All about the Araripe Soldier (Antilophia bokermanni)

The beautiful and critically endangered Araripe soldier it was first discovered in 1998 by Galileu Coelho and Weber Silva. It was scientifically named as Antilophia bokermanni named after biologist Werner Bokerman, who died in 1995.

Males are spectacularly patterned, with pure white plumage, black wingtips and tail, and a red head. Females, in contrast, are dull olive in color, with a paler belly and a smaller tuft of feathers above the beak.

Characteristics

Very little is known about this rare species. They usually lay two eggs during their reproductive cycle and have been reported to feed on fruits and some arthropods. The bird measures approximately 15 cm. It is believed that males do a kind of dance to attract females during the reproduction period.

Habitat

Endemic in Brazil, where it has only been found in a very small area at the base of Chapada do Araripe, in southern Ceará. Although very little is known of the species, the population is believed to be only 800 individuals.

They can be found along the slopes of the chapada and in parts where there is an abundance of vines, as well as clearings. It is always close to water sources and is therefore a good indicator of the environmental quality of the place.

Threats

The Araripe Soldier has been classified as 'Critically Endangered' on the IUCN Red List since 2007. Although the threats faced by this species are still not fully known, it is believed that the loss and degradation of its habitat, human encroachment, agriculture and cattle raising are the main risk factors.

The plateau region suffered intense human invasion and the location where the species was first described was transformed into a recreational park.

Conservation

A project, supported by the British Petroleum Conservation Leadership Programme, is underway to shed light on the ecology of this species and evaluate the main threats that the Soldadinho-do-araripe faces, as well as opportunities for its conservation.