Yellow Ridged Toucan by Samantha Friesen

About the Toucan The Ramphastos culminatus is one of about 40 different species toucans. Notable for their vibrant colors, the Yellow Ridged Toucan can be identified by it's black and white abdomen with a black bill which has a portion of yellow along the upper base and top as well as a light blue along the lower base of its bill and around its eyes, a hint of red and/or yellow may also be seen on its lower chest. On average they can grow up to about 2 feet in height, weighing around a pound and a half.  Toucans are one of the few birds who are not  avid fliers; however, they are known for their intelligence and being social creatures.  They found in pairs or groups of about a two dozen others and are not migratory.  A female toucan may hatch 2 or 3 chicks, although there may be up to 6, and live to about 12 years old.  While toucans are found all across South America, the Yellow Ridged Toucan is native to Bolivia, Brazil, and Venezuela.  Their habitats include the canopies or cavities of trees, near water or swamps, or along forest edges.  A typical diet consists of fruits, seeds, and nuts; but may also include small insects or other bird's eggs.  Predators of toucans include wild cats and larger birds such as jaguars and hawks.

Listings

• 2014: Vulnerable
• 2016: Vulnerable

Threats to the Toucan
All throughout the Amazon, deforestation occurs in an attempt to make space for cattle and other forms of agriculture.  As countries in South America begin to develop, species such as the toucan become subject to a rapid decline in population.  Trees are cut or cleared to make way for roads or farming or ranching.  Unfortunately these trees are the primary habitat for toucans who will nest in either the canopy, or hollowed out trunks from woodpeckers. Although a less significant threat, toucans are often hunted or captured and brought into the exotic pet trade.

Changes in Geography and Population

The Amazon rain forest stretches nearly coast to coast across the northern part of South America.  However, beginning around the late 20th century, deforestation of the magnificent forest has become a large production with over 20% gone. This rapid decrease in the geography of land has resulted in a large decrease in the toucan population. In the course of 35 years, the toucan in expected to lose anywhere from 16-24% of their habitat and the population is projected to be reduced by about 30%.

Recovery Plan
Toucans are one of the many inhabitants of the Amazon Rain Forest whose numbers are decreasing ever day.  There are multiple propositions and attempts to help recover theses animals and save them from entering into an endangered or extinct listing.  The easiest way to start is to create a greater awareness of the importance of the wildlife in this area.  The Amazon may be large, but it is not an unlimited resource.  Movements have been created in more attempts to expand the amount of protected land across the forest.  Along with this protection is the development and management of new protected areas.  In order to fulfill these plans, sustainable management or prevention of deforestation of major companies must occur.  Because the land is desirable to these corporations who look as much of a profit as possible, but what they see is an abundance of resources, animals like the toucan see as their home; and this "abundance" will run out soon enough if we don't do anything.

What Can You Do?
The rain forest is a big place. So how can a single person living thousands of miles away do to protect the Yellow Ridged Toucan?  You can be aware of the products you use at home and encourage consumption of sustainably produced  merchandise.  You have a voice. Use that voice to spread the importance of preserving the Amazon rain forest and its diverse collection of communities and ecosystems.  Below are some more resources that can help you learn about the toucan and its home.

Other Resources
Learn more about toucans and donate:
     1. http://animals.sandiegozoo.org/animals/toucan
Learn more about the Amazon and donate:
     1. https://global.nature.org/content/the-forest-of-tomorrow
     2. http://www.worldbank.org/en/results/2013/10/09/Brazil-protects-Amazon-increasing-size-protected-areas
Learn about sustainability within the rain forest
     1. https://www.rainforest-alliance.org/business/

Works Cited
"Ramphastos Culminatus." IUCN Red List, International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources, 2016, http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/biblio/22726239/0.
"Toucan." Rainforest Expedition, Rainforest Expedition, 2017, http://www.perunature.com/the_wildlife/toucan-facts-html/
"Toucan." World Animal Foundation, World Animal Foundation, 2017, http://www.worldanimalfoundation.org/articles/article/8948562/183368.htm
"Yellow-Ridged Toucan." Naturalist, iNaturalist Network, 2014, https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/132721-Ramphastos-vitellinus-culminatus

Pictures
http://upload.wikimedia.org/commons/thumb/6/69/Toucan2007.jpg/1280px-Toucan2007.jpg
http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/22726239
http://wolvoman80.co.uk/?p=1748
http://wfiles.brothersoft.com/g/green-amazon-forest_94325-1024x768.jpg