Rarity and conservation of forest birds in the tropical dry forest region of Central America

Biogeographic and life-history characteristics of forest birds in the tropi cal dry forest region of Central America were examined to identify variable s associated with rarity. Point counts were undertaken in eight decreed nat ure reserves and combined with incidence data from reserves and historic da ta. This was used to identify assemblages of forest birds that are rare in small fragments, rare in the reserves, and rare in the tropical dry forest region of Central America. Biogeographic variables of latitudinal extent an d distance to edge of range were not associated with rarity of forest birds . The life-history characteristic body weight was the only variable signifi cantly associated with rarity in the tropical dry forest region; although t he carnivore guild contained a high proportion of rare species. At a global scale, two species Ortalis leucogastra and Icterus pectoralis deserve a hi gh priority for conservation, while Santa Rosa and Palo Verde National Park s deserve a high priority for regional conservation. (C) 2000 Elsevier Scie nce Ltd. All rights reserved.