Reintroduction as a conservation tool for threatened Galliformes: the Red-billed Curassow Crax blumenbachii case study from Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil

Abstract

Seventy-three of the 280 species of Galliformes are at risk of extinction, and all of them are threatened by human factors (mainly hunting and deforestation). Reintroduction is increasingly proposed as a conservation measure, although there is limited post-release monitoring to determine success. The science of reintroduction biology is still in its infancy in Brazil, mainly because most of the projects involving release of animals seldom include post-release monitoring, data collected are not published, and release areas are frequently chosen without any criteria. The Red-billed Curassow Crax blumenbachii reintroduction program in Brazil can be considered a good model for developing future Brazilian reintroduction projects. Systematic radio-tracking of released Red-billed Curassows has allowed detailed information on the ecology and behavior of the species. The information obtained through post-release monitoring will guide future management of the species, and it is a good example of the use of reintroduction as a conservation tool for threatened Galliformes.