Curassows, guans and chachalacas : status survey and conservation action plan for Cracids 2000-2004

The family Cracidae is made up of 50 species of guans, curassows and chachalacas - large gregarious game birds, many of which have striking colours. They are important as seed dispersers, biological indicators of the environment, a major protein source for indigenous people, and for ecotourism. Nearly half the species in the family are threatened and several have been pushed to near extinction by wide-spread destruction of tropical forets and over-harvesting. This plan describes the natural history of cracids, outlining threats to the birds, and measures needed to alleviate these. Recommendations include research on status, distribution, effects of habitat disturbance and hunting pressure; assessments of cracids as biological indicators; education and communication programmes; the creation of new reserves; assessment of legislative issues