Last Stand for the Antioquia Brush-finch
Support more work like thisSupport more work like thisFewer than 50 individual Antioquia Brush-finch (CR) remain in Colombia as encroaching agriculture and cattle ranching drive this songbird closer to extinction.
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Species at Risk
Antioquia Brush-finch (CR), Colombian Beaked Toad (EN), Colombian Lightbulb Lizard (EN), Northern Tiger Cat (VU)
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Carbon stored
137,401*
*(metric tons of CO2 equivalents) -
Partner
American Bird Conservancy
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1,025 Proposed Acres Conserved by
Purchase
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Project Cost: $418,089
1,025
Fewer than 50 individual Antioquia Brush-finch (CR) remain in Colombia as encroaching agriculture and cattle ranching drive this songbird closer to extinction.
-
Species at Risk
Antioquia Brush-finch (CR), Colombian Beaked Toad (EN), Colombian Lightbulb Lizard (EN), Northern Tiger Cat (VU)
-
Carbon stored
137,401*
*(metric tons of CO2 equivalents) -
Partner
American Bird Conservancy
-
1,025 Proposed Acres Conserved by
Purchase
-
Project Cost: £314,352
1,025
The Critically Endangered Antioquia Brush-finch is within a hair’s breadth of extinction. Since the species was rediscovered in 2018, the endemic rusty-crowned songbird has been recorded on 25 properties north of Medellín, the second largest city in Colombia. But, as cattle pastures and potato farms expand, at least 73% of the brush-finch’s home has been cleared. What remains is critical to the survival of these and other birds, endemic frogs and amphibians.
Rainforest Trust is working in partnership with the American Bird Conservancy and local organizations to purchase 1,025 acres of habitat. This land will be annexed to the Guanacas Reserve and Antioquia Brush-finch Nature Reserve to protect the Antioquia Brush-finch and other species in jeopardy.
Discover Colombia’s Threatened Species
The Antioquia Brush-finch eating a berry courtesy of Sebastian Serna Muñoz
The Antioquia Brush-finch courtesy of Sebastian Chiquito
Northern Tiger Cat, by Tambako the Jaguar/Flickr
The Chocolate Frog courtesy of Fundacion Guanacasa
Landscape view of the Guanacas Reserve courtesy of Fundacion Guanacas
Did you know?
Individual Antioquia Brush-finch remain
Save Threatened Amphibians, Birds and Plants in Colombia
Along with the Antioquia Brush-finch, many more species depend on the last remnants of cloud forests, oak groves, grasslands and wetlands found within the Guanacas Reserve. Other threatened wildlife include the Red-bellied Grackle (VU), White-capped Tanager (VU) and the “Chocolate Frog,” Hyloscirtus antioquia (VU).
The area also hosts more than 50 species of endemic orchids and the endangered tree species, Magnolia yarumalensis, as well as Pino Hayuelo (VU) and Andean Wax Palm (VU).
Protect Water Resources
The northern section of the Altiplano Antioqueño in the Central Andes is a highland plain with low hills and gentle slopes that form small valleys and contain high Andean wetlands. This vital water source will be protected through this purchase and will continue to serve as a resource for wildlife and surrounding communities.
We Value Transparency.
Conservation work is critical, challenging, and can be costly. We work hard to ensure we raise only the funds needed for each project. In the rare case we raise more money than needed or a project comes in under budget, excess monies will be transferred to the Conservation Action Fund. This fund supports our important conservation work throughout the tropics.
Learn more about the Conservation Action FundLearn more about the Conservation Action Fund
Partnering to Save Rainforest
Our partners’ ability to work with their governments and build strong connections with local communities ensures the successful implementation of our projects.
American Bird ConservancyAmerican Bird Conservancy