Data Zone
Justification of Red List category
This species is threatened by habitat loss and hunting throughout its range. It is suspected that these threats are causing moderately rapid population declines. The species is therefore listed as Near Threatened.
Population justification
The global population is suspected to number 50,000-499,999 mature individuals (Partners in Flight 2019).
The population structure has not been investigated. Based on its disjunct range, it is likely that the species forms several subpopulations.
Trend justification
The population is considered to be in decline owing to ongoing habitat destruction and unsustainable levels of hunting, both subsistence and commercial, with the species having disappeared from much of its Central American range (del Hoyo et al. 1994; Partners in Flight 2019; Gilbert and Schulenberg 2020). Over the past three generations (24 years; Bird et al. 2020), 14% of tree cover within the range has been lost (Global Forest Watch 2021). Although there is no information on the impact of hunting on the population size, it is likely that population declines are considerably faster than the rate of tree cover loss. Therefore, the rate of decline is suspected at 20-29% over three generations.
The species occurs from Mexico (from Sinaloa and Tamaulipas southward) through Central America to northern South America from northwestern Peru (Tumbes) to northern Venezuela (Gilbert and Schulenberg 2020).
The species occupies forest, including humid evergreen forests, semi-deciduous forests, pine-oak forests and gallery forests (Gilbert and Schulenberg 2020). It is mainly found in the lowlands, but can reach up to 2,000-2,500 m (Howell and Webb 1995; Parker et al. 1996).
The species is threatened by the loss and fragmentation of its forest habitat, mainly for conversion to agricultural land and cattle pastures (del Hoyo et al. 1994; Gilbert and Schulenberg 2020). Moreover, the species is hunted heavily throughout its range, particularly in Central America (del Hoyo et al. 1994; Gilbert and Schulenberg 2020).
Conservation Actions in place
The species occurs in several protected areas throughout its range. It is listed as threatened in Mexico (SEMARNAT 2010) and as Vulnerable at the national level in Ecuador (Freile et al. 2019). An Action Plan was produced in 2000 (Brooks and Strahl 2000).
Conservation Actions needed
Survey to assess the population size. Monitor the population trend. Quantify the impact of hunting on the population size. Protect remaining habitat. Implement regulations to reduce hunting pressure. Raise awareness for the species.
Text account compilers
Hermes, C.
Contributors
Butchart, S., Ekstrom, J. & Westrip, J.R.S.
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Species factsheet: Crested Guan Penelope purpurascens. Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/crested-guan-penelope-purpurascens on 23/11/2024.
Recommended citation for factsheets for more than one species: BirdLife International (2024) IUCN Red List for birds. Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/search on 23/11/2024.