THE PERUVIAN LOPPER

The Peruvian lopper was forgotten for more than a century and was
only known from a small forest near Chiclayo, in northern Peru. As
is known, in this area of the country there are several oil centers and
it is precisely thanks to the prohibition of the inhabitants to enter the
fields of the oil companies that the Peruvian lopper still exists and its
dry forest habitat is also maintained. This is because for many years
the companies have not allowed people to enter the concessions,
resulting in a preserved dry forest. Unknowingly, the oil industry has
saved a species from extinction
DESCRIPTION
It measures 18.5 cm. It has a relatively short and powerful beak,
with a somewhat rounded tip and slightly serrated edges. A powerful
crest that bristles when alarmed is striking. The more colorful male
is ash gray on its dorsal areas, darker on the wings and tail, which
also have various white markings. Pale ashy gray underparts, turning
reddish on the belly. It also has a reddish spot on the beak. The
female has significantly duller colors. His voice is reminiscent of the
scratch produced by rubbing the bristles of a comb.
THREATS
The genetic isolation produced by the great fragmentation of its
areas is a risk of critical importance. Together with it, it is estimated
that it is incompatible with the grazing of goats and with the
production of charcoal in their habitats. It can also be directly
persecuted in slingshot hunting, so ingrained among the children of
the region. There is also evidence of being run over, probably
favored by its low flight and trusting character.