Protecting the Umbrellabird

Our Conservation Strategy

“Doing things differently to ensure they don’t disappear.”

The Challenge

Standard conservation isn’t enough. With forest fragmentation and heavy “Adventure Tourism” encroaching on habitat, the Bare-necked Umbrellabird is at a crossroads. We believe in Active Conservation—taking drastic measures to protect the only known active breeding sites in Costa Rica.

From Seeds to Forest

The “Regurgitated Seed” Project

We don’t just plant trees; we plant the exact trees the Umbrellabirds need.

Collection: We collect and catalog thousands of seeds regurgitated by the birds.
Selection: We identify which species germinate best after being processed by the birds’ digestive systems.
Corridors: We transplant these seedlings into strategic “forested islands” to create food corridors, helping birds safely travel between fragmented forests.

Solving the Population Mystery

Genetic Isolation & The Gender Gap

Our satellite tracking and color-banding have revealed a startling trend: males appear to outnumber females by a wide margin.

The Goal: We are launching a new study to determine genetic diversity within isolated populations.
The Future: This research may lead to the relocation of “bachelor males” to strengthen the gene pool of other groups—a bold step to prevent extinction.

The Science Behind Our Success: A Deeper Look

Protecting a severely endangered species requires massive amounts of time, energy, and resources. It demands thinking outside the box and taking drastic measures to ensure their survival. Continuing to do what has always been done and expecting a different outcome is nonsensical. Across the globe, species are vanishing at record rates—heading the way of the Great Auk and the Passenger Pigeon. We are determined to ensure the Bare-necked Umbrellabird does not join that list.

Restoring the Forest: The Seed Project

As with so many species, forest destruction and fragmentation in the lowlands is the largest threat to the Bare-necked Umbrellabird. As part of UCAN’s conservation approach, we have collected, cataloged, and replanted thousands of seeds regurgitated by both males and females. Our goal is to positively identify each species of tree these seeds come from and understand which ones germinate best after being processed by the birds.

These seeds are planted in test boxes in a controlled setting to give them the best possible chance at survival. Once established, they are transplanted into strategically located forest edges that are critical for the birds. Creating these “forested islands” and corridors of food sources is a crucial part of reducing the threat of lowland deforestation. While this is a much-needed effort, so much more must be done to restore habitat destroyed over the last few decades.

Genetic Isolation & Population Dynamics

For over 100 years, studies focused almost exclusively on the charismatic males and their lekking behaviors. Until UCAN began its work, the requirements for females—nesting, brooding, and chick-rearing—remained a mystery. By deploying satellite transmitters and color leg bands, we have finally begun to understand their movements and mating strategies.

However, our data suggests a troubling trend: males appear to outnumber females by a very wide margin. With so few birds remaining in isolated pockets of habitat, we must determine the genetic diversity of these populations. UCAN has launched a new study to answer this critical question. In the future, the relocation of younger “bachelor” males between isolated breeding groups may be a necessary step in strengthening the gene pool and aiding the survival of the species.

A Different Kind of Tourism

The UCAN Model

Pristine, old-growth forest with zero foot traffic.
Strict “Human-Free” zones so birds can thrive.
Low Volume, High Impact.

UCAN follows strict access policies to the reserve. It is committed to ensuring the birds can thrive in forests free of heavy human traffic. Creating human free areas is an excellent strategy for conservation. History has shown that many species, including the Bare-necked umbrellabird, do not tolerate close proximity of people while courting and nesting, and will abandon sensitive areas if there is too much human activity. This special conservation area was created over two decades ago with the intention of maintaining the pristine old growth forest while protecting all the species found within the reserve boundaries. But in order to do so, this reserve was never open for mass tourism. There are no zip-lines or hanging bridges, no waterfalls or “Eco-lodges”. UCAN researchers believe it is no accident that so many umbrellabirds are found there. Do they need such tranquil and pristine areas to thrive? No one really knows.

Standard Adventure Tourism

Zip-lines, hanging bridges, and crowds.
Disturbs nesting and lekking behaviors.
High Volume, low conservation impact.

Why Your Donation is Critical

Because we refuse “Mass Tourism” to protect the birds, we have no steady ticket income. Your donations pay for:

Forest guards to stop unauthorized access.
Scientific equipment and research supplies.
Satellite transmitters and banding supplies.
Tree nursery maintenance.

100% of our staff are volunteers. 100% of your gift goes to the birds.

Get in Touch with UCAN

(+33) 7 80 00 08 09

rarebirdsanctuary@gmail.com