from coffee by the Associated Press and the Washington Post
In Venezuela, an endangered songbird gets a boost
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Red Siskin Distribution
Once abundant across northern Venezuela, today it is a very rare bird.
HISTORY
CURRENT
An iconic but threatened bird
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The Red Siskin has been an inspiration for generations of Venezuelan singers, poets and painters.
With its unmistakable red and black color, the beautiful Red Siskin once flew the skies of northern South America in large flocks.
Today, it is one of the most threatened animals in the region, surviving only in a few small and isolated groups.
Sadly, it is now easier to find it pictured on Venezuelan currency than in its natural habitats.
The Red Siskin, Spinus cucullatus, is legally protected in all countries where it has occurred naturally.
The Red Siskin is Endangered in Venezuela and has been classified as Endangered Internationally since 1952. It is also listed in CITES Appendix I and was one of the original species to be included on the US Endangered Species Act.
Why Is It Endangered?
Two main human activities have brought Red Siskins close to extinction: trapping and habitat destruction.
THE PROJECT
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Rescuing, raising and reintroducing more Red Siskins
Several zoos are working to rescue confiscated Red Siskins and to establish new populations in captivity for their future reintroduction into the wild.
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Connecting with people
Human overexploitation is the main threat to the Red Siskin; however, people are also the main solution to this problem
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Ensuring Bird Friendly habitats
More bird-friendly coffee plantations and more protected areas mean more Red Siskins
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Promoting the Red Siskin sustainable use
Improve law enforcement and generate legal alternatives for the Red Siskins illegal demand.
How You Can Help
Everybody can make a difference. 1) Share with others what you know about the Red Siskin. 2) Do not choose wildlife as pets. 3) Contribute to the project with money or time.
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