Good news for Red Siskin conservation in Guyana!

It is a pleasure to share with you the news! Guyana has officially classified its first Important Bird and Biodiversity Area (IBA), located in South Central Rupununi. IBAs are a concept of BirdLife International, and are “large enough to safeguard a viable population of a species, group of species, or entire avian community during at least part of its life-cycle, but are small enough to be conserved in their entirety.”

Thanks to the efforts of the South Rupununi Conservation Society (SRCS) and with the help of the Conservation Leadership Program (CLP), the Rupununi Savannah became the first IBA in Guyana, home to over 250 bird species. These include the Red Siskin, which was fundamental to the establishment of this IBA, because of all the data collection carried out by SRCS since the first sighting of this species in 2000.

This IBA designation is great news for all the species in this area and is also a step in the right direction for Red Siskin conservation. This is not only because of the resources it will attract now for protecting this IBA, it is also because IBAs are monitored in the medium and long term for conservation efficacy.

Congratulations to the SRCS team!