Clinging to a narrow strip of forest on the slopes of the Araripe Plateau in northern Brazil, the Araripe Manakin is one of the most endangered birds in the world. Right now, American Bird Conservancy has the chance to help our local partner, Aquasis, purchase a 158-acre property that will double the amount of land under protection for the manakin. Opportunities to buy land along the plateau are rare—we must act now. Will you donate today to help ABC save the Araripe Manakin?

Araripe Manakin by Ciro Albano

Found only at the base of the Araripe Plateau, the manakin numbers fewer than 1,000 individuals and is threatened significantly by a lack of suitable breeding sites. In 2014, ABC helped Aquasis purchase 140 acres in a prime breeding area for the protection of the Araripe Manakin, which is also an Alliance for Zero Extinction species.

With your support, ABC and Aquasis will expand the reserve by acquiring an adjacent property that has the potential for eight new breeding territories. This acquisition will also connect the reserve to the Araripe National Forest, which protects forest right up to the steep cliff face that represents the westernmost edge of the Araripe Manakin's range.

Map of the Araripe Manakin Reserve and the property targeted for acquisition

The Araripe Plateau occurs in the heart of the vast, semi-arid and drought stricken caatinga biome that dominates most of the landscape of northeastern Brazil. Water here is precious, and the demand for it is increasing as the region quickly develops into an urban landscape.

The last bit of humid forest along the plateau not only provides prime habitat for the manakin, but it is also a vital source of water for the surrounding communities. By donating today, you can help ABC and Aquasis protect this forest and ensure that the natural springs and creeks found within are preserved. This is a critical step to save the Araripe Manakin and will benefit people as well.

The Araripe Manakin is endemic to the base of the Araripe Plateau. Photo by Aquasis

Preferring the lower and middle story of the forest, the Araripe Manakin is dependent on forest streams with vegetation to breed. It feeds upon a variety of fruit species found in the dense understory, and shares its habitat with other Brazilian endemics, such as the Silvery-cheeked Antshrike, the White-browed Antpitta and the Caatinga Antshrike.

Just above them is drier habitat on the top of the plateau, which is home to an additional 100+ species, including the endemic Planalto Slaty-Antshrike and the Ceará Leaftosser.

Caatinga Antshrike by Ciro Albano

All of these species are uniquely adapted to the habitat here and nowhere else. If we do not save what is left of their shrinking home, they will most assuredly go extinct. Will you make a gift today and help ABC save the Araripe Manakin and these other rare species?

American Bird Conservancy is the Western Hemisphere’s bird conservation specialist—the only organization with a single and steadfast commitment to achieving conservation results for native birds and their habitats throughout the Americas. With a focus on efficiency and working in partnership, we take on the toughest problems facing birds today, innovating and building on sound science to halt extinctions, protect habitats, eliminate threats, and build capacity for bird conservation.

Aquasis (Association for the Research and Preservation of Aquatic Ecosystems) was established as a non-governmental organization in 1994, and is the leading organization in Brazil for the protection of the Araripe Manakin. In 2011 Aquasis published the species Conservation Action Plan, which was approved by the federal Ministry of the Environment in Brazil.