The ecologic, cultural and economic roles of the Resplendent Quetzal in Costa Rica

This topic submitted by Rebecca Elefante ( elefanra@muohio.edu) at 1:57 AM on 3/31/08.

A beautiful sunrise over Drake Bay near Corcovado in Costa Rica. See other beautiful phenomena from Costa Rica.

Tropical Field Courses -Interdisciplinary Studies-Miami University


The ecologic, cultural and economic roles of the Resplendent Quetzal (Pharomachrus mocinno) in Costa Rica

I have chosen to research a species of bird in the family Trogonidae: the Resplendent Quetzal or Pharomachrus mocinno. This magnificently plumed bird of the Costa Rican cloud and montane forests plays an important role in the ecologic, cultural and economic sustainability of Costa Rica. I will report on these roles as well as the conservation status of the Resplendent Quetzal.

I. Introduction to the Resplendent Quetzal
a. Range
b. Life History
c. Behavior
i. Mating
ii. Flight/Migration
iii. Feeding
II. Ecological Roles of the Resplendent Quetzal
a. Seed dispersal
b. Source of food for predators
III. Cultural Roles of the Resplendent Quetzal
a. Past and current relations of the quetzal with Costa Ricans and Indigenous peoples of Central America
IV. Economic Roles of the Resplendent Quetzal
a. Ecotourism
b. Harvesting for Trade
V. Conservation status
a. Factors associated with decline in numbers
b. Protection
c. Population Outlook

Bibliography

Bergman C. 1999. Bird of Bright Desire. Wildlife Conservation 102(5): 42-49.

Kappelle, M. Ed. 2006. Ecology and conservation of Neotropical montane oak forests. Berlin: Springer.

Menkhaus S, Lober DJ. 1996. International ecotourism and the valuation of tropical rainforests in Costa Rica. Journal of Environmental Management 47(1): 1-10.

Sol—rzano S, Castillo-Santiago MA, Navarrete-GutiŽrrez DA, Oyama K. 2003. Impacts of the loss of Neotropical highland forests on the species distribution: A case study using Resplendent Quetzal an endangered bird species. Biological Conservation 114(3): 341-349.

Vivanco LA. 2001. Spectacular quetzals, ecotourism, and environmental futures in Monte Verde, Costa Rica. Ethnology 40(2): 79-92.

Wheelwright NT. 1983. Fruits and the ecology of Resplendent Quetzals. The Auk 100(2): 286 301.


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