The Daily Bulletin

Please join the Biology Department and the Great Lakes Center for the seminar “Exploring the Habitat Needs of Three Large Woodpeckers in the Atlantic Forest of Argentina: Implications for Forest Management” presented by Juan Manuel Fernández, postdoctoral researcher with the National Scientific and Technical Research Council, on Monday, October 28, at 3:00 p.m. in Science and Mathematics Complex 151. Attendees are welcome to enjoy coffee and cookies during the seminar.

Abstract
This talk will discuss some insights of Dr. Fernández’s Ph.D. project and will explore the fascinating world of woodpeckers in one of South America’s most threatened ecosystems, the Atlantic Forest. Dr. Fernández’s research focuses on the habitat use and behavior of three species of woodpeckers: the robust woodpecker (Campephilus robustus), the lineated woodpecker (Dryocopus lineatus), and the endangered helmeted woodpecker (Celeus galeatus), in Misiones, Argentina. This elusive little-known species, found only in the Atlantic Forest, faces serious threats from habitat loss and selective logging. Through radio-telemetry tracking, Dr. Fernández and his team have uncovered how these woodpeckers use different types of forests—both old-growth and selectively logged—and identified key habitat features that are critical to their survival. Their study revealed surprising differences in how each species forages, nests, and roosts. Celeus galeatus showed a strong preference for nesting in certain tree species and often reuses old cavities, while the other species behaved differently. They also found that logged forests force some species to use larger areas to find suitable habitat, which makes them vulnerable to further disturbances. The findings from this research have direct implications for conservation strategies. By identifying the specific forest structures these birds need, Dr. Fernández and his team can offer practical recommendations for managing forests in a way that supports both biodiversity and sustainable use.