The following note describes a conservation project undertaken by
the ABC to evaluate and conserve two seriously endangered species in
central Peru.  The ABC is in need of funds to bring the project to a
reasonable conclusion.  I am posting the description on MDOsprey at
the request of George Jett, who feels it is a project worth
supporting.  If you have further questions regarding the project or
should you wish to support the project with a donation, please deal
directly with Paul Salaman of the American Bird Conservancy at


Thank you,
Norm Saunders
Colesville & West Ocean City, MD
 




Emergency surveys and conservation of the
Junín Grebe Podiceps  taczanowskii and Junin Rail Laterallus tuerosi

The Junín Grebe and Junín Rail are restricted to Lake Junín in
central Peru.  This grebe is Critically Endangered and one of the
most endangered species in the America's, with just 20 birds were
counted in 1998 and the last survey of the species in 2001 suggested
less than 100 birds survived on the 143 km2 lake. The rail is
globally Endangered and known from just a small area of marshland on
the southwest shores of Lake Junín.

Water-level regulation for a hydroelectric plant (run by Electro
Peru) supplying nearby mines causes nesting and foraging areas to
dry out, and breeding to fail for both the rail and grebe.
Furthermore, mining activities pollute the lake by iron-oxide
sedimentation. In 2002, the Peruvian government passed an emergency
law to protect Lake Junín, which makes provisions for its cleaning,
and places greater restrictions on the extraction of water.
However, the designation of the protected status has thus far not
influenced mining and dam-building activities.  Presently, we have
no idea whether water management restrictions have been enforced and
what hunting and fishing activities have been controlled.
Furthermore, global warming and the impact of deforestation around
Lake Junín presents huge problems for the species.  Already,
climatic data reveals diminishing levels of participation in recent
years and it is predicted that in the next three months there will
be a tremendous water shortages across many parts of the Peruvian
Andes (SENAMHI).  This could have a devastating impact on the
marshes and both species survival.

Objectives:
To conduct an emergency survey of the lake to assess the populations
of the Junín Grebe and Junín Rail and produce a Species Action Plan
on which to immediately implement field conservation action.

Project activities:
ECOAN has initiated contacts and obtaining permits to work at Lake
Junín to undertake the following activities from early January
through to producing an action plan in June:
-Establish a detailed population baseline from intensive surveys
across the entire lake (January-April)
-Map their distribution on the lake with a GPS (January-March)
-Assess the species' requirements (breeding activity, etc)
(January-March)
-Assess the threats to the species and lake (water levels,
contamination, etc.) (January-May)
-Assess enforcement of recent improved legislation for the lake
(January-May)
-Community consultation and collaboration (January-May) 
-Public and private participation in conservation assessment and
action plan (April-May)
-Produce Lake Junín Grebe and Rail Species Action Plan (June)

Institutional coordination:
INRENA, Local Municipality of Junín, Community of Conacami and UNMSM
 
Budget:
Activity/item	US$	
Permission from INRENA	$85	
Boatman and boat hire and gasoline/oil, for a total of 5 days of
boat	$500	
Disposable equipment (film, batteries)	$105	
Accommodation	$220	
Living costs x 10 days/month x 3 months x 2 people at $13/day/peson
$780	
Travel between Lima- Junín- Lima: 3 field trips for 2 people, at
$20/person-round trip	$210	
Community meeting	$140	
Field assistant ($150/mo x 3 months)	$450	
Field coordinator ($400/mo x 5 months)	$2,000	
Administration (10%)	$500	
Total	$5,000