Status, habitat and conservation of the Rufous-fronted Antthrush Formicarius rufifrons
Bird Conservation International
1995
Journal Article
5
2-3
391-404
Reserva Nacional Tambopata Parque Nacional Bahuaja-Sonene habitat preferences endemism Rufous-fronted Antthrush Passeriformes Aves Vertebrata Chordata Formicarius rufifrons animals birds chordates vertebrates diet global population size population density threatened species secondary forests protected areas abundance Madre de Dios Bibliography
Habitat preferences of the Rufous-fronted Antthrush Formicarius rufifrons were studied along the Rio Tambopata in south-eastern Peru. All territories of this threatened species, endemic to lowland forests in the department of Madre de Dios, Peru, contained the near-juxtaposition of two distinct vegetation types: tall floodplain forest with shaded understorey, and more open, second-growth vegetation with a very dense layer of vegetation close to the ground. The latter habitat type was closely associated with disturbances, such as river erosion, tree falls, or human clearings. Two measures of antthrush density were calculated for the study area. A satellite photograph was used to identify appropriate habitat along the upper Rio Tambopata, and using the antthrush density figures, a population size of 100-500 pairs was estimated for this area. This estimate was then used to calculate a global population of 700-3,500 pairs. Approximately 20% of the global population occurs within currently protected areas. The habitat and diet of this species are discussed in relation to two other congeners.