crested guan
VU

crested guan

Penelope purpurascens

Unknown

Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crested_guan

Overview

The crested guan is a Near Threatened species in an ancient group of birds of the family Cracidae, which are related to the Australasian megapodes or mound builders (Megapodiidae). It is found from central Mexico through Central America and in Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Venezuela.

The crested guan faces significant pressure from widespread habitat loss due to deforestation for agriculture, cattle ranching, and urban development throughout its range in Central and South America. Hunting pressure for subsistence and commercial purposes has severely reduced populations in many areas, as these large, conspicuous birds are easily targeted. The species' slow reproductive rate and specific habitat requirements make recovery particularly challenging once populations decline.

Threat summary

Habitat

Inhabits humid tropical forests including primary and secondary lowland rainforests, cloud forests, and forest edges from sea level up to 1,500 meters elevation. The species prefers dense canopy areas but also utilizes forest borders and partially cleared areas with remaining tree cover.

TERRESTRIAL· major

Other threatened species in Cracidae

Wattled GuanVU

Wattled Guan

Aburria aburri

Unknown
Bearded GuanVU

Bearded Guan

Penelope barbata

Unknown
Black CurassowVU

Black Curassow

Crax alector

Unknown
Yellow-knobbed CurassowEN

Yellow-knobbed Curassow

Crax daubentoni

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is crested guan classified as Vulnerable?
crested guan is classified as Vulnerable because the population is declining and the species faces a high risk of extinction in the medium-term future if current pressures continue. The crested guan faces significant pressure from widespread habitat loss due to deforestation for agriculture, cattle ranching, and urban development throughout its range in Central and South America. Hunting pressure for subsistence and commercial purposes has severely reduced populations in many areas, as these large, conspicuous birds are easily targeted. The species' slow reproductive rate and specific habitat requirements make recovery particularly challenging once populations decline.
Where does crested guan live?
crested guan occurs in across multiple regions. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to crested guan?
The main threats to crested guan are ai-1, ai-2, ai-3, and ai-4. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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