricardou
Cock-of-the-rock project leader
LIFE+ Cap DOM