2006 IUCN Red List Category (as evaluated by BirdLife International - the official Red List Authority for birds for IUCN): Endangered

Justification This species has been uplisted to Endangered, because it is now estimated to have a very small population that is declining owing to unsustainable exploitation for the cagebird trade. However, further information is needed, and this may lead to its reclassification.

Family/Sub-family Psittacidae

Species name author (P. L. Sclater, 1876)

Taxonomic source(s) SACC (2005), Sibley and Monroe (1990, 1993), Stotz et al. (1996)

Synonyms Ara couloni Sibley and Monroe (1990, 1993), Ara couloni Stotz et al. (1996), Propyrrhura couloni SACC (2005), Propyrrhura couloni del Hoyo et al. (1997)

Taxonomic note Use of the genus Primolius follows Pennhallurick (2001).
Range & population Primolius couloni occurs in eastern Peru, extreme western Brazil, and north-western Bolivia. It is generally considered uncommon. In Tambopata, south-east Peru it is scarce, with just 19 observations in a year's fieldwork5. In Brazil, the species has only been recorded in the Rio Jurua basin of Acre, where it is considered common at Restauracao and uncommon at Boca do Tejo, being reasonably common and widespread in western Acre along the upper Rio Jurua and its tributaries1. In Bolivia, there have only been a few reports in the north (mainly Pando), but none in the last 8-9 years, despite a number of studies in the area2. A population estimate, based on anecdotal information, of c.10,000 individuals in 19903 is likely to be an overestimate; with only 100-200 birds accounted for in the wild and many watersheds within its range holding no populations, a figure in the low thousands seems realistic6. However, parts of its range remain poorly studied and quantitative data is lacking.
Important Bird Areas Click here to view map showing IBAs where species is recorded, including sites where the species does not meet any IBA criteria.

Ecology Found on the edge of humid lowland evergreen forest, along rivers and by clearings and other breaks in continuous canopy, locally even on the outskirts of towns, from lowlands to 1,550 m. Young birds have been observed with adults in April. Its occurrence in lowland southeast Peru is erratic7.

Threats The species is commonly found in markets in Brazil, being valuable and in high demand owing to its perceived rarity. Reported international trade is low (and virtually unknown before 1995), but apparently increasing: three specimens in 1993 increased to 55 birds in 2000, totalling 150 birds for the whole period; as many as 50 were reported to have been seized/traded illegally. The species has a very low reproductive rate and continued illegal harvest is thought likely to pose a serious threat to its survival4. Much of the forest within the species's range is still intact, but the Bolivian forest is threatened by expansion of the logging industry (although the species may benefit from the consequent patchwork clearance).

Conservation measures underway CITES Appendix I.

Conservation measures proposed Develop an appropriate census methodology. Survey for this species throughout its range to obtain quantitative population estimates. Determine the degree to which this species occurs in protected areas, and whether further such areas need gazetting. Support the enforcement of legislation preventing international trade. Raise awareness among local people of the need to conserve this species and its susceptibility to unsustainable exploitation.

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