Sinu Parakeet Pyrrhura subandina

Sinu Parakeet Pyrrhura subandina

Critically endangered

Location: Endemic to Colombia, specifically the Sinú Valley in the department of Córdoba.

IUCN Red List Status: Critically Endangered (Possibly Extinct)

The Sinu Parakeet Pyrrhura subandina is a magnificent rainbow #bird that may already be lost to the world. With no confirmed sightings since 1949, these vibrant green #parrots—once fluttering through Colombia’s Sinú Valley—teeter on the brink of #extinction. Despite extensive searches, the last known individuals have vanished from their historical range, victims of relentless #palmoil #soy and #meat #deforestation, agricultural expansion, and possibly the illegal pet trade. Their fate serves as a dire warning about habitat destruction in one of the world’s most biodiverse regions. Help all species to survive by being #vegan and #BoycottPalmOil #Boycott4Wildlife

Sinu Parakeets are on a knife-edge of survival in #Colombia 🇨🇴 ravaged by #PalmOil #Soy and #Meat #Deforestation, they may now be lost 💔🙈 Help them and others survive before we never see them again. #BoycottPalmOil 🌴⛔️ #Boycott4Wildlife @palmoildetect https://palmoildetectives.com/2021/03/09/sinu-parakeet-pyrrhura-subandina/

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The spectacularly plumed Sinu Parakeet is critically endangered and is known with certainty only from the Sinú Valley in northern Colombia, where recent searches have failed to find the species and they may be extinct

IUCN Red LisT

Appearance and Behaviour

Sinu Parakeets are striking medium-sized #parrots, measuring about 25 cm in length. Their plumage is primarily green, accented with a deep red belly patch and blue-tinged flight feathers. A maroon-red face and a dull blue and red forehead give them a distinctive look, setting them apart from other Pyrrhura species. Their scalloped grey and buff breast, coupled with a long deep red tail, makes them a stunning sight in #Colombia’s forests.

Highly social, they were often seen in small, noisy flocks, calling to one another with sharp, piercing cries. Their agile movements and strong social bonds helped them navigate the canopy in search of food.

Habitat and Distribution

Historically, Sinu Parakeets were found in Colombia’s Sinú Valley, thriving in subtropical and tropical moist lowland forests, gallery forests, and secondary growth areas. They adapted well to forest edges and plantations, but their dependence on tree cavities for nesting made them particularly vulnerable to deforestation. Today, their habitat has been so extensively destroyed that any surviving population is likely isolated in a tiny, fragmented patch of forest.

Diet

Like most parrots, Sinu Parakeets were primarily frugivorous, feeding on a variety of fruits, seeds, and flowers. They likely played an important role in their ecosystem as seed dispersers, helping maintain the delicate balance of their rainforest home. However, habitat loss has decimated their food sources, further driving their population decline.

Threats

Sinu Parakeets have suffered catastrophic habitat loss, with an estimated 92-98% of their original forest destroyed. The main threats include:

• Palm Oil, Soy and Meat Deforestation: Most of the parakeets’ native forests have been cleared for cattle ranching and palm oil agriculture.

Habitat Fragmentation: Even where patches of forest remain in the Amazon, they are isolated, making it difficult for populations to recover.

Trapping for the pet trade – Although not well-documented, other Pyrrhura species are frequently captured for the illegal pet trade, which may have impacted this species.

Illegal Hunting: There is evidence that small parrots are sometimes hunted for food in rural areas.

Agrochemical Pollution: Pesticide and herbicide use in nearby agricultural areas may have contaminated food sources.

With no confirmed sightings for decades, it is feared that the species may already be extinct.

Possibly extinct Sinu Parakeet Pyrrhura subandina

Take Action!

The possible extinction of the Sinu Parakeet is a devastating loss to Colombia’s biodiversity. However, hope remains that a tiny remnant population survives, hidden in a last stretch of undisturbed forest. Conservationists continue to search for any sign of these parrots. You can help by:

Boycotting products that are 100% palm oil-free to avoid contributing to deforestation and biodiversity loss.

Supporting reforestation efforts in Colombia and across South America.

Raising awareness about the plight of the Sinu Parakeet and the urgent need to protect their habitat.

Demanding stronger conservation policies from governments and businesses that contribute to deforestation.

#BoycottPalmOil #Boycott4Wildlife every time you shop.

Support the conservation of this species

Global Wildlife Conservation

Further Information

BirdLife International. 2016. Pyrrhura subandina. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2016: e.T45422401A95151315. https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-3.RLTS.T45422401A95151315.en. Downloaded on 16 February 2021.

Birds of Colombia. (n.d.). Sinu Parakeet (Painted Parakeet). Retrieved February 2025, from https://birdsofcolombia.com/pages/sinu-parakeet-painted-parakeet

Loroparque Fundación. (n.d.). Pyrrhura picta subandina (Sinu Parakeet). Retrieved February 2025, from https://www.loroparque-fundacion.org/en/portfolio/pyrrhura-picta-subandina-sinu-parakeet/

Sinu Parakeet Pyrrhura subandina

How can I help the #Boycott4Wildlife?

Take Action in Five Ways

1. Join the #Boycott4Wildlife on social media and subscribe to stay in the loop: Share posts from this website to your own network on Twitter, Mastadon, Instagram, Facebook and Youtube using the hashtags #Boycottpalmoil #Boycott4Wildlife.

✓ Subscribed

2. Contribute stories: Academics, conservationists, scientists, indigenous rights advocates and animal rights advocates working to expose the corruption of the palm oil industry or to save animals can contribute stories to the website.

Wildlife Artist Juanchi Pérez

Read more

Mel Lumby: Dedicated Devotee to Borneo’s Living Beings

Read more

Anthropologist and Author Dr Sophie Chao

Read more

Health Physician Dr Evan Allen

Read more

The World’s Most Loved Cup: A Social, Ethical & Environmental History of Coffee by Aviary Doert

Read more

How do we stop the world’s ecosystems from going into a death spiral? A #SteadyState Economy

Read more

3. Supermarket sleuthing: Next time you’re in the supermarket, take photos of products containing palm oil. Share these to social media along with the hashtags to call out the greenwashing and ecocide of the brands who use palm oil. You can also take photos of palm oil free products and congratulate brands when they go palm oil free.

https://twitter.com/CuriousApe4/status/1526136783557529600?s=20

https://twitter.com/PhillDixon1/status/1749010345555788144?s=20

https://twitter.com/mugabe139/status/1678027567977078784?s=20

4. Take to the streets: Get in touch with Palm Oil Detectives to find out more.

5. Donate: Make a one-off or monthly donation to Palm Oil Detectives as a way of saying thank you and to help pay for ongoing running costs of the website and social media campaigns. Donate here

Pledge your support

#animalExtinction #beef #Bird #birds #Boycott4wildlife #BoycottPalmOil #Colombia #CriticallyEndangeredSpecies #deforestation #extinct #extinction #ForgottenAnimals #meat #palmoil #Parrot #Parrots #SinuParakeetPyrrhuraSubandina #SouthAmericaSpeciesEndangeredByPalmOilDeforestation #SouthAmerica #soy #vegan

"Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Heath MacDonald was on hand for a ribbon-cutting ceremony Wednesday in front of a cooler filled with porterhouse, New York prime and other cuts of Alberta beef at a Costco in an upscale suburb just beyond the western edge of Mexico City."
https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/costco-mexico-alberta-beef-9.6939609

#beef #Canada #Mexico #agriculture

Alberta beef entering Mexico’s Costco market where U.S. cuts once reigned  | CBC News

Alberta beef is now stocked in the meat section of Costco Mexico's 41 locations, joining a host of other Canadian products on the shelves of the retail giant in the country. Agriculture Minister Heath MacDonald was on hand for a ribbon cutting in front of a Costco cooler filled with prime Alberta cuts during a weeklong visit to the country.

CBC
There's no evidence that consumers put a veggie #burger in their shopping cart thinking it's #pork or #beef. They understand that burger, schnitzel & #sausage are distinct categories. A ban on terms like "veggie sausage" only serves #meat producers… (1/2) www-n--tv-de.translate.goog/panorama/Das...

"Das 'Veggie-Wurst'-Verbot die...
Kampf ums (Ersatz)-Fleisch: "Das 'Veggie-Wurst'-Verbot dient genau einer Gruppe"

Geht es nach dem EU-Parlament, sind Begriffe wie Schnitzel und Wurst künftig Fleischprodukten vorbehalten. Für Verbraucher würde dies Chaos bedeuten, für Veggie-Hersteller eine Katastrophe, prophezeit der Psychologe Hans-Georg Häusel. Einer anderen Gruppe käme ein Namensverbot hingegen gelegen.

n-tv NACHRICHTEN

Pot roast is one of those meals that makes cooking feel like a true delight—it gives you a chance to step away from the hustle and bustle of the day, take your time in the kitchen, and thoroughly enjoy the process. #recipe #food #cooking #flipboardusergroup #fediverse #dinner #beef #lamb #Potroast

https://www.giangiskitchen.com/pot-roast/?utm_source=flipboard&utm_medium=activitypub

Posted into Giangi's Kitchen Recipes @giangi-s-kitchen-recipes-giangiskitchen

Pot Roast - Perfect Sunday Dinner

Pot roast is one of those meals that makes cooking feel like a true delight—it gives you a chance to step away from the hustle and bustle of the day, take your time in the kitchen, and thoroughly enjoy the process.

Giangi's Kitchen

A good reason to stop killing and eating animals and their excretions.

Animal agriculture is the leading cause of deforestation.
🌱🌎
#vegan #grain #beef #govegan #plantbased #sustainability #duurzaamheid #plantaardig #deforestation #worldhunger #hunger #food #plantbasedfoods #supplyanddemand

kekspee's Sonic Reducer

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Ariel Toucan Ramphastos ariel

Ariel Toucan Ramphastos ariel

Near Threatened

Location: South America, primarily in Brazil, with occurrences in Venezuela, Guyana, and northern Argentina

No conservation

The Ariel Toucan (Ramphastos ariel) is a vibrant and charismatic bird native to South America, celebrated for their multi-coloured bill and ecological importance as seed dispersers. Found in tropical and subtropical forests, these toucans contribute significantly to forest regeneration, ensuring the survival of diverse plant species.

However, habitat loss due to deforestation for gold mining, soy and meat agriculture, and palm oil plantations has led to population declines, resulting in their classification as Near Threatened. Protect these iconic rainforest birds by boycotting palm oil, go vegan for them and support indigenous-led agroecology. #BoycottPalmOil #Boycott4Wildlife #BoycottGold4Yanomami and be #vegan

https://youtu.be/_vw04yaTOJM

The magnificent Ariel Toucan’s glossy black plumage 🌈🦜✨ contrasts with a fiery orange 🧡 throat. #Palmoil #soy and #meat #deforestation in #Brazil are threats. Help them to survive! Be #vegan #BoycottPalmOil 🌴🪔🚫#Boycott4Wildlife @palmoildetect https://palmoildetectives.com/2021/04/01/ariel-toucan-ramphastos-ariel/

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An iconic #bird 🦜💚of the #Amazon #rainforest #SouthAmerica the Ariel #Toucan is endangered from #hunting #beef and #soy #palmoil #deforestation. Support this icon and be #vegan 🌱🍉 #BoycottPalmOil 🌴🪔☠️🤮⛔️ #Boycott4Wildlife @palmoildetect https://palmoildetectives.com/2021/04/01/ariel-toucan-ramphastos-ariel/

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Appearance and Behaviour

Ariel Toucans are medium-sized birds, measuring 40–50 cm in length, with a strikingly large bill accounting for up to one-third of their body length. Their glossy black plumage contrasts with a fiery orange to red throat and chest. This vibrant coloration makes the Ariel Toucan visually stunning.

These toucans are highly social and live in pairs or small flocks. They communicate using a variety of croaks and yelps and are often seen hopping between branches in the forest canopy. Their large, lightweight bills are perfectly adapted for plucking fruits from hard-to-reach branches, showcasing their evolutionary specialisation for frugivory.

Geographic Range

The Ariel Toucan inhabits tropical rainforests, lowland forests, and fragmented secondary forests across South America. Their range includes regions south of the Amazon in Brazil, extending to parts of Venezuela, Guyana, and northern Argentina.

While their range remains relatively broad, habitat destruction and fragmentation, particularly in the Atlantic Forest and Amazon Basin, have isolated populations and reduced their available habitat.

Diet

Ariel Toucans are predominantly frugivorous, relying on fruits such as figs, guavas, and berries. They also consume small invertebrates, eggs, and nestlings when fruit is scarce.

Their role as seed dispersers is critical for forest regeneration. By consuming fruits and dispersing seeds over large areas, they support biodiversity and the growth of numerous tree species. However, deforestation disrupts their access to diverse food sources, threatening their ecological function.

Reproduction and Mating

During the breeding season, Ariel Toucans nest in tree cavities, often repurposing old woodpecker holes. Females lay 2–4 eggs, which are incubated by both parents over a period of 16–18 days.

The chicks remain in the nest for several weeks after hatching, with both parents actively feeding and protecting them. Juveniles develop their vibrant plumage and distinctive bills as they mature, gaining full independence after several months.

Threats

Although the Ariel Toucan is currently classified as Near Threatened, population declines are ongoing. Conservation priorities include protecting and restoring rainforest habitats, particularly in regions like the Amazon and Atlantic Forest. Strengthening anti-deforestation measures are critical for their survival.

Efforts to combat the illegal pet trade and raise awareness of their ecological importance are also vital. Continued monitoring and research are necessary to track population trends and threats effectively.

IUCN Status: Near Threatened

Habitat Destruction:

Large-scale deforestation in the Amazon Basin and Atlantic Forest for soy and palm oil agriculture, logging, and cattle ranching significantly reduces their habitat.

Palm Oil Plantations:

The conversion of forested areas into palm oil plantations further accelerates habitat loss.

Illegal Pet Trade:

Ariel Toucans are captured for the pet trade, which disrupts local populations.

Habitat fragmentation and isolation:

Fragmented habitats restrict movement and genetic exchange, increasing the risk of local extinctions.

Climate Change:

Altered rainfall patterns and rising temperatures affect fruiting cycles and habitat suitability, adding further pressure on populations.

Take Action!

Help protect the Ariel Toucan by boycotting palm oil and supporting reforestation projects. Advocate for stricter wildlife protections and raise awareness about their plight. Together, we can ensure a future for this iconic species. #BoycottPalmOil #Boycott4Wildlife

The primary threat to this species is accelerating deforestation in the Amazon basin as land is cleared for cattle ranching and soy production, facilitated by expansion of the road network (Soares-Filho et al. 2006, Bird et al. 2011).

IUCN red list

Support the conservation of this species

This animal has no protections in place. Read about other forgotten species here. Create art to support this forgotten animal or raise awareness about them by sharing this post and using the #Boycottpalmoil #Boycott4Wildlife hashtags on social media. Also you can boycott palm oil in the supermarket.

Further Information

BirdLife International. 2023. Ramphastos arielThe IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2023: e.T22726233A221624536. https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2023-1.RLTS.T22726233A221624536.en. Accessed on 28 December 2024.

BirdLife International. (2024). Ariel Toucan (Ramphastos ariel).

Birds of the World. (2024). Ariel Toucan introduction.

Merazonia wildlife rescue and sanctuary rehabilitate parrots and toucans, some of the most trafficked animals in the world. Donate to them here

Ariel Toucan Ramphastos ariel

How can I help the #Boycott4Wildlife?

Take Action in Five Ways

1. Join the #Boycott4Wildlife on social media and subscribe to stay in the loop: Share posts from this website to your own network on Twitter, Mastadon, Instagram, Facebook and Youtube using the hashtags #Boycottpalmoil #Boycott4Wildlife.

✓ Subscribed

2. Contribute stories: Academics, conservationists, scientists, indigenous rights advocates and animal rights advocates working to expose the corruption of the palm oil industry or to save animals can contribute stories to the website.

Wildlife Artist Juanchi Pérez

Read more

Mel Lumby: Dedicated Devotee to Borneo’s Living Beings

Read more

Anthropologist and Author Dr Sophie Chao

Read more

Health Physician Dr Evan Allen

Read more

The World’s Most Loved Cup: A Social, Ethical & Environmental History of Coffee by Aviary Doert

Read more

How do we stop the world’s ecosystems from going into a death spiral? A #SteadyState Economy

Read more

3. Supermarket sleuthing: Next time you’re in the supermarket, take photos of products containing palm oil. Share these to social media along with the hashtags to call out the greenwashing and ecocide of the brands who use palm oil. You can also take photos of palm oil free products and congratulate brands when they go palm oil free.

https://twitter.com/CuriousApe4/status/1526136783557529600?s=20

https://twitter.com/PhillDixon1/status/1749010345555788144?s=20

https://twitter.com/mugabe139/status/1678027567977078784?s=20

4. Take to the streets: Get in touch with Palm Oil Detectives to find out more.

5. Donate: Make a one-off or monthly donation to Palm Oil Detectives as a way of saying thank you and to help pay for ongoing running costs of the website and social media campaigns. Donate here

Pledge your support

#Amazon #ArielToucanRamphastosAriel #beef #Bird #Boycott4wildlife #BoycottGold4Yanomami #BoycottPalmOil #Brazil #deforestation #EndangeredSpecies #ForgottenAnimals #hunting #meat #PalmOil #palmoil #rainforest #SouthAmericaSpeciesEndangeredByPalmOilDeforestation #SouthAmerica #soy #Toucan #vegan

Ecuadorean Viscacha Lagidium ahuacaense

Ecuadorean Viscacha Lagidium ahuacaense

IUCN Status: Critically Endangered

Location: Ecuador’s Cerro El Ahuaca

High in the remote granite outcrops of Cerro El Ahuaca, #Ecuador the Ecuadorean #Viscacha Lagidium ahuacaense is plump and fluffy #rodent sporting sage-like long whiskers. From their high perch they look down upon the world below with a permanent expression of what could interpreted as disappointment. Ecuadorean Viscachas were first spotted in 2005 and formally described in 2009, these mountain-dwelling large #rodents are the northernmost member of the Lagidium genus, marooned over 500 kilometres from their closest relatives in #Peru. Few creatures are as elusive or fascinating— tragically, only a handful of them remain alive.

Fires, #beef agriculture, and #deforestation for monoculture are carving away at their already fragile existence, pushing them ever closer to the brink of #extinction. Help them by sharing their story to social media. Join the #Boycott4Wildlife.

https://youtu.be/0o5MoqBnXZA

High in the mountains of #Ecuador 🇪🇨 lives a sage-like fluffy #rodent, the Ecuadorean #Viscacha, a critically endangered alpine wonder. Few remain alive due to #climatechange and #meat #agriculture 🥩🔥. Be #vegan for them #Boycott4Wildlife @palmoildetect https://wp.me/pcFhgU-aoV

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The Ecuadorean #Viscacha is a fluffy epic #rodent of #Ecuador’s high mountains with long and wise whiskers and a bushy tail. These tenacious creatures are critically #endangered 😭😿 Help them to survive, be #vegan #Boycott4Wildlife 🥩🔥⛔️ @palmoildetect https://wp.me/pcFhgU-aoV

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Appearance & Behaviour

Built for survival in one of Ecuador’s harshest landscapes, the Ecuadorean Viscacha is a sturdy and big rodent with a compact body covered in thick, grey-brown fur. Their dense, woolly fur shields them from the biting Andean winds, while their long, silvery tails provide balance as they scale sheer rock faces. Their large, dark eyes scan the terrain for danger, and their long, sensitive whiskers twitch as they pick up the faintest vibrations in the wind.

Long and distinguished whiskers provide them with sensitive and deep understanding of their environment. A black dorsal stripe runs the length of their back, this disappears into the dense coat that keeps them warm against the mountain’s chill.

Most active at dawn and dusk, their every movement is deliberate. They bound effortlessly between jagged outcrops, using their powerful hind legs to launch themselves across treacherous gaps. Unlike burrowing rodents, they take refuge in narrow rock crevices, where they remain hidden from predators.

Threats

Once secure in their isolated stronghold, the Ecuadorean Viscacha now faces a gauntlet of human-driven threats. Their already tiny population is being squeezed into an ever-smaller fragment of land, where survival is becoming increasingly precarious.

Deforestation for eucalyptus and pine monoculture plantations

For generations, wildfires have been used to clear land for agriculture and livestock grazing, but in recent decades, these fires have intensified, spreading further into the Viscacha’s habitat. Each blaze devours critical vegetation, stripping away the food sources they rely on and forcing them into ever-smaller pockets of surviving habitat.

Farmed Animal Agriculture

Grazing cattle have become an unrelenting force in the region, trampling vegetation and outcompeting the Viscacha for food. Their presence has disrupted the delicate balance of this fragile ecosystem, leaving fewer resources for native wildlife.

Climate Change-related Environmental Shifts

With their entire known population confined to a single mountain, the Ecuadorean Viscacha is especially vulnerable to even the smallest environmental shifts. Changing rainfall patterns, prolonged droughts, and temperature fluctuations could alter the availability of food and water, placing further stress on their already limited numbers.

Population Fragmentation and Isolation

Trapped within a tiny range with no known neighbouring populations, the Viscacha is cut off from potential mates and genetic diversity. Without intervention, this isolation could lead to inbreeding, weakening the species’ ability to adapt and survive.

Geographic Range

The Ecuadorean Viscacha is found only in a single location—Cerro El Ahuaca, a rugged granite mountain in southern Ecuador. They inhabit steep, rocky surfaces at elevations between 1,950 and 2,480 metres, a world of exposed rock faces and sparse vegetation. No other known populations exist, making them one of the most geographically restricted mammals on the planet.

Though their habitat once stretched further, fires and deforestation have steadily chipped away at the fringes of their territory. Today, their entire known range spans just 120 hectares—an area smaller than many urban parks—leaving them with little room to escape the pressures of a changing world.

Diet

These high-altitude specialists are herbivores, feeding primarily on native grasses, shrubs, and small herbs that cling to the mountainside. Signs of their feeding are visible throughout their habitat—freshly grazed plants and stripped vegetation mark the places where they have foraged. Their diet is shaped by scarcity, forcing them to survive on whatever plant life they can find in their isolated, rocky home. Their close relatives Mountain Viscacha of Peru are preyed upon by Andean Mountain Cats.

Mating and Reproduction

Little is known about the reproductive habits of the Ecuadorean Viscacha, but they likely follow a pattern similar to their relatives in the Lagidium genus. Mountain Viscachas generally give birth to a single offspring after a long gestation period, ensuring that each newborn has a better chance of survival in the unforgiving terrain. Born with fur and open eyes, young Viscachas are relatively well-developed, an adaptation that allows them to quickly learn the skills needed to navigate their hazardous mountain environment.

FAQs

Are Ecuadorean Viscachas related to rabbits or chinchillas?

Despite their rabbit-like appearance, Ecuadorean Viscachas belong to the Chinchillidae family, making them closer relatives of chinchillas than rabbits. Their long whiskers, dense fur, and powerful hind legs are adaptations seen in other members of this family, allowing them to thrive in rocky, high-altitude environments.

How are Ecuadorean Viscachas different from other Mountain Viscachas?

Ecuadorean Viscachas are the northernmost species of the Lagidium genus, separated by more than 500 kilometres from their closest relatives in Peru. Genetic studies show that they diverged significantly from other Mountain Viscachas, with at least 7.9% DNA sequence differences. Morphologically, they have a more compact body, a distinct black dorsal stripe, and a tail that shifts in colour from grey-brown to reddish-brown. Their isolation and unique adaptations to the Cerro El Ahuaca environment make them a distinct species.

How do Ecuadorean Viscachas survive in their rocky habitat?

Perfectly adapted to life among sheer cliffs and granite outcrops, Ecuadorean Viscachas use their powerful hind legs to leap between rocks, navigating the treacherous terrain with ease. Their thick, woolly fur provides insulation against the cold, and instead of burrowing, they take refuge in rock crevices where they remain hidden from predators.

What do Ecuadorean Viscachas eat?

These herbivores feed on native shrubs, grasses, and small herbs found in their mountainous habitat. They leave behind distinct feeding traces, such as grazed vegetation and stripped plants, which provide insight into their foraging habits. Their diet is dictated by the limited plant life available in their isolated environment.

How many Ecuadorean Viscachas are left in the wild?

The total known population is alarmingly small, possibly consisting of only a few dozen individuals confined to a 120-hectare area on Cerro El Ahuaca. No other populations have been discovered, making them one of the most critically endangered rodents in the world.

What are the biggest threats to the Ecuadorean Viscacha?

Their biggest threats include:

Habitat destruction – Uncontrolled fires and land clearing for eucalyptus and pine monoculture and cattle grazing are steadily erasing their already limited habitat.

Livestock competitionGrazing cattle trample vegetation and outcompete Viscachas for food.

Climate change – Shifting rainfall patterns and temperature fluctuations could further disrupt their delicate ecosystem.

Genetic isolation – With only a single known population, they face the risk of inbreeding, which could weaken their resilience.

Why are they only found in one place?

Ecuadorean Viscachas are highly specialised mountain dwellers, perfectly suited to the rocky terrain of Cerro El Ahuaca. They may have once had a wider range, but habitat destruction and fragmentation have left them stranded in this isolated stronghold. Unlike more adaptable rodents, they cannot easily move to new areas due to their specific habitat needs.

Are Ecuadorean Viscachas protected?

The Ecuadorean Vischaca was only recently discovered and are considered a forgotten species. However conservation efforts have begun, there is no targeted species-wide protection in place. However, local conservation initiatives have helped establish protected areas that include their habitat. Researchers continue to push for stronger conservation measures to ensure their survival.

How can I help save the Ecuadorean Viscacha?

You can make a difference by:

• Supporting conservation organisations working to protect their habitat.

• Raising awareness about the threats they face by sharing this post and joining the #Boycott4Wildlife

• Advocating for stronger environmental policies in Ecuador to prevent further deforestation and habitat loss.

Without immediate action, these rare and remarkable mountain survivors could disappear forever.

Take Action!

The Ecuadorean Viscacha is teetering on the edge of extinction, but there is still time to act. Conservationists have already taken steps to protect their habitat, securing key areas under municipal conservation agreements. However, long-term survival depends on preventing further destruction of their fragile mountain refuge.

You can help by:

• Supporting organisations working to protect Ecuador’s high-altitude ecosystems.

• Spreading awareness about the threats facing the Ecuadorean Viscacha and the urgent need for conservation.

• Demanding stronger environmental protections to prevent further habitat loss in Loja Province.

Every effort counts. Without immediate action, these extraordinary mountain survivors could disappear forever.

Support Ecuadorean Viscacha by going vegan and boycotting palm oil in the supermarket, it’s the #Boycott4Wildlife

Support the conservation of this species

This animal has no protections in place. Read about other forgotten species here. Create art to support this forgotten animal or raise awareness about them by sharing this post and using the #Boycottpalmoil #Boycott4Wildlife hashtags on social media. Also you can boycott palm oil in the supermarket.

Further Information

Nature and Culture International. (2022). Ecuadorian Viscacha Conservation Project. Retrieved from https://www.natureandculture.org/directory/ecuadorian-vizcacha-conservation-project/

Roach, N. 2016. Lagidium ahuacaenseThe IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2016: e.T48295808A48295811. https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-2.RLTS.T48295808A48295811.en. Accessed on 27 February 2025.

Werner, F. A., Ledesma, K. J., & Hidalgo B., R. (2006). Mountain vizcacha (Lagidium cf. peruanum) in Ecuador – first record of Chinchillidae from the northern Andes. Mastozoología Neotropical, 13(2), 271–274.

Wikipedia Contributors. (n.d.). Lagidium ahuacaense. Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lagidium_ahuacaense

How can I help the #Boycott4Wildlife?

Take Action in Five Ways

1. Join the #Boycott4Wildlife on social media and subscribe to stay in the loop: Share posts from this website to your own network on Twitter, Mastadon, Instagram, Facebook and Youtube using the hashtags #Boycottpalmoil #Boycott4Wildlife.

✓ Subscribed

2. Contribute stories: Academics, conservationists, scientists, indigenous rights advocates and animal rights advocates working to expose the corruption of the palm oil industry or to save animals can contribute stories to the website.

Wildlife Artist Juanchi Pérez

Read more

Mel Lumby: Dedicated Devotee to Borneo’s Living Beings

Read more

Anthropologist and Author Dr Sophie Chao

Read more

Health Physician Dr Evan Allen

Read more

The World’s Most Loved Cup: A Social, Ethical & Environmental History of Coffee by Aviary Doert

Read more

How do we stop the world’s ecosystems from going into a death spiral? A #SteadyState Economy

Read more

3. Supermarket sleuthing: Next time you’re in the supermarket, take photos of products containing palm oil. Share these to social media along with the hashtags to call out the greenwashing and ecocide of the brands who use palm oil. You can also take photos of palm oil free products and congratulate brands when they go palm oil free.

https://twitter.com/CuriousApe4/status/1526136783557529600?s=20

https://twitter.com/PhillDixon1/status/1749010345555788144?s=20

https://twitter.com/mugabe139/status/1678027567977078784?s=20

4. Take to the streets: Get in touch with Palm Oil Detectives to find out more.

5. Donate: Make a one-off or monthly donation to Palm Oil Detectives as a way of saying thank you and to help pay for ongoing running costs of the website and social media campaigns. Donate here

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Learn about other animals endangered by palm oil and other agriculture

Global South America S.E. Asia India Africa West Papua & PNG

Ecuadorean Viscacha Lagidium ahuacaense

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Southern Pudu Pudu puda

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Blue-streaked Lory Eos reticulata

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Blonde Capuchin Sapajus flavius

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Savage’s Glass Frog Centrolene savagei

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Pesquets Parrot Psittrichas fulgidus

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Learn about “sustainable” palm oil greenwashing

Read more about RSPO greenwashing

Lying Fake labels Indigenous Land-grabbing Human rights abuses Deforestation Human health hazards

A 2019 World Health Organisation (WHO) report into the palm oil industry and RSPO finds extensive greenwashing of palm oil deforestation and the murder of endangered animals (i.e. biodiversity loss)

Read more

#Agriculture #animals #beef #Boycott4wildlife #BoycottPalmOil #climatechange #CriticallyEndangeredSpecies #criticallyendangered #deforestation #Ecuador #EcuadoreanViscachaLagidiumAhuacaense #endangered #extinction #ForgottenAnimals #hunting #meat #meatDeforestation_ #PalmOil #palmOilDeforestation #Peru #poaching #rodent #rodents #SouthAmericaSpeciesEndangeredByPalmOilDeforestation #vegan #Viscacha