New type of bird newly discovered in the Amazon is baptized with the name of Chico Mendes

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Murdered 37 years ago, in December 1988, in Xapuri, Acre, Unionist Francisco Alves Mendes Filho, Chico Mendes, will be named by scholars in the area to a small bird until recently unknown. It is Poaieiro-de-Chico-Mendes, a fragile, discreet bird that lives in small capoeiras of the Amazon. Scientifically named Zimmerius Chicomendesi, the Poaieiro-de-Chico-Mendes was photographed in an area of ​​Madeira-Tapajós interfluvium. The finding was registered in 2013.

Ornithologist Glauko Corrêa, who acts as a bird observation guide in the Amazon region, says the species is endemic of the Amazon and known only in a small area in the center-south portion of the Brazilian Amazon. “This area of ​​distribution is located between the Rio Madeira rivers (right margin) to the left bank of the Aripuanã/Roosevelt/Madeirinha rivers system, including part of the state of Amazonas, Rondônia and possibly Mato Grosso. Currently, the limits of its distribution are still misunderstood and require further studies, and there is a curious punctual record located on the right margin of the Aripuanã River,” Glauko.

Poaieiro-de-Chico-Mendes lives in a type of rare and fragile vegetation called Campinarana-a nutrient-poor white soil environment, where the forest is low. Small, discreet and quite selective about its home, the poaieiro lives in a type of rare vegetation, a forest that has tortuous and spaced trees. This is precisely where the species finds shelter, food and conditions to survive.

Another ornithologist who conducts observers in this area is Kenny Ueslei. He explains that the area of ​​occurrence of Poaieiro-de-Chico-Mendes is very restricted. “I’ve seen Poaieiro even in nearby forest areas, but always in transition regions with Campinarana,” explains Kenny.

Poaieiro-de-Chico-Mendes was first detected in August 2009 by Ornithologist Bret Whitney, who recorded his vocalization. Two years later, in 2011, researcher Fábio Schunck carried out the scientific collection of copies at different points along the Transamazônica Highway (BR-230), in the municipality of Humaitá, southern Amazonas.

These records were fundamental for the identification and study of the species Testamin material. The formalization and scientific dissemination of the new bird occurred in 2013, in a special volume of the Handbook of the Birds of the World. “Recognition of a new species does not happen immediately. It is a process that involves thorough analysis of vocalizations, comparison with known specimens and study of morphological and behavioral characteristics,” explains Glauko Corrêa.

In addition to its scientific value, the species carries a strong symbolism in its name. She was baptized in honor of the rubber tree leader Chico Mendes, recognized worldwide for her struggle in defense of the Amazon and the forest peoples.

“The choice of name was not just a tribute. It’s a reminder of Chico Mendes’s legacy and the urgency to preserve the forest and its species, many of which we don’t even know yet,” says Glauko.

Poaieiro-de-Chico-Mendes has an almost exclusively frugivative diet, preferably for the fruits of the pardon (Oryctanthus alveolatus), distributed along the campina. This behavior was confirmed by field observations. “I have already noticed him eating these fruits and then regurgating the seeds. Although some insect remains have been found in analyzed stomachs, it seems that they are accidentally ingested,” says Kenny Ueslei.

This pattern differentiates it from other poaieiros – such as Zimmerius Villarejoi, found in Peru – who actively capture small arthropods on short flights. In the case of Z. Chicomendesi, the behavior is more contained: it shakes silently among the branches and, when it vocalizes, emits so subtle sounds that it is necessary to have a very trained ear to find it.

Another striking feature is in vocalization. Although the species is discreet, when it sings, its sound clearly distinguishes itself from the other zimmerius found in the region. “It is smaller than the pate-fourth poaieiro (Zimmerius Gracilipes), which also occurs here in the Amazon, and vocalization is the easiest feature to differentiate it, as it is quite distinct,” explains Kenny.

In addition to singing and size, morphological studies also indicate marked sexual dimorphism: males are considerably larger than females – something unusual among birds of the same group.

Despite its recent discovery, Poaieiro-de-Chico-Mendes already appears as almost threatened on the international list of IUCN (International Union for Nature Conservation). This is due to its high dependence on campinarans, a type of environment that is being destroyed at a rapid pace.

“Unfortunately, areas that were previously neglected, because they accumulate water and be of poor soil, are now being drained for soybean planting,” warns Kenny. “I’ve seen places where it was common to be totally deforested. And there is still the fire, which is devastating. Campinarana takes many years to regenerate. I came back to an area where the poaieiro was always observed and everything was burned,” he adds.

Glauko also draws attention to the proximity of Campina areas with the Transamazon highway and the risks associated with their expansion. “These campinas are extremely fragile. The opening of new sections or increased traffic on the highway can facilitate activities such as sand extraction, logging, agriculture advance and pasture formation,” he warns.

The discovery of Poaieiro-de-Chico-Mendes is not only the record of a new species, but also a warning. It shows how the Amazon still holds secrets and how the destruction of specific habitats can lead to species extinction even before they are fully understood. “If Campinarana disappears, the poaieiro also disappears,” summarizes Kenny, who reinforces the urgency of protecting these biodiversity islands in the middle of the forest.

Meanwhile, the mission of Ornithologists Kenny Ueslei and Glauko Corrêa continues: guide eyes attentive to the white sand trails in the hope of another encounter with this Amazonian jewel.