Titicaca Grebe

The Titicaca Grebe ( Rollandia microptera ) is a bird of the family of grebes ( Podicipedidae ). It is named after Lake Titicaca; its range includes in addition to this several other lakes of the Peruvian- Bolivian high plateau, which is 3700-3850 meters high.

The IUCN classifies the Titicaca divers as endangered ( endangered ), as the stocks zurückgegingen strongly in recent years.

Appearance

The Titicaca grebe is one of three flightless species of grebes. The bird reaches a mature height 39-45 inches and weighs an average of 635 grams. Chest and neck are chestnut brown, throat and face white. His erectile head cap is black brown. Outside the breeding season fade all colors.

Stock

The Titicaca diver is so rare only in recent years that he was " threatened " by the IUCN in 2002 in the state with, and you are again raising the status to " critically endangered " is expected to be soon. Still 1986 1147 divers were detected at a count alone on the Lake Titicaca; In 2001 there were only four. The total number of Titicaca divers in the region was less than 250, of which 212 are on the Arapa Lake. The global inventory is currently estimated by the IUCN to 1,600 mature individuals.

Was much puzzled as to the reasons of the dramatic population collapse. 1998/99 there was a drought in the region, which was dry, many smaller lakes. In addition, more small-meshed nets were used by fishermen, in which the diver caught. The introduction of alien fish species by anglers caused a suppression of native fish as well as for a change in the microfauna.