#palmoilfree — Public Fediverse posts
Live and recent posts from across the Fediverse tagged #palmoilfree, aggregated by home.social.
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Protect yourself from the #sun 🌞⛱️🌻 while protecting 1000’s of #animals 🦧🦜🪲🦏🐘 from #palmoil #ecocide. Reject #beauty brands like #Loreal and Avon and find #PalmOilFree #Sunscreen. Fight back now! #BoycottPalmOil #Boycott4Wildlife @palmoildetectives https://palmoildetectives.com/2021/09/18/palm-oil-free-sunscreens/?utm_source=mastodon&utm_medium=Palm+Oil+Detectives&utm_campaign=publer
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DYK that #Nutella by #Ferrero contains forest-destroying #palmoil? Help #animals and #indigenous peoples by going #palmoilfree with your nut butters and cooking oil. Resist and #Boycottpalmoil #Boycott4Wildlife 🌴🔥🫢⛔️ learn more palmoildetectives ➡️ https://palmoildetectives.com/2021/02/11/palm-oil-free-cooking-oil-margarine-and-spreads/?utm_source=mastodon&utm_medium=Palm+Oil+Detectives&utm_campaign=publer
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#News: Australian #supermarket survey finds palm oil in 25% of margarines. Not only does #palmoil cause high #cholesterol it's linked to #cancer, drives #deforestation and #indigenous #landgrabbing. Go #PalmOilFree #BoycottPalmOil 🌴🧈☠️ @palmoildetectives
https://www.kidsnews.com.au/health/supermarket-survey-finds-palm-oil-high-in-a-quarter-of-margarines/news-story/96ff81bedef58aa2431eb66020edaaa8?utm_source=mastodon&utm_medium=Palm+Oil+Detectives&utm_campaign=publer -
Olinguito Bassaricyon neblina
IUCN Red List: Near Threatened
Found in the Andean cloud forests of western Colombia and Ecuador, at elevations between 1,500 and 2,800 metres.
One of the cutest #mammals recently discovered is already at risk. With their bear-like faces, cat-like bodies, and lush tawny fur, the olinguito Bassaricyon neblina is an adorable button-nosed mammal of #Ecuador and #Colombia. They first made themselves known to the western world in 2006 in Ecuador and were officially described in 2013 and are considered ‘Near Threatened’ mainly from deforestation and forest clearing for #palmoil agriculture along with road building, infrastructure and gold mining throughout their range. Native to the misty cloud forests of the northern Andes, they are increasingly threatened by industrial agribusiness, palm oil plantations, and agriculture. Over 40% of their habitat has already been destroyed. Use your wallet as a weapon: always choose #palmoilfree products and be #vegan to help protect olinguitos and other species of the Andean Cloud Forest#BoycottPalmOil #Boycott4Wildlife
#Olinguitos are button-nosed #mammals 😻🦦 of the Cloud Forests in #Ecuador 🇪🇨 and #Colombia 🇨🇴 Their lives are threatened by #goldmining 🥇 #meat 🥩and #palmoil 🌴 #deforestation. Help them! Be #vegan #Boycottpalmoil 🌴🚫 #Boycott4Wildlife @palmoildetect https://wp.me/pcFhgU-bBX
Share to BlueSky Share to TwitterDiscovered not long ago, #Olinguitos are #bear-like tenacious survivors. Despite hiding well, their forests are rapidly disappearing for #palmoil and #meat agriculture. Help them survive! Be #vegan #Boycottpalmoil 🌴⛔️ #Boycott4Wildlife @palmoildetect https://wp.me/pcFhgU-bBX
Share to BlueSky Share to TwitterAppearance & Behaviour
The olinguito is reminiscent of teddy bear and a domestic cat, with thick, soft, russet and tawny coloured fur, a short snout with a button-like nose, small ears, and a long fluffy tail used for balance in the treetops. Typically weighing under one kilogram, they are the smallest member of the raccoon family (Procyonidae). Nocturnal and arboreal, they live high in the forest canopy and are rarely seen. Solitary by nature, they are also reclusive and actively avoid human interaction.
Threats
Despite being classified as Near Threatened, there are no known large-scale conservation programmes or protected areas specifically designed to safeguard the olinguito or their habitat. Many of the forests where they live are under private ownership or are unprotected, leaving them at the mercy of logging companies, agribusiness, and illegal land grabs. Without legal safeguards and ecological corridors between forest remnants, olinguito populations will continue to decline unnoticed. Over 42% of their potential range has already been cleared or degraded for mining and agriculture.
Widespread deforestation of Andean cloud forests for agriculture, livestock, and infrastructure
Much of the olinguito’s Andean cloud forest habitat has already been cleared for cattle pasture, coffee plantations, and crop fields. This is especially concerning given the species’ limited elevational range and dependence on specific microclimates. Habitat loss fragments populations and prevents them from moving between forest patches, leading to genetic isolation and increased vulnerability. According to Helgen et al. (2013), 42% of the olinguito’s historical range has already been lost to agriculture and urban development.
Palm oil and timber plantations rapidly consuming native forest habitat.
Large swathes of cloud forest are being destroyed to establish oil palm and timber plantations. These monocultures are ecological deserts that offer no food or shelter for frugivorous mammals like the olinguito. Although oil palm expansion is often focused in lowland regions, it is encroaching into higher elevations in parts of Colombia and Ecuador due to market demand and land speculation. This spells danger for highland endemics like the olinguito, whose misty habitat is already shrinking.
Urbanisation and road development, fragmenting their canopy habitat
As human populations expand into previously remote areas, forest is cleared for roads, settlements, and industrial development. Even if some patches of cloud forest remain, roads cut through ecosystems, isolating wildlife and increasing mortality from vehicle collisions. Urban sprawl also brings dogs and other invasive species that can harass, predate, or outcompete native animals. The olinguito’s canopy-dependent, arboreal lifestyle makes it especially susceptible to the effects of fragmentation and edge habitat.
Climate change, which threatens the stability of montane ecosystems.
Cloud forests are highly sensitive to temperature and moisture changes. As global temperatures rise, the delicate balance of mist, rainfall, and cool air that defines this biome is shifting. Suitable habitat may move upslope, but mountaintops provide a limited refuge. Once a species is pushed beyond its climatic limit, local extinction becomes inevitable. The olinguito already lives at the uppermost altitudes suitable for its survival, making it dangerously vulnerable to climate-induced habitat contraction.
Geographic Range
Olinguitos live in humid montane forests between 1,500 and 2,800 metres in elevation in western Colombia and Ecuador, including forests near Medellín in Colombia and the Otonga Forest Reserve in Cotopaxi, Ecuador. This species occupies the highest known range of any member of the genus Bassaricyon. Though only officially recognised in 2013, museum specimens had been mislabelled for decades prior to that.
Diet
Despite belonging to the carnivoran order, olinguitos are primarily frugivores. They feed on cloud forest fruits such as figs, as well as insects, nectar, and occasionally small vertebrates like birds and lizards. Their faeces are said to resemble small blueberries due to their fruit-heavy diet.
Mating and Reproduction
Very little is known about the reproductive behaviour of the olinguito, but it is believed they produce a single offspring at a time. Females have one pair of mammae. Their solitary lifestyle and canopy-based habits make studying them in the wild extremely difficult.
FAQs
How many olinguitos are left in the wild?
No population estimates exist for the olinguito, but scientists agree numbers are declining. Habitat modelling shows over 60% of their potential habitat is already deforested or degraded, suggesting a significant threat to survival (Helgen et al., 2013).
What is the lifespan of an olinguito?
Captive individuals like Ringerl—an olinguito unknowingly housed in US zoos for years—lived over a decade. Wild lifespan is presumed to be shorter, but specific data are lacking.
What are the main threats to the olinguito?
The biggest threats are deforestation and habitat loss driven by palm oil plantations, agriculture, and urbanisation. These activities have destroyed over 40% of their cloud forest habitat (Helgen et al., 2013). Climate change is also a growing concern due to their dependence on cool, moist mountain forests.
Do olinguitos make good pets?
No. Olinguitos are solitary, nocturnal, and specialised to live in misty canopy forests. Keeping them as pets is cruel and contributes to wildlife trafficking. Their capture disrupts family groups and decimates populations. If you care about olinguitos, do not fuel demand—speak out against the pet trade.
Take Action!
Olinguitos are an emblem of the hidden biodiversity in the world’s cloud forests—ecosystems that are vanishing fast.
- Boycott palm oil and demand truly forest-free alternatives.
- Support indigenous-led agroecology and forest protection efforts in the Andes.
- Refuse meat and dairy that drives deforestation in Colombia and Ecuador.
- Never support zoos or exotic pet collectors that remove wildlife from their habitats. #BoycottPalmOil #Boycott4Wildlife #Vegan #BoycottMeat
Support the Olinguito by going vegan and boycotting palm oil in the supermarket, it’s the #Boycott4Wildlife
Support the conservation of this species
This animal has no protections in place. Read about other forgotten species here. Create art to support this forgotten animal or raise awareness about them by sharing this post and using the #Boycottpalmoil #Boycott4Wildlife hashtags on social media. Also you can boycott palm oil in the supermarket.
Further Information
Helgen, K. M., Pinto, C. M., Kays, R., Helgen, L. E., Tsuchiya, M. T. N., Quinn, A., Wilson, D. E., & Maldonado, J. E. (2013). Taxonomic revision of the olingos (Bassaricyon), with description of a new species, the olinguito. ZooKeys, 324, 1–83. https://doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.324.5827
Helgen, K., Kays, R., Pinto, C., Schipper, J. & González-Maya, J.F. 2020. Bassaricyon neblina (amended version of 2016 assessment). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2020: e.T48637280A166523067. https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2020-1.RLTS.T48637280A166523067.en. Accessed on 02 May 2025.
Lee, T. E., Tinoco, N., Allred, F. G., Hennecke, A., Camacho, M. A., & Burneo, S. F. (2022). Small mammals of Otonga Forest Reserve, Cotopaxi Province, Ecuador. The Southwestern Naturalist, 66(1), 48–53. https://doi.org/10.1894/0038-4909-66.1.48
NBC News. (2013, August 16). ‘Cutest new animal’ discovered: It’s an olinguito! https://www.nbcnews.com/sciencemain/cutest-new-animal-discovered-its-olinguito-6C10925572
Wikipedia contributors. (n.d.). Olinguito. Wikipedia. Retrieved 2 May 2025, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Olinguito
How can I help the #Boycott4Wildlife?
Take Action in Five Ways
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Join 3,180 other subscribers2. Contribute stories: Academics, conservationists, scientists, indigenous rights advocates and animal rights advocates working to expose the corruption of the palm oil industry or to save animals can contribute stories to the website.
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Read moreHow do we stop the world’s ecosystems from going into a death spiral? A #SteadyState Economy
Read more3. Supermarket sleuthing: Next time you’re in the supermarket, take photos of products containing palm oil. Share these to social media along with the hashtags to call out the greenwashing and ecocide of the brands who use palm oil. You can also take photos of palm oil free products and congratulate brands when they go palm oil free.
https://twitter.com/CuriousApe4/status/1526136783557529600?s=20
https://twitter.com/PhillDixon1/status/1749010345555788144?s=20
https://twitter.com/mugabe139/status/1678027567977078784?s=20
4. Take to the streets: Get in touch with Palm Oil Detectives to find out more.
5. Donate: Make a one-off or monthly donation to Palm Oil Detectives as a way of saying thank you and to help pay for ongoing running costs of the website and social media campaigns. Donate here
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Keep readingLearn about “sustainable” palm oil greenwashing
Read more about RSPO greenwashing
Lying Fake labels Indigenous Land-grabbing Human rights abuses Deforestation Human health hazardsA 2019 World Health Organisation (WHO) report into the palm oil industry and RSPO finds extensive greenwashing of palm oil deforestation and the murder of endangered animals (i.e. biodiversity loss)
Read more #animals #Bear #Boycott4wildlife #BoycottMeat #BoycottPalmOil #carnivores #coffee #Colombia #deforestation #Ecuador #ForgottenAnimals #goldMining #goldmining #hunting #infrastructure #Mammal #mammals #meat #meatAgriculture #meatDeforestation #NearThreatenedSpecies #NearThreatened #nocturnal #OlinguitoBassaricyonNeblina #Olinguitos #omnivore #omnivores #PalmOil #palmOilDeforestation #palmoil #palmoilfree #poaching #roads #SeedDispersers #seeddispersal #vegan #VulnerableSpecies -
Terrifying Tale of Halloween: Palm Oil Ecocide in Your Treats!
This #Halloween, as you revel in terrifying tales and creepy costumes, remember that the most terrifying tale of all isn’t enjoyable folklore—it’s the horrifying truth about palm oil. This ingredient causes #deforestation, #ecocide, #humanrights abuses and #indigenous land-grabbing. The production of #palmoil casts a dark shadow over our planet, as it can only be grown on destroyed tropical rainforests. So-called “sustainable” palm oil used by the world’s biggest food brands like Nestle, Mondelez, Hersheys, Ferrero and Mars is a complete greenwashing lie. So don’t buy any of it! All palm oil threatens the very existence of wildlife, polluting our air and water, accelerates climate change, and tramples on the rights of indigenous communities worldwide. This Halloween, take action and use your wallet as a weapon. 🌍🌳🦍 #Boycottpalmoil #Boycott4Wildlife
What is #Halloween’s most terrifying tale? #Palmoil #greenwashing 🧐💰🤑👿 #ecocide contained in your favourite #chocolate ☠️🌴🪔☠️ and #candy! Take action for #wildlife when you #Boycottpalmoil #Boycott4Wildlife @palmoildetect https://palmoildetectives.com/2023/10/18/halloweens-most-terrifying-tale-palm-oil-greenwashing-and-ecocide-in-your-treats/
Share to BlueSky Share to TwitterDYK so-called “sustainable” #palmoil is a #greenwashing lie that still causes #deforestation?🤯 Learn how to #Boycottpalmoil #Boycott4Wildlife this #Halloween 🎃👻🪦 Instead enjoy #palmoilfree and #vegan treats and #candy @palmoildetect https://palmoildetectives.com/2023/10/18/halloweens-most-terrifying-tale-palm-oil-greenwashing-and-ecocide-in-your-treats/
Share to BlueSky Share to TwitterPalm oil is commonly used in Halloween candies and treats for one reason only – it is cheap to manufacture.
The production of palm oil has severe environmental and social impacts. Deforestation and ecocide caused by palm oil production threatens wildlife habitats, contributes to air pollution and water pollution, is strongly linked to climate change, and infringes on the rights of indigenous peoples all over the tropical world.
A 2019 World Health Organisation (WHO) report into the palm oil industry and RSPO finds extensive greenwashing of palm oil deforestation and the murder of endangered animals (i.e. biodiversity loss)
Read moreAlthough proponents of palm oil claim that it helps farmers to earn a living wage, a 2021 report by Chain Reaction Research found that the world’s biggest brands earn the lion’s share of profit from palm oil, 66% or more of gross profit flows back to the world’s biggest FMCG companies such as Nestle, Unilever, Hersheys and Colgate-Palmolive. In contrast, almost 0% of profit flows back to farmers themselves.
The Problems with Palm Oil
Palm Oil Detectives is a website that gathers together evidence from dozens of different sources in order to clearly show the elaborate and widespread greenwashing of so-called “sustainable” palm oil. Take a look at the 10 forms of “sustainable” palm oil greenwashing to see how this works, using a network of zoos and fake NGOs in order to push the narrative of “sustainable” palm oil to consumers.
Research: Certifying Palm Oil as “Sustainable” Is No Panacea
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Certification Schemes Fail to Stop Palm Oil Deforestation
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Greenwashing Tactic 9: Partnerships, Sponsorships and Research Funding
Greenwashing Tactic 9. Corporations use NGOs, Zoo partnerships, sponsorships, and research funding to give an industry or brand a ‘green image.
This website also provides evidence in the form of many research papers and reports from many non-profits (those organisations not partnered with the palm oil supply chain). These reports expose the immense corruption, ecocide and greenwashing in the palm oil industry along with its human rights abuses, violence, land-grabbing and animal cruelty – all associated with RSPO members supposedly using “sustainable” palm oil.
Greenwashing: Manufacturing consumer demand for palm oil
Since its inception two decades ago, the global certification for palm oil the RSPO continues to promote “sustainable” palm oil. Yet not one of its supply chain members has actually eradicated deforestation or human rights abuses from their palm oil supply chains. This constant promotion of the palm oil industry in spite of evidence of its ongoing failures is clear evidence of the RSPO’s greenwashing.
The global demand for palm oil contributes significantly to deforestation, particularly in countries like Indonesia, Malaysia, Brazil, Colombia, Nigeria and Uganda. These regions are rich in biodiversity, and the loss of their rainforests impacts numerous species non-human beings of all shapes and sizes. This includes not only the poster child for palm oil ecocide – the three orangutan species, but also rare and endangered plants and animal species.
From the smallest insect to the most magnificent elephant, to exquisite and vibrantly coloured birds – all are under threat by palm oil’s relentless growth across all tropical regions of the world. Indigenous peoples with their unique cultures, customs and languages are also endangered by palm oil expansion as well.
The #Boycottpalmoil #Boycott4Wildlife movement starts with you
If this terrifying tale of palm oil has alarmed you, the good news is – there are actions you can take.
One powerful and effective way to help rare animals, plants and indigenous peoples is to use your wallet as a weapon and boycott palm oil. By learning how to identify palm oil in products and choosing products that are palm oil free, you can contribute to reducing demand for this destructive commodity.
A great place to start is by searching for palm oil-free alternatives on this website and also by promoting the #Boycottpalmoil and #Boycott4Wildlife on movement on social media.
Remember, every purchase you make has an impact. This Halloween, support the wildlife you love and use your wallet as a weapon.
Download your free Halloween infographic here
Learn how to boycott palm oil this Halloween in America, the UK and Australia
The reality of these chocolate and confectionery brands is the spookiest story you will ever hear this Halloween Learn how to boycott with handy lists for the US, Uk and Australia. Discover the spookiest story of #Halloween 🎃👻💀: “sustainable” #palmoil is not sustainable! Major brands continue to buy #palmoil infused with #ecocide. Make sure you…
by Palm Oil DetectivesOctober 26, 2022April 22, 2025 #Boycott4wildlife #BoycottPalmOil #candy #chocolate #confectionery #consumerBoycott #consumerRights #Danone #deforestation #ecocide #ethicalConsumerism #greenwashing #Halloween #Hersheys #HumanRights #indigenous #Mars #Mondelez #Nestle #PalmOil #palmOilDeforestation #palmoil #palmoilfree #treats #vegan #wildlife -
Blue-billed Curassow Crax alberti
Blue-billed Curassow Crax alberti
IUCN Status: Critically Endangered
Location: ColombiaThe Blue-billed Curassow is endemic to Colombia, with remaining populations in the tropical forests of the Magdalena Valley, the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, and the Serranía de San Lucas. These birds inhabit lowland humid forests and fragmented secondary woodlands, clinging to survival in one of the world’s most deforested biodiversity hotspots.
The endearing Blue-billed Curassow Crax alberti is a unique bird of #Colombia currently classified as Critically Endangered by the IUCN Red List due to rapid habitat loss for multiple different cash crops and intense hunting pressures. Less than 2,500 mature individuals remain, with many subpopulations highly fragmented and isolated. A shy, ground-dwelling bird, Blue-billed Curassows plays an essential role in forest regeneration through #seeddispersal. But #timber, #meat, #goldmining, #coca plantations, and #palmoil agriculture have devoured more than 90% of their original range. Without urgent conservation action, this #bird faces imminent #extinction. Always choose products that are 100% #palmoilfree and go #vegan BoycottPalmOil, always #BoycottGold #Boycott4Wildlife
https://youtu.be/4yd5AvFqxRM?si=WoGaoOWpW_ot4o3e
Stunning turkey-like #birds, blue-billed #Currasows 🪿🦜 are critically #endangered in #Colombia 🇨🇴 due to #PalmOil, illegal #Coca, soy and meat #deforestation. Help them and be #vegan 🥩🩸⛔️ #BoycottPalmOil 🌴🩸🚜🔥🚫 #Boycott4Wildlife @palmoildetect https://palmoildetectives.com/2021/02/18/blue-billed-curassow-crax-alberti/
Share to BlueSky Share to TwitterA beautiful and colourful #bird 🦜🕊️ the blue-billed #Currasow of #Colombia faces a plethora of serious threats incl. illegal #GoldMining 🩸🔥⛔️ and #PalmOil. Help them when and #BoycottGold #BoycottPalmOil 🌴🩸🚜🔥🚫 #Boycott4Wildlife @palmoildetect https://palmoildetectives.com/2021/02/18/blue-billed-curassow-crax-alberti/
Share to BlueSky Share to TwitterAppearance and Behaviour
The Blue-billed Curassow is a striking, turkey-sized bird with glossy black plumage in males and a striking pale blue cere at the base of their bill, from which the species takes their name. Females are distinguished by their rufous-brown underparts and barred tails. Both sexes feature a curled crest of black feathers atop their heads, adding to their dramatic appearance (Shanahan, 2017).
They are shy and elusive birds, preferring to forage alone or in pairs along the forest floor. Observations in El Paujil Bird Reserve noted that they forage by scratching leaf litter for fallen fruit, seeds, invertebrates, shoots, and occasionally carrion or even terrestrial crabs (Urueña, 2008a; Melo et al., 2008). Roosting sites are usually located in tree foliage close to feeding areas and reused for several days (Hirschfeld, 2008).
Diet
The Blue-billed Curassow is an omnivore. Its diet is mainly composed of fruit and seeds, but it also consumes invertebrates such as insects, shoots, and occasionally carrion. A recent survey documented seed consumption from at least 15 plant species, as well as one record of terrestrial crab consumption (Urueña, 2008a; Quevedo et al., 2005).
Reproduction and Mating
Breeding occurs primarily in the dry season, with nests observed between December and March. However, studies in the El Paujil Bird Reserve noted a possible second breeding season from July to September (Urueña, 2008b). Clutches typically contain two to three eggs. As with other cracids, both parents may play a role in chick rearing. In the wild, families with chicks are typically observed during March through August (Cuervo & Salaman, 1999).
Geographic Range
Endemic to Colombia, the Blue-billed Curassow once roamed vast tracts of humid lowland forest throughout the northwestern Andes. Now, it persists only in fragmented patches across the Magdalena Valley, the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, and the Serranía de San Lucas (Valencia et al., 2023; IUCN, 2023).
Historically, over 90% of its potential range has been cleared or degraded due to deforestation for agriculture, coca plantations, and ranching (Melo et al., 2008). One GIS analysis estimated a 39% loss in potential distribution between 1986 and 2002 alone, with an annual deforestation rate of 2.4% (Melo et al., 2008).
Threats
• Deforestation for agriculture and livestock is the most significant threat to the survival of the Blue-billed Curassow. Almost 90% of their tropical forest habitat in northern Colombia has been cleared or severely degraded due to cattle ranching, rice cultivation, cotton production, palm oil, soy and coca plantations. These activities have fragmented the curassow’s range into isolated patches too small to support viable populations.
• The illegal pet trade and commercial hunting pose a grave threat. Curassows are hunted for meat and occasionally captured for the illegal pet trade. Surveys in Antioquia reported at least 57 individuals killed between 2002 and 2003, mostly during the breeding season, exacerbating their population decline (Melo et al., 2008). Hunting pressure remains high in rural communities surrounding the few remaining forest patches (Cabarcas et al., 2008).
• Political instability and post-conflict development have further imperilled the species. Ironically, decades of civil conflict prevented large-scale deforestation in some remote regions by limiting access to armed groups. However, peace agreements have led to rapid expansion of agriculture, mining, and logging into formerly inaccessible forests, especially in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta and Serranía de San Lucas—key strongholds for the species (Shanahan, 2017; Negret et al., 2017).
• Illegal gold mining and drug production have escalated forest destruction and brought with them roads, settlements, and deforestation. The 1996 gold rush in the Serranía de San Lucas resulted in widespread logging and land clearance for coca production. Subsequent government herbicide spraying has further damaged ecosystems essential for the curassow’s survival (Cuervo & Salaman, 1999; Melo et al., 2008).
• Habitat fragmentation has reduced the availability of forest patches larger than 3 km², which are considered the minimum size needed to support a viable population of Crax alberti (Melo et al., 2008). This has severely disrupted dispersal, gene flow, and nesting success.
• Infrastructure projects, such as highways, act as barriers between populations. For example, the Santa Marta-Riohacha Highway isolates birds in Tayrona National Park from those in the nearby Sierra Nevada foothills, reducing connectivity and increasing local extinction risks (Strewe et al., 2010).
• Low reproductive success in captivity threatens the future of ex-situ conservation. As of 2021, there were only 27 Blue-billed Curassows in Colombian zoos, most of them ageing. Only one male was actively breeding, making captive-breeding efforts challenging and precarious (Dueñas Flórez, 2021).
Take Action!
Help protect the Blue-billed Curassow by refusing to support deforestation-linked products and industries. Boycott palm oil, logging, and industrial meat farming, all of which fuel forest loss. Support indigenous-led conservation efforts in Colombia and ecotourism models that empower local communities while preserving habitat. Take action and use your wallet as a weapon! #BoycottPalmOil #Boycott4Wildlife #Vegan #BoycottMeat
FAQs
How many Blue-billed Curassows are left in the wild?
According to the IUCN Red List, there are estimated to be between 150 and 700 individuals remaining in the wild (IUCN, 2023) they are tragically critically endangered. Other sources suggest the total may be as high as 2,500 mature individuals when including fragmented populations across different reserves and national parks.
What is the lifespan of a Blue-billed Curassow?
In the wild, the lifespan is not well documented due to their elusive nature, but it is thought to be around 15–20 years, similar to other large cracids. In captivity, individuals may live longer depending on conditions and veterinary care (Melo et al., 2008).
What are the predators of the Blue-billed Curassow?
Natural predators include large birds of prey and terrestrial mammals such as jaguars and ocelots. However, human hunting remains the dominant threat, particularly targeting adults during breeding season and young birds for food and captivity (Melo et al., 2008; Cabarcas et al., 2008).
Why is the Blue-billed Curassow critically endangered?
This species has suffered catastrophic declines due to habitat destruction, especially from logging, palm oil agriculture, coca plantations, and mining. Additionally, hunting for bushmeat and egg collection has further reduced population numbers. The fragmentation of remaining populations also increases their vulnerability to extinction (Valencia et al., 2023).
Support the conservation of this species
This animal has no protections in place. Read about other forgotten species here. Create art to support this forgotten animal or raise awareness about them by sharing this post and using the #Boycottpalmoil #Boycott4Wildlife hashtags on social media. Also you can boycott palm oil in the supermarket.
Further Information
BirdLife International. 2018. Crax alberti (amended version of 2016 assessment). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2018: e.T22678525A127590617. https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-3.RLTS.T22678525A127590617.en. Downloaded on 18 February 2021.
Dueñas Flórez, M. (2021, August 27). Blue-billed Curassow (Crax alberti): Conservation efforts in Colombia. Association of Avian Veterinarians. https://www.aav.org/blogpost/1525799/375769/Blue-billed-Curassow-Crax-alberti–Conservation-efforts-in-Colombia
Melo, I., Ochoa-Quintero, J. M., López-Arévalo, H. F., & Velásquez-Sandino, P. (2008). Potential habitat loss and subsistence hunting of Blue-billed Curassow (Crax alberti), a Colombian critically endangered endemic bird. Caldasia, 30(1), 161–177.
Shanahan, M. (2017, November 2). Will the bird that dodged a bullet pay the price of peace? Mongabay. Retrieved from https://news.mongabay.com/2017/11/will-the-bird-that-dodged-a-bullet-pay-the-price-of-peace/
Valencia, I. F., Kattan, G. H., Valenzuela, L., Caro, L., Arbelaez, F., & Forero-Medina, G. (2023). Evaluation of alternative conservation strategies for the blue-billed curassow Crax alberti in the Middle Magdalena Valley, Colombia. Oryx, 57(2), 239–247. doi:10.1017/S0030605322000060
Blue-billed Curassow Crax alberti
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