Neotropical Raptor Ecology
For several years I have studied the ecology of little known Neotropical Birds of Prey. My undergraduate thesis focused on the nesting and feeding ecology of Laughing Falcons (Herpetotheres cachinnans) and Crested Caracaras (Polyborus plancus) in the dry forest of Northwestern Peru, where I observed nesting activity and characterized the diet of these two species. My MSc thesis focused on the differences of the abundance and species composition of raptor communities along a disturbance gradient in Manu Biosphere Reserve in the southern Amazonian rainforest of Peru. I conducted species surveys along the human activity gradient in the area (my study was the first one to focus on birds of prey in the whole Reserve), and I found that the pristine areas of the region have the highest diversity of raptor species and highest frequency of detection of area-sensitive forest species such as Harpy Eagles, Crested Eagles, Ornate Hawk-eagles and King Vultures. In disturbed areas, I found that species such as Black and Turkey vultures were the most common as well as edge habitat generalist species such as Road–side Hawks and Plumbeous Kites. For my PhD research, I studied the habitat use of 5 species of the little known Forest-falcons (Micrastur: Falconidae) in the Amazonian Rainforest of southeastern Peru. I looked at the abundance of these species, their habitat use, home ranges and habitat overlap. For this study, I relied largely on auditory surveys at down and dusk, radio telemetry and natural history direct observations. I found that Barred and Lined- Forest falcons were the most common and with smaller home ranges, while the least common where the very little known Slatey-backed Forest Falcons. I obtained home ranges for individuals and utilization distributions (UD) that allowed me to see that individuals’ home ranges overlap considerably. Spatial data for individuals also showed specific affinity for particular location sites, which may contribute to minimize intra and interspecific competition. I also was able to document for the first time the nesting biology and other aspects of the natural history of Buckley’s forest-falcon, which was unknown to science. These species are secondary cavity nesters, placing their nests in hidden cavities about 30 m from the ground. I documented the development nestling and found that this species feeds almost exclusively on small mammals. This is considerably different from other forest-falcon species, which feed on birds, lizards and insects.
Right before starting my PhD studies, I was a field researcher and director of conservation education at the Neotropical Program of The Peregrine Fund in Panama. I participated in studies of natural history and conservation of Harpy Eagles in Panama, and of Black-and-Chesnut Eagle in Peru. In addition to ecological field research I also conducted studies on the behavior and attitudes of people towards forest raptors as supporting work for the reintroduction of Harpy Eagles in Central Panama. Results of the social research showed that people knew very little about these birds, and that contributed towards their conflicts with people. With this study I also assessed the conservation education needs of people in the area, which helped me to lead the first strategy for conservation education for Harpy Eagles and other forest raptors. These studies also contributed to the national conservation strategy for Harpy Eagles in Panama. For this I had a role in providing data and pushing the country legislators to propose and approve ta law to protect the species, and declared it to be the national bird of Panama.