Impacts of the loss of neotropical highland forests on the species distribution: a case study using resplendent quetzal an endangered bird species Original Research Article

We evaluated the impacts of land-cover changes of evergreen cloud forests on the distribution of quetzals in the four mountain regions of Chiapas, Mexico. The land-cover changes were estimated comparing satellite images of 1970 and 2000. We also simulated the amount of remnant forests 50 years in the future. The past and the current distributions of quetzals were based on literature records and recent field surveys. Our results showed that in 1970 the forests occupied 973 km2, and in 2000, 312 km2, and annual loss from 3.34 to 6.85%. Our simulation suggests that 50 years from now, only one region will maintain evergreen cloud forests. In addition, we documented literature reports of 39 forests inhabited by quetzals, but in 2001 there remained 11 small-isolated forests. In order to guarantee the survival of this species, conversation efforts must be made to protect the quetzal and its habitat throughout the entire Mesoamerica region.