Jhonathan Miranda - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Jhonathan Miranda

Research paper thumbnail of The Red Siskin Initiative: Saving an Endangered Finch in Partnership with Aviculturists

Aviculturists have much to contribute to the conservation of endangered birds, especially when th... more Aviculturists have much to contribute to the conservation of endangered birds, especially when they join forces with scientists. Recent work with the Red Siskin (Spinus cucullatus) points to important ways that such collaboration can help many more species in the future. The Red Siskin is a striking black and red finch that once ranged through northern South America, from the Colombian border, across northern Venezuela, to Trinidad. Its populations have been decimated by unsustainable harvest for the pet trade and by habitat degradation, leaving it Critically Endangered in Venezuela and Endangered worldwide. Recent discovery of a population in Guyana revived hopes of saving the Red Siskin, and prompted us to form the Red Siskin Initiative (RSI, www.redsiskin.org), an international partnership of public and private institutions, communities, and people working to help understand, protect, and restore sustainable populations of this iconic bird in its natural habitat. Not all species can be rescued, but the Red Siskin is an ideal conservation target for multiple reasons, including the logistical, biological and economic ease with which it may be reared in captivity. To fulfill a vision of recovery, RSI has developed six conservation strategies, all of which require collaboration with aviculturists for success, particularly for raising and reintroducing siskins, as well as fighting their unsustainable harvest and illegal trade. To date, teamwork with aviculturists has resulted in the design of two integrated conservation centers in Venezuela, and advances in housing, nutrition and husbandry in a research colony in the US. Ongoing collaboration between scientists and aviculturists will be important for genetic and demographic flock management; creating a cooperative breeding plan among aviculturists; streamlining permitting processes; guiding research on diet, social structure, and vocal communication; developing protocols for pre-conditioning birds for release, and beyond captive management into reducing unsustainable harvest of the species, marketing bird-friendly chocolate and coffee, raising the cultural profile of the species in range countries. The avicultural community has become a key partner for Red Siskin recovery, which provides lessons for the conservation of other species, including Sun Conure (Aratinga solstitialis), Gouldian Finch (Erythrura gouldiae), and Philippine Cockatoo (Cacatua haemoturopygia), as well as non-avian species that are popular pets.

Research paper thumbnail of Composition of bird community in Portachuelo Pass (Henri Pittier National Park, Venezuela)

The Journal of Caribbean Ornithology, 2020

The purpose of this study was to describe the composition of the bird community in Portachuelo Pa... more The purpose of this study was to describe the composition of the bird community in Portachuelo Pass, located in Henri Pittier National Park, Venezuela. Portachuelo Pass is an important route for migratory birds between northern South America and the Southern Cone. During 11 months of sampling between 2010 and 2012, we captured 1,460 birds belonging to 125 identified species, 29 families, and 9 orders. The families with the highest relative abundance and species richness were Trochilidae and Thraupidae and the most common species were the Violet-chested Hummingbird (Sternoclyta cyanopectus), Olive-striped Flycatcher (Mionectes olivaceus), Plain-brown Woodcreeper (Dendrocincla fuliginosa), Orange-bellied Euphonia (Euphonia xanthogaster), Violet-fronted Brilliant (Heliodoxa leadbeateri), Vaux’s Swift (Chaetura vauxi), Red-eared Parakeet (Pyrrhura hoematotis), Golden-tailed Sapphire (Chrysuronia oenone), Black-hooded Thrush (Turdus olivater), and Gray-rumped Swift (Chaetura cinereiventr...

Research paper thumbnail of Non-monophyly and deep genetic differentiation across low-elevation barriers in a Neotropical montane bird (Basileuterus tristriatus; Aves: Parulidae)

Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution, 2012

Research paper thumbnail of First records of Piping Plover Charadrius melodus for Venezuela, with a revision of its non-breeding distribution

Bulletin of the British Ornithologists’ Club

Research paper thumbnail of First description of the nest, eggs and nestlings of Scallop-breasted Antpitta Grallaricula loricata

Bulletin of the British Ornithologists’ Club

BioOne Complete (complete.BioOne.org) is a full-text database of 200 subscribed and open-access t... more BioOne Complete (complete.BioOne.org) is a full-text database of 200 subscribed and open-access titles in the biological, ecological, and environmental sciences published by nonprofit societies, associations, museums, institutions, and presses.

Research paper thumbnail of How to deal with ground truthing affected by human-induced habitat change?: Identifying high-quality habitats for the Critically Endangered Red Siskin

Ecology and evolution, 2018

Species distribution models (SDM) can be valuable for identifying key habitats for conservation m... more Species distribution models (SDM) can be valuable for identifying key habitats for conservation management of threatened taxa, but anthropogenic habitat change can undermine SDM accuracy. We used data for the Red Siskin (), a critically endangered bird and ground truthing to examine anthropogenic habitat change as a source of SDM inaccuracy. We aimed to estimate: (1) the Red Siskin's historic distribution in Venezuela; (2) the portion of this historic distribution lost to vegetation degradation; and (3) the location of key habitats or areas with both, a high probability of historic occurrence and a low probability of vegetation degradation. We ground-truthed 191 locations and used expert opinion as well as landscape characteristics to classify species' habitat suitability as excellent, good, acceptable, or poor. We fit a Random Forest model (RF) and Enhanced Vegetation Index (EVI) time series to evaluate the accuracy and precision of the expert categorization of habitat suit...

Research paper thumbnail of Gutierrez-Pinto et al 2012 Supplementary Material

Research paper thumbnail of Censo Neotropical de Aves Acuáticas en Venezuela 2013

Resumen.-Con el propósito de realizar un seguimiento a largo plazo de las poblaciones de aves acu... more Resumen.-Con el propósito de realizar un seguimiento a largo plazo de las poblaciones de aves acuáticas en Venezuela, la Unión Venezolana de Ornitólogos (UVO) realiza anualmente y de forma consecutiva el Censo Neotropical de Aves Acuáticas de Venezuela (CNAAV) desde hace ocho años. En este artículo se presentan los resultados del CNAAV 2013. Como en años anteriores se hicieron dos conteos, uno en febrero y otro en julio, con la participación de 26 censistas voluntarios (20 en febrero, nueve en julio). Se censó en seis estados para un total de 26 localidades censadas (21 en febrero, 20 en julio). Se cuantificaron 65 especies (60 en febrero, 60 en julio). De las especies censadas, 19 fueron migratorias neárticas (19 en febrero, 16 en julio), 39 residentes (35 en febrero, 36 en julio) y ocho residentes con poblaciones que migran hacia la región neártica (seis en febrero, cinco en julio). Se realizaron 823.053 avistamientos (412.204 en febrero, 410.849 en julio). Las aves migratorias neárticas fueron más abundantes en febrero, donde se realizaron 4.864 avistamientos, mientras que en julio solo 203. Las especies migratorias neárticas más abundante fueron el Barraquete Aliazul Anas discors, el Playerito Occidental Calidris mauri, seguidas del Tigüi-Tigüe Grande Tringa melanoleuca y la Becasina Migratoria Limnodromus griseus. Por su parte, las especies residentes más abundantes fueron la Cotúa Olivacea Phalacrocorax brasilianus y el Flamenco Phoenicopterus ruber. Palabras claves. Aves Acuáticas, Conservación, Conteo, Humedales Abstract.-Neotropical Waterbirds Census in Venezuela 2013.-In order to contribute with the knowledge of Waterbird populations in Venezuela, the Venezuelan Ornithologists' Union (UVO) have conducted annual and consecutively the Neotropical Waterbird Census in Venezuela (CNAAV) for eight years. Here we present the results of CNAAV 2013. As in previous years, there were two bird counts, one in February and other in July. A total of 26 census volunteers (20 February, nine in July) participated in the same. The CNAAV involved 26 locations (21 in February, 20 in July) of six states, where 65 species (60 in February, 60 in July) were recorded. Of them, 19 were migratory (neartic) species (19 in February, 16 in July), 39 residents (35 in February, 36 in July) and eight residents with populations that migrate to the Nearctic region (six in February, five in July). Overall, 823,053 individuals were recorded (412,204 in February; 410,849 in July). The nearctic migratory birds were more abundant in February with 4,864 sightings, and only 203 recorded in July. The most abundant nearctic migratory species was the Blue Winged Tail Anas discors and the Western Sandpiper Calidris mauri, followed by the Greater Yellowlegs Tringa melanoleuca and the Shortbilled Dowitcher Limnodromus griseus. Besides, the Neotropic Cormorant Phalacrocorax brasilianus and the American Flamingo Phoenicopterus ruber were the most abundant resident birds.

Research paper thumbnail of Status of the Grey-headed Warbler (Basileuterus griseiceps; Parulidae), an endemic and threatened species from north-eastern Venezuela

Research paper thumbnail of Censo Neotropical de Aves Acuáticas en Venezuela 2018

Revista Venezolana de Ornitología (RVO), 2019

Se presentan los resultados del Censo Neotropical de Aves Acuáticas de Venezuela (CNAAV) realizad... more Se presentan los resultados del Censo Neotropical de Aves Acuáticas de Venezuela (CNAAV) realizado durante el 2018. El censo se realizó del 03 al 18 de febrero y del 07 al 22 de julio. Se contó con la participación de 31 censistas que visitaron 31 localidades de nueve estados. Se registraron 52 especies residentes, nueve especies residentes con poblaciones migratorias y 21 especies migratorias neárticas, para un total de 93.422 individuos (16.057 en febrero y 77.365 en julio) pertenecientes a 22 familias y nueve órdenes. Como en años anteriores, las especies más abundantes fueron la cotúa (Phalacrocorax brasilianus) y el flamenco (Phoenicopterus ruber). Cuando se compararon estas abundancias con años anteriores se observó una tendencia a la disminución. Entre las especies migratorias, las más abundantes fueron el playerito semipalmeado (Calidris pusilla), el playerito menudo (C. minutilla) y el playero acollarado (Charadrius semipalmatus). Resalta el avistamiento de la gaviota dorsinegra menor (Larus fuscus), previamente reportada solo una vez en el CNAAV. En cuanto a las localidades, Produsal (ahora llamada Salina Solar Los Olivitos, Sitio Internacional de la RHRAP), fue la que presentó mayor abundancia de aves en febrero; para julio lo fue el Refugio de Fauna Silvestre y Reserva de Pesca de los Olivitos, ambas en el estado Zulia. La localidad con mayor riqueza en febrero fue el Sector Adícora (Falcón), mientras que en julio fue la Bahía El Saco en la Isla de Coche. *English version* Neotropical Waterbird Census in Venezuela 2018 / This paper shows the 2018 Venezuelan Neotropical Waterbird Census (CNAAV) results. Surveys were conducted from February 03 to 18 and from July 07 to 22. Survey participants were 16 volunteers that visited 31 localities in nine states. A total of 52 resident species were recorded, as well as nine resident species with migratory populations and 21 Nearctic migrants, accounting 93,422 individuals (16,057 in February; 77,365 in July), belonging to 22 families and nine orders. As in previous years, the most abundant species were the Neotropical Cormorant (Phalacrocorax brasilianus) and the American Flamingo (Phoenicopterus ruber). When their abundances were compared to previous years, a decreasing tendency was noted. From migratory species, the most abundant were the Semipalmated Sandpiper (Calidris pusilla), the Least Sandpiper (C. minutilla), and the Semipalmated Plover (Charadrius semipalmatus). Sighting of the Lesser Black-backed Gull fuscus is noteworthy, reported only once in previous CNAAV. About localities, Produsal (now called Salina Solar Los Olivitos, a focal site of Western Hemisphere Shorebird Reserve Network) harbored the greatest abundance of birds in February, and Refugio de Fauna Silvestre y Reserva de Pesca Ciénaga de los Olivitos in July, both in Zulia state. The locality with the highest richness was Adícora Sector (Falcón) in February, and El Saco Bay on Coche island in July.

Research paper thumbnail of The Red Siskin Initiative: Saving an Endangered Finch in Partnership with Aviculturists

Aviculturists have much to contribute to the conservation of endangered birds, especially when th... more Aviculturists have much to contribute to the conservation of endangered birds, especially when they join forces with scientists. Recent work with the Red Siskin (Spinus cucullatus) points to important ways that such collaboration can help many more species in the future. The Red Siskin is a striking black and red finch that once ranged through northern South America, from the Colombian border, across northern Venezuela, to Trinidad. Its populations have been decimated by unsustainable harvest for the pet trade and by habitat degradation, leaving it Critically Endangered in Venezuela and Endangered worldwide. Recent discovery of a population in Guyana revived hopes of saving the Red Siskin, and prompted us to form the Red Siskin Initiative (RSI, www.redsiskin.org), an international partnership of public and private institutions, communities, and people working to help understand, protect, and restore sustainable populations of this iconic bird in its natural habitat. Not all species can be rescued, but the Red Siskin is an ideal conservation target for multiple reasons, including the logistical, biological and economic ease with which it may be reared in captivity. To fulfill a vision of recovery, RSI has developed six conservation strategies, all of which require collaboration with aviculturists for success, particularly for raising and reintroducing siskins, as well as fighting their unsustainable harvest and illegal trade. To date, teamwork with aviculturists has resulted in the design of two integrated conservation centers in Venezuela, and advances in housing, nutrition and husbandry in a research colony in the US. Ongoing collaboration between scientists and aviculturists will be important for genetic and demographic flock management; creating a cooperative breeding plan among aviculturists; streamlining permitting processes; guiding research on diet, social structure, and vocal communication; developing protocols for pre-conditioning birds for release, and beyond captive management into reducing unsustainable harvest of the species, marketing bird-friendly chocolate and coffee, raising the cultural profile of the species in range countries. The avicultural community has become a key partner for Red Siskin recovery, which provides lessons for the conservation of other species, including Sun Conure (Aratinga solstitialis), Gouldian Finch (Erythrura gouldiae), and Philippine Cockatoo (Cacatua haemoturopygia), as well as non-avian species that are popular pets.

Research paper thumbnail of Composition of bird community in Portachuelo Pass (Henri Pittier National Park, Venezuela)

The Journal of Caribbean Ornithology, 2020

The purpose of this study was to describe the composition of the bird community in Portachuelo Pa... more The purpose of this study was to describe the composition of the bird community in Portachuelo Pass, located in Henri Pittier National Park, Venezuela. Portachuelo Pass is an important route for migratory birds between northern South America and the Southern Cone. During 11 months of sampling between 2010 and 2012, we captured 1,460 birds belonging to 125 identified species, 29 families, and 9 orders. The families with the highest relative abundance and species richness were Trochilidae and Thraupidae and the most common species were the Violet-chested Hummingbird (Sternoclyta cyanopectus), Olive-striped Flycatcher (Mionectes olivaceus), Plain-brown Woodcreeper (Dendrocincla fuliginosa), Orange-bellied Euphonia (Euphonia xanthogaster), Violet-fronted Brilliant (Heliodoxa leadbeateri), Vaux’s Swift (Chaetura vauxi), Red-eared Parakeet (Pyrrhura hoematotis), Golden-tailed Sapphire (Chrysuronia oenone), Black-hooded Thrush (Turdus olivater), and Gray-rumped Swift (Chaetura cinereiventr...

Research paper thumbnail of Non-monophyly and deep genetic differentiation across low-elevation barriers in a Neotropical montane bird (Basileuterus tristriatus; Aves: Parulidae)

Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution, 2012

Research paper thumbnail of First records of Piping Plover Charadrius melodus for Venezuela, with a revision of its non-breeding distribution

Bulletin of the British Ornithologists’ Club

Research paper thumbnail of First description of the nest, eggs and nestlings of Scallop-breasted Antpitta Grallaricula loricata

Bulletin of the British Ornithologists’ Club

BioOne Complete (complete.BioOne.org) is a full-text database of 200 subscribed and open-access t... more BioOne Complete (complete.BioOne.org) is a full-text database of 200 subscribed and open-access titles in the biological, ecological, and environmental sciences published by nonprofit societies, associations, museums, institutions, and presses.

Research paper thumbnail of How to deal with ground truthing affected by human-induced habitat change?: Identifying high-quality habitats for the Critically Endangered Red Siskin

Ecology and evolution, 2018

Species distribution models (SDM) can be valuable for identifying key habitats for conservation m... more Species distribution models (SDM) can be valuable for identifying key habitats for conservation management of threatened taxa, but anthropogenic habitat change can undermine SDM accuracy. We used data for the Red Siskin (), a critically endangered bird and ground truthing to examine anthropogenic habitat change as a source of SDM inaccuracy. We aimed to estimate: (1) the Red Siskin's historic distribution in Venezuela; (2) the portion of this historic distribution lost to vegetation degradation; and (3) the location of key habitats or areas with both, a high probability of historic occurrence and a low probability of vegetation degradation. We ground-truthed 191 locations and used expert opinion as well as landscape characteristics to classify species' habitat suitability as excellent, good, acceptable, or poor. We fit a Random Forest model (RF) and Enhanced Vegetation Index (EVI) time series to evaluate the accuracy and precision of the expert categorization of habitat suit...

Research paper thumbnail of Gutierrez-Pinto et al 2012 Supplementary Material

Research paper thumbnail of Censo Neotropical de Aves Acuáticas en Venezuela 2013

Resumen.-Con el propósito de realizar un seguimiento a largo plazo de las poblaciones de aves acu... more Resumen.-Con el propósito de realizar un seguimiento a largo plazo de las poblaciones de aves acuáticas en Venezuela, la Unión Venezolana de Ornitólogos (UVO) realiza anualmente y de forma consecutiva el Censo Neotropical de Aves Acuáticas de Venezuela (CNAAV) desde hace ocho años. En este artículo se presentan los resultados del CNAAV 2013. Como en años anteriores se hicieron dos conteos, uno en febrero y otro en julio, con la participación de 26 censistas voluntarios (20 en febrero, nueve en julio). Se censó en seis estados para un total de 26 localidades censadas (21 en febrero, 20 en julio). Se cuantificaron 65 especies (60 en febrero, 60 en julio). De las especies censadas, 19 fueron migratorias neárticas (19 en febrero, 16 en julio), 39 residentes (35 en febrero, 36 en julio) y ocho residentes con poblaciones que migran hacia la región neártica (seis en febrero, cinco en julio). Se realizaron 823.053 avistamientos (412.204 en febrero, 410.849 en julio). Las aves migratorias neárticas fueron más abundantes en febrero, donde se realizaron 4.864 avistamientos, mientras que en julio solo 203. Las especies migratorias neárticas más abundante fueron el Barraquete Aliazul Anas discors, el Playerito Occidental Calidris mauri, seguidas del Tigüi-Tigüe Grande Tringa melanoleuca y la Becasina Migratoria Limnodromus griseus. Por su parte, las especies residentes más abundantes fueron la Cotúa Olivacea Phalacrocorax brasilianus y el Flamenco Phoenicopterus ruber. Palabras claves. Aves Acuáticas, Conservación, Conteo, Humedales Abstract.-Neotropical Waterbirds Census in Venezuela 2013.-In order to contribute with the knowledge of Waterbird populations in Venezuela, the Venezuelan Ornithologists' Union (UVO) have conducted annual and consecutively the Neotropical Waterbird Census in Venezuela (CNAAV) for eight years. Here we present the results of CNAAV 2013. As in previous years, there were two bird counts, one in February and other in July. A total of 26 census volunteers (20 February, nine in July) participated in the same. The CNAAV involved 26 locations (21 in February, 20 in July) of six states, where 65 species (60 in February, 60 in July) were recorded. Of them, 19 were migratory (neartic) species (19 in February, 16 in July), 39 residents (35 in February, 36 in July) and eight residents with populations that migrate to the Nearctic region (six in February, five in July). Overall, 823,053 individuals were recorded (412,204 in February; 410,849 in July). The nearctic migratory birds were more abundant in February with 4,864 sightings, and only 203 recorded in July. The most abundant nearctic migratory species was the Blue Winged Tail Anas discors and the Western Sandpiper Calidris mauri, followed by the Greater Yellowlegs Tringa melanoleuca and the Shortbilled Dowitcher Limnodromus griseus. Besides, the Neotropic Cormorant Phalacrocorax brasilianus and the American Flamingo Phoenicopterus ruber were the most abundant resident birds.

Research paper thumbnail of Status of the Grey-headed Warbler (Basileuterus griseiceps; Parulidae), an endemic and threatened species from north-eastern Venezuela

Research paper thumbnail of Censo Neotropical de Aves Acuáticas en Venezuela 2018

Revista Venezolana de Ornitología (RVO), 2019

Se presentan los resultados del Censo Neotropical de Aves Acuáticas de Venezuela (CNAAV) realizad... more Se presentan los resultados del Censo Neotropical de Aves Acuáticas de Venezuela (CNAAV) realizado durante el 2018. El censo se realizó del 03 al 18 de febrero y del 07 al 22 de julio. Se contó con la participación de 31 censistas que visitaron 31 localidades de nueve estados. Se registraron 52 especies residentes, nueve especies residentes con poblaciones migratorias y 21 especies migratorias neárticas, para un total de 93.422 individuos (16.057 en febrero y 77.365 en julio) pertenecientes a 22 familias y nueve órdenes. Como en años anteriores, las especies más abundantes fueron la cotúa (Phalacrocorax brasilianus) y el flamenco (Phoenicopterus ruber). Cuando se compararon estas abundancias con años anteriores se observó una tendencia a la disminución. Entre las especies migratorias, las más abundantes fueron el playerito semipalmeado (Calidris pusilla), el playerito menudo (C. minutilla) y el playero acollarado (Charadrius semipalmatus). Resalta el avistamiento de la gaviota dorsinegra menor (Larus fuscus), previamente reportada solo una vez en el CNAAV. En cuanto a las localidades, Produsal (ahora llamada Salina Solar Los Olivitos, Sitio Internacional de la RHRAP), fue la que presentó mayor abundancia de aves en febrero; para julio lo fue el Refugio de Fauna Silvestre y Reserva de Pesca de los Olivitos, ambas en el estado Zulia. La localidad con mayor riqueza en febrero fue el Sector Adícora (Falcón), mientras que en julio fue la Bahía El Saco en la Isla de Coche. *English version* Neotropical Waterbird Census in Venezuela 2018 / This paper shows the 2018 Venezuelan Neotropical Waterbird Census (CNAAV) results. Surveys were conducted from February 03 to 18 and from July 07 to 22. Survey participants were 16 volunteers that visited 31 localities in nine states. A total of 52 resident species were recorded, as well as nine resident species with migratory populations and 21 Nearctic migrants, accounting 93,422 individuals (16,057 in February; 77,365 in July), belonging to 22 families and nine orders. As in previous years, the most abundant species were the Neotropical Cormorant (Phalacrocorax brasilianus) and the American Flamingo (Phoenicopterus ruber). When their abundances were compared to previous years, a decreasing tendency was noted. From migratory species, the most abundant were the Semipalmated Sandpiper (Calidris pusilla), the Least Sandpiper (C. minutilla), and the Semipalmated Plover (Charadrius semipalmatus). Sighting of the Lesser Black-backed Gull fuscus is noteworthy, reported only once in previous CNAAV. About localities, Produsal (now called Salina Solar Los Olivitos, a focal site of Western Hemisphere Shorebird Reserve Network) harbored the greatest abundance of birds in February, and Refugio de Fauna Silvestre y Reserva de Pesca Ciénaga de los Olivitos in July, both in Zulia state. The locality with the highest richness was Adícora Sector (Falcón) in February, and El Saco Bay on Coche island in July.