Abstract
When El Grupo Cerúleo, a sub-committee of the Cerulean Warbler Technical Group, was formed in 2002, the task of elucidating the nonbreeding distribution, ecology and behavior of the Cerulean Warbler (Setophaga cerulea) was large, our understanding of habitat needs was limited, there was fear that little suitable habitat existed, and conservation partnerships within Latin America and between North, South, and Middle America were few and far between. Our continuing efforts have led to a network of partners in thebody of knowledge about the Cerulean Warbler on its nonbreeding range. The time has come, in light of this knowledge, to shift the focus of the group from research and information gathering to one primarily directed to habitat protection, management, and restoration. Developing a monitoring program that measures success of implemented conservation strategies and adaptively informs, as well as fits the constraints of land owners and managers, is essential. Given the current status of land ownership and resources available for conservation in most of Latin America, this change in focus means an increased emphasis on education of, outreach to, and dialogue with commodity-producing industries and communities who have responsibility for most land management across the species’ geographic range. Furthermore, increased engagement and participation of commodity consumers, many of whom live far away from the producers, will be essential to generate additional resources for conservation. The extension of emphasis to implementation and education requires application of different skill-sets than the initial research activities required. Our summary of symposium contributions and the achievements and shortcomings of the Cerulean Warbler Technical Group, in particular those of El Grupo Cerúleo since 2002, outlines a vision for a sustainable and secure future for Cerulean Warbler populations.numerous countries through which the species passes or spends up to 7-8 months in winter and a new
Keywords
Cerulean Warbler,
Dendroica cerulea,
Setophaga cerulea,
implementing research agenda,
conservation planning,
local conservation action,
international partnerships,
coordinating agendas,
integration of biodiversity with economic activity,
trade-offs
Citation
Hamel, Paul. B.; Mehlman, David; Herzog, Sebastian; Rosenberg, Kenneth C.; Jones, Jason. 2012. Passing the baton of action from research to conservation implementation for Cerulean Warbler (Setophaga cerulea). Ornitologia Neotropical. 23: 367 378
