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The Araripe Manakin only lives in a 30-mile-long stretch of wet forests in the northeastern state of Ceara in Brazil, along the eastern side of the Araripe plateau, Chapada do Araripe.

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The Araripe plateau is a unique hydrological structure that feeds the springs in the Araripe Manakin's habitat.

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Scientific Discovery

While locals knew about the Araripe Manakins, the bird species avoided scientific discovery until 1996.

A Brazilian zoologist, in 1860 from the Rio de Janeiro natural history museum, collected 4,000 specimens of various species of wildlife in Chapada do Araripe during a biological survey. It is very possible that the collection of specimens included the Araripe Manakins. However, the expedition's collection was lost in a shipwreck while returning to Rio de Janeiro.

A German group of geologists, entomologists, and ornithologists swept through the area in 1930. Their species collection stored at the University of Freiburg was bombed during World War II. Thus, any evidence of the Araripe Manakin birds species was lost.

Endangered Species

The Araripe Manakin is on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of critically endangered species.

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The Araripe Manakin's habitat is threaten by clearing of land for agriculture.

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The spring waters of Chapada do Araripe are being diverted for agricultural irrigation of banana plantations and development including water parks.

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Conservation

The American Bird Conservancy funding established the Aquasis's Oasis Reserve with two land purchases in 2014 and 2016 to create a 300-acre reserve. The reserve protects the habitat and a breeding area for the Araripe Manakins.

Sources and Full Articles

The Araripe Manakin, Keeper of the Spring Waters, 2 April 2018, All About Birds.org

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