Priorities for Future Research

It is necessary to continue monitoring both natural and reintroduced populations of the White-winged Guan, and to continue to search for new populations both in the known distribution and at sites farther north, between the northern known limit distributional limit and the El Angolo Hunting Reserve. This site was identified in 2004 as a suitable reintroduction site capable of holding at least 6 pairs owing to its favorable protected status and the floristic composition of the habitats found there (Angulo and Barrio 2004).

Education and an awareness raising campaign must be implemented continuously. There were such efforts continuously from 2008–2010, but these must be sustained. Research is necessary to determine the effects of these campaigns on the people and on the wild White-winged Guan population.

Another priorities include (Angulo 2003, Angulo et al. 2006) include:

• Establish a studbook for the species, so that breeders of captive individuals can ensure that a long-term viable captive population is maintained, and to contribute to research on the genetic status of both captive and wild White-winged Guan populations.

• Develop and promote dry forest sustainable use strategies such as eco-tourism or apiculture in the White-winged Guan's area of distribution and in surrounding regions.

• Research the effects of “El Niño” events on the guan populations.