Peter Pibaque
The Grey-backed hawk - Pseudastur occidentalis is one of the top 10 highest conservation priority raptor species in the South American region. Its distribution range is restricted to forests in Ecuador and Perú that are threatened due to anthropogenic activities.
Perched Grey-backed Hawk - Pseudastur occidentalis. Location: Bosque y Vegetación Protector Prosperina, Ecuador. Copyright: George Gutiérrez, Bosque y Vegetación Protector Prosperina
To assess an effective conservation strategy for this species, we need an accurate population estimate across the country to consider P. occidentalis as a flagship conservation species in its landscape.
An account of this raptor population has not been performed in Ecuador, where most of its distribution range is located. The main aim of this study will be to estimate the current population density of the species and its reproductive behaviour; at the same time an active engagement of academia, local communities and conservation organisations will be a key aspect for the completion of this project.