Rarity and conservation of forest birds in the tropical dry forest region of Central America Original Research Article

Biogeographic and life-history characteristics of forest birds in the tropical dry forest region of Central America were examined to identify variables associated with rarity. Point counts were undertaken in eight decreed nature reserves and combined with incidence data from reserves and historic data. This was used to identify assemblages of forest birds that are rare in small fragments, rare in the reserves, and rare in the tropical dry forest region of Central America. Biogeographic variables of latitudinal extent and distance to edge of range were not associated with rarity of forest birds. The life-history characteristic body weight was the only variable significantly associated with rarity in the tropical dry forest region; although the carnivore guild contained a high proportion of rare species. At a global scale, two species Ortalis leucogastra and Icterus pectoralis deserve a high priority for conservation, while Santa Rosa and Palo Verde National Parks deserve a high priority for regional conservation.