New distributional records and conservation importance of the San Salvador Valley, Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, Colombia

Abstract

This study presents new observations on the avifauna of humid tropical forest and humid premontane forest within the San Salvador valley on the northern slope of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta massif, La Guajira Department, northern Colombia. A total of 374 bird species were recorded within the study area, including new records for the region and extensions of altitudinal ranges. Important data were collected for the conservation of endemic and range-restricted bird species and for ten threatened bird species, as well as information on vertical distribution, habitat preferences and threats for bird populations. The study shows the importance of natural ecosystems and shade-grown coffee plantations on the northern slope of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta for 59 boreal migratory bird species. Based on the results, conservation priorities have been identified, a conservation corridor has been designed, and a habitat conservation strategy within the San Salvador valley was developed.