Pedro Ferreira Develey, Ph.D.
Organization: Association for the Conservation of Birds of Brasil
Location: Boa Nova, Southern Bahia, Brazil
Research: Conservation of the Slender Antbird (Rhopornis ardesiacus) and its Habitat at Boa Nova, Southern Bahia, Brazil
Species/Topic: Slender Antbird (Rhopornis ardesiacus)
Abstract: Boa Nova is a municipality in the State of Bahia that spans several vegetation formations, from xerophytic formations of the Caatinga to Atlantic humid forests. The globally threatened bird, Slender Antbird Rhopornis ardesiacus, lives in this transitional area characterized by dry vegetation known as mata-de-cipó. Boa Nova is considered one of the top priority Important Bird Areas (IBAs) mapped by BirdLife/SAVE Brasil in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest. Boa Nova is also an AZE (Alliance for Zero Extinction) site of global importance for conservation. More than 350 bird species were reported for the region; ten are threatened with extinction, two of which, are restricted-range species, including this project's target species, the Slender Antbird. To conserve the unique biodiversity of Boa Nova, BirdLife/SAVE Brasil is establishing a participatory local based conservation program that integrates science with the engagement of the local community in the protection of Boa Nova forests.