Together with the ROC, we began a new monitoring campaign for the pidencito in the Maipo River Wetland Sanctuary.

The Pidencito (Laterallus jamaicensis) is a small, little-known bird that lives in the wetlands of the Americas and is in danger of extinction globally, according to the IUCN.

This shy and cryptic bird faces severe threats due to habitat loss and degradation, while research and effective protection measures are lacking. For this reason, since 2022, a collaborative effort has been launched between various organizations, including the ROC (Chilean Bird Observers Network), to carry out a monitoring project for the white-throated guinea pig in the Río Maipo Wetland Nature Sanctuary.

Thanks to the valuable support of the Neotropical Bird Club, this monitoring will continue throughout 2023, with monthly observations conducted at the wetland. The main objective is to actively search for the species and characterize its environment, behavior, and threats. This will help us gain a better understanding of its natural history, habits, and population size, which will allow for the implementation of effective conservation actions at the site.

Since the Pidencito is an elusive and difficult-to-spot species, song reproduction is used to determine its absence and presence. This allows for estimates of the number of individuals and the sites of greatest abundance throughout the year. Furthermore, this project includes active community participation through birdwatching activities and educational visits, with the goal of raising awareness about the importance of conserving endangered species and wetland ecosystems.

The Maipo River Wetland Nature Sanctuary, where this conservation effort is being carried out, is an area of great importance for biodiversity and the protection of aquatic habitats in Chile. Collaboration between various entities and active community participation are key to ensuring the survival of the Pidencito and the preservation of wetlands, ecosystems fundamental to wildlife and environmental balance.

With this joint effort and the support of institutions committed to conservation, we hope to provide a future opportunity for the Pidencito and contribute to the protection of Chile’s rich biological diversity. The conservation of this emblematic species and its habitats not only benefits local fauna and flora but also contributes to maintaining ecosystem services essential to human society.