Guayaquil Woodpecker
VU

Guayaquil Woodpecker

Campephilus gayaquilensis

Unknown

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

Overview

A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.

The Guayaquil Woodpecker faces severe pressure from rapid deforestation and habitat fragmentation across its limited range in western Ecuador and northwestern Peru. Agricultural expansion, particularly for banana plantations and cattle ranching, has eliminated vast areas of the dry forests this species depends upon. Urban development around Guayaquil and other coastal cities continues to fragment remaining forest patches, while logging for timber and charcoal production further degrades suitable habitat.

Threat summary

Habitat

The Guayaquil Woodpecker inhabits dry deciduous forests, gallery forests, and woodland edges in the Tumbesian region of western Ecuador and northwestern Peru. It prefers mature forest areas with large trees suitable for nesting cavities, typically at elevations below 1,500 meters.

Other threatened species in Picidae

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Guayaquil Woodpecker classified as Vulnerable?
Guayaquil Woodpecker 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 Guayaquil Woodpecker faces severe pressure from rapid deforestation and habitat fragmentation across its limited range in western Ecuador and northwestern Peru. Agricultural expansion, particularly for banana plantations and cattle ranching, has eliminated vast areas of the dry forests this species depends upon. Urban development around Guayaquil and other coastal cities continues to fragment remaining forest patches, while logging for timber and charcoal production further degrades suitable habitat.
Where does Guayaquil Woodpecker live?
Guayaquil Woodpecker 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 Guayaquil Woodpecker?
The main threats to Guayaquil Woodpecker 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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