Coeligena orina
– Critically Endangered
Taxonomy
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Kingdom:
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ANIMALIA
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Phylum:
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CHORDATA
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Class:
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AVES
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Order:
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APODIFORMES
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Family:
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TROCHILIDAE
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Scientific Name:
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Coeligena orina
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Species Authority:
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Wetmore, 1953
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Common Name/s:
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| English | — | DUSKY STARFRONTLET |
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Assessment Information
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Red List Category & Criteria:
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CR B1ab(ii,iii,v); C2a(i) ver 3.1 (2001)
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Year Assessed:
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2007
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Assessor/s:
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BirdLife International
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Evaluator/s:
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Bird, J. & Butchart, S. (BirdLife International Red List Authority)
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Justification:
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This species has an extremely small and fragmented range and an extremely small and declining population. For these reasons it qualifies as Critically Endangered.
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History:
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| 1988 | - | Lower Risk/least concern (BirdLife International 2004) |
| 1994 | - | Lower Risk/least concern (BirdLife International 2004) |
| 2000 | - | Lower Risk/least concern (BirdLife International 2000) |
| 2004 | - | Least Concern (BirdLife International 2004) |
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Geographic Range
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Range Description:
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Coeligena orina has a very restricted range, being known from tiny forest fragments at Páramo Frontino and Farallones del Citará in north-west Colombia. There are only five other localities in the entire Western Andes that retain suitable habitat. The combined area of all potentially suitable sites is thought to be less than 25 km2. Therefore, the species' global population is unlikely to exceed 250 individuals.
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Range Map:
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 (click for detailed map)
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Countries:
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Native:
Colombia
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Population
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Population Trend:
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Habitat and Ecology
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Habitat and Ecology:
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It is apparently tied to elfin forest-timberline-páramo habitats and adjacent tall humid forest. At 3,500 m it was seen feeding on insects in the Ericaceae-clad canopy of elforest. Stomach content analysis has shown they feed parasitic wasps, spiders and dipterans; presumably in addition to nectar. Very little is known about its habits and breeding ecology.
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System:
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Terrestrial
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Threats
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Threats:
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Páramo de Frontino contains rich deposits of gold, zinc and copper, which have attracted the attention of mining companies. However, political instability in the region has prevented exploitation of these resources to date. The future expansion of mining remains a serious potential threat. The area is currently wholly unprotected and is suffering from continuing deforestation. Future colonisation by human settlers is likely to lead to habitat loss and degradation; a process ongoing in the nearby Las Orquídeas National Park.
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Conservation Actions
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Conservation Actions:
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Conservation measures underway:
The mine site is currently privately owned, but the National Parks Administration (UAESPNN) and Municipality of Urrao have proposed extending Las Orquídeas National Park to encompass adjacent Páramo de Frontino. However, the benefit such a designation would have is questionable as the park is currently poorly protected and under great pressure from illegal colonists.
Conservation measures proposed:
Conduct surveys to research the species's range, population size and trends. Support the proposed expansion of Las Orquídeas National Park to encompass adjacent Páramo de Frontino. Lobby for the adequate protection of this protected area. Mobilise funds to facilitate law enforcement within the National Park and extensions to it.
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