Priorities for Future Research

Several details on the biology and ecology of Highland Guan remain unknown. To improve the conservation status, following studies could provide valuable data. The current distribution and status of the southeastern populations in Nicaragua requires a re-evaluation. Abundance should be monitored in populations throughout the species range. Demography of Highland Guan populations remains poorly known, which could be improved by studies on the social system, home range, survivorship, and nest success. There might exist genetic differences between populations in the southeastern part of the guan’s range (El Salvador, Honduras, and Nicaragua) and the northwestern part (southern Mexico and Guatemala), which are isolated from each other. A comparative genetic and morphological study could shed more light onto this issue, which is critical for conservation planning (Eisermann et al. 2006).