One of the world’s rarest birds, the Araripe Manakin is losing its only nesting habitat to deforestation, spreading agriculture and stream manipulation. It is estimated that only 800 individuals survive and a mere 7,000 acres of their habitat remains.

The Araripe Manakin is endemic to the unexpectedly lush pockets of rainforest growing on the steep slopes of the Araripe plateau. Here, spring-fed streams replenished by an ancient aquifer create the only streamside habitat in which this bird will breed and nest. Because of this, the Araripe Manakin has become known as the “guardian of the waters,” a symbol for water conservation in the region. But new housing developments from the growing nearby town of Crato and stream diversion for agriculture are destroying the manakin’s riverbank forest. These activities also jeopardize this vital source of water for more than one million people in the Araripe region.

Rainforest Trust and our partner, Associação de Pesquisa e Preservação de Ecossistemas Aquáticos (AQUASIS), have a unique opportunity to reverse the Araripe Manakin’s trend toward extinction by safeguarding 1,231 acres of vital forage and breeding habitat essential to the bird’s survival. This will protect 52% of the species’ global population.

Header photo: The Araripe Manakin or “Little Soldier Bird,” by Agami Photo Agency

Expand Essential Habitat for Wildlife

Significant areas of the proposed Araripe Manakin Oasis Reserve are adjacent to an existing reserve and will expand vital habitat for this bird. Once designated as a private nature reserve, it will protect an essential corridor between the manakin’s feeding areas upstream and breeding areas downstream.

Other threatened species utilizing the proposed reserve are the Ceara Leaftosser, Yellow-faced Siskin, Northern Tiger Cat and Cobra-da-terra dos brejos.

Build on Years of Groundwork to Protect this Rare Bird

Our partner has been working in the region for 18 years, documenting the population trends of the Araripe Manakin by locating its nests and monitoring for reproductive success and genetic kinship relationships. Our partner will continue to work with local people to improve water management and reduce habitat destruction.