Indianapolis Zoo Leads Global Effort to Protect Unique Ecuadorian Hummingbird
In an inspiring move to protect biodiversity, the Indianapolis Zoo has awarded a $1 million grant to the Ecuador-based conservation group Fundación Jocotoco to save the critically endangered Blue-Throated Hillstar. This initiative, part of the zoo’s Saving Species Challenge, aims to support single-species conservation projects. The Blue-Throated Hillstar’s survival, threatened by habitat loss, mining, and human encroachment, has spurred international attention as Fundación Jocotoco collaborates to create safer habitats and engage local communities in preserving this newly discovered hummingbird species.
Unique Species, Unique Threats
Discovered only in 2017, the Blue-Throated Hillstar inhabits a limited, high-elevation region of the Chillan Mountain range in southwestern Ecuador. This rare hummingbird is adapted to the cold mountain climate, occupying only 24 square miles in the isolated Andean habitat. However, the delicate ecosystem that supports the Hillstar faces severe challenges, primarily from human activities. Ongoing mining practices and frequent habitat burning have put this hummingbird at significant risk, causing it to be classified as “Critically Endangered” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). With fewer than 110 adults estimated to remain, immediate conservation efforts are essential to prevent the extinction of this rare species.
A $1 Million Mission to Reverse Decline
In light of the growing global concern over biodiversity loss, the Indianapolis Zoo developed the Saving Species Challenge. The initiative, designed to support a single species from the brink of extinction, offers a substantial $1 million grant to a project with the potential for impactful and long-term results. The proposal to save the Blue-Throated Hillstar was selected from a competitive pool of 52 applications from 46 countries, with a jury of international conservation experts identifying Fundación Jocotoco’s project as one with a high likelihood of success.
Dr. Robert Shumaker, Indianapolis Zoo President and CEO, spoke on the zoo’s commitment to protecting biodiversity and its belief in Fundación Jocotoco’s mission. “We are observing a worldwide decline in biodiversity, and the Indianapolis Zoo is committed to making a meaningful impact,” remarked Dr. Robert Shumaker, President & CEO of the Indianapolis Zoo. We are honoured to support the work of Fundación Jocotoco, and I am confident that the Blue-Throated Hillstar can be saved,” Shumaker expressed, highlighting the unique opportunity for conservation presented by the $1 million grant.
Expanding Conservation Efforts on the Ground
Since the discovery of the Blue-Throated Hillstar, Fundación Jocotoco has acted quickly to create the Cerro de Arcos Reserve to protect the hummingbird’s primary habitat. With the support of the $1 million grant, Fundación Jocotoco will work closely with local communities to expand this reserve, enhance protective measures, and cultivate a deeper understanding of the species’ importance among nearby populations. Engaging these communities will be crucial in preventing further habitat degradation and securing a future for the Blue-Throated Hillstar.
Dr. Martin Schaefer, CEO of Fundación Jocotoco, expressed optimism about the collaboration and pointed to the organisation’s past successes with other critically endangered species as evidence of their effectiveness. “We have confidence in our ability to succeed because we’ve accomplished it before such as with the critically endangered Pale-Headed Brushfinch. When its population dwindled to just 50 individuals, Jocotoco took action to protect the last remaining habitat of the brushfinch, resulting in a remarkable fivefold increase in its numbers,” Schaefer stated
This successful track record underlines Jocotoco’s ability to implement robust conservation strategies, especially when working with global partners such as the Indianapolis Zoo.
A Five-Year Conservation Roadmap
Fundación Jocotoco’s conservation plan spans five years, during which they will focus on expanding the Cerro de Arcos Reserve, restoring degraded lands, and developing sustainable practices within local communities. Additionally, they aim to improve the conservation status of the Blue-Throated Hillstar on the IUCN Red List, signalling a significant milestone in global biodiversity preservation. The zoo’s Saving Species Challenge was specifically developed to support species at risk and to highlight the positive impact of strategic funding on critical conservation projects.
By advancing the IUCN status of the Blue-Throated Hillstar, Fundación Jocotoco aims to establish a replicable model for future conservation efforts around the globe. This project underscores the broader mission of protecting fragile ecosystems and reducing species loss in one of the world’s most biodiverse regions. The collaboration between the Indianapolis Zoo and Fundación Jocotoco exemplifies a commitment to preserving the planet’s natural heritage and highlights the power of cross-border conservation partnerships.
A Legacy of Hope for Biodiversity
This initiative by the Indianapolis Zoo not only brings global attention to the Blue-Throated Hillstar but also reinforces the importance of dedicated conservation efforts in protecting the world’s ecosystems. As Fundación Jocotoco embarks on its five-year journey, the hope is that this investment will inspire more organisations, governments, and communities to unite in the mission to save species and restore natural habitats.
The collaborative approach of the Indianapolis Zoo and Fundación Jocotoco represents a beacon of hope for conservation, underscoring the critical role that well-funded, well-organised initiatives can play in preventing the extinction of unique species like the Blue-Throated Hillstar.
