Sira barbet (Capito fitzpatricki). Photo by: Michael G. Harvey.
Four years ago in a remote cloud forest in Peru’s Cerros del Sira mountain range, three recently graduated students from Cornell University discovered a never-before-recorded species of black, white, and scarlet bird. Now described in the scientific journal, The Auk, the bird has been dubbed the Sira barbet (Capito fitzpatricki).
Although closely related to the scarlet-banded barbet (Capito wallacei), genetic studies confirmed that the Sira barbet is indeed a unique and new species.
“Capito fitzpatricki is presently known from three localities within a 30-kilometer section of the Cerros del Sira, an outlying ridge of the Andes in central Peru,” the scientists write.
A portion of the species known habitat lies in the Sira Communal Reserve, however the new species is threatened by mining, logging, and oil exploitation according to the scientists. In addition climate change may pose a threat over the long-term.
The scientists believe the Sira barbet may only be found in a habitat of 300 square kilometers, leading them to conclude that, “this species could be considered endangered or vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.” Although they add that further evaluation is needed.
The scientists named the species after John W. Fitzpatrick, the head of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology.
CITATION: Glenn F. Seeholzer, Benjamin M. Winger, Michael G. Harvey, Daniel Cáceres A. and Jason D. Weckstein. A new species of barbet (Capitonidae: Capito) from the Cerros del Sira, Ucayali, Peru. The Auk , Vol. 129, No. 3 (July 2012), pp. 551-559.
Related articles
‘The lion of the cave:’ new predatory, swimming cricket discovered in Venezuela
(08/06/2012) Scientists have discovered what is likely a new species of cricket that is the top predator of its lightless world: a cave in a Venezuelan tepui. The fauna of cave was documented by BBC filmmakers as researchers uncovered not only a large, flesh-eating cricket but a new species of catfish.
3000 new species of amphibians discovered in 25 years
(07/31/2012) The number of amphibians described by scientists now exceeds 7,000, or roughly 3,000 more than were known just 25 years ago, report researchers in Berkeley.
New Malaysian snail named after late conservation mentor
(07/30/2012) Researchers have discovered a new snail, which is so unusual that it has been granted its own genus: Kenyirus. To date, the mysterious forest snail, found in Malaysia’s Kenyir Forest, is only known from its unique shell.
First pictures of newly discovered monkey in China published
(07/27/2012) Researchers have published the first evidence that a recently discovered monkey ranges into China, releasing pictures of the Rhinopithecus strykeri snub-nosed monkey in its natural habitat in Yunnan province. The photos are published in the current issue of the American Journal of Primatology.
New mammal discovered in Indonesia
(07/24/2012) Researchers have discovered a new species of rodent in Indonesia’s Mekongga Mountains, reports the Jakarta Post. The new rodent, Christine’s Margareta rat (Margaretamys christinae), is only the fourth in the genus Margaretamy, all of which are found on the island of Sulawesi.
‘Beautiful’ new snake discovered in Cambodia (photo)
(07/16/2012) Scientists have discovered a new snake species in the biodiverse rainforests of the Cardamom Mountains, reports Fauna & Flora International (FFI). The new reddish-hued serpent has been named after its country of origin by native herpetologist Neang Thy: the Cambodian kukri (Oligodon kampucheaensis).
New colorful rainforest frog named after Prince Charles (PICTURES)
(07/04/2012) Researchers have discovered a previously unknown species of frog and named it in honor of Price Charles, according to a paper published in the journal Zootaxa.