Assessing the Conservation Value of Shade-Grown Coffee: a Biological Perspective using Neotropical Birds

Shade-grown coffee has been marketed as a less intensive management practice that may help improve biodiversity conservation (Perfecto et al. 1996). Studies have shown higher species richness in shade-grown coffee than sun, however, effects on bird species of conservation concern are not clear. This study uses two international conservation lists produced by the World Conservation Union (IUCN) and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) to evaluate potential benefits for Neotropical birds. Sixty-six species of birds observed in coffee grown with a shade component were found on either the IUCN or CITES lists. An alternative approach may be to use range-restricted endemic birds as indicators of conservation success (ICBP 1992). Countries with high numbers of these endemics are among the highest-ranked producers of coffee. Biodiversityfriendly agriculture is only in its infancy, with coffee as an important test case. Improved assessment and monitoring of species at risk, Neotropical birds in this case, can provide an important guide for future research while improving consumer confidence in this complicated effort. A number of studies have shown that coffee farms using less intensive management practices (shade-grown) contain a higher diversity of resident and migratory birds (Wunderle & Latta 1996, Greenburg,etal. 1997b). The initial promise of these studies has spurred a movement to market certified "shade-grown" coffees. These coffees currently focus on producing high quality taste to compete with other gourmet coffees, but are sold at higher prices (by including a price premium) to provide incentives for farmers to use less intensive growing practices. While these marketing efforts have emphasized the general benefits to tropical biodiversity and migratory birds, the direct benefits of shade-grown coffee for species identified as meriting conservation attention has received little attention. Higher numbers of species does not necessarily translate into better conservation since common species often move into human-managed landscapes artificially inflating species richness. Consequently a better measure is needed to assess the conservation value of alternative land-use management practices like shade-grown coffee. This paper uses two well-known international lists that identify species which merit conservation attention produced by the World Conservation Union (IUCN) and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) to assess how many birds species of conservation concern might benefit from shade-grown coffee in the Neotropics. This study compared IUCN and CITES bird lists with those found in eight research publications on birds found in coffee plantations that contained some level of shade canopy as defined by the authors, excluding those found in areas defined as sun coffee. Sixty-six species of Neotropical birds listed by IUCN or CITES have been observed in shade coffee plantations (Table 1) suggesting there may be some conservation value that may enhance traditional conservation programs (i.e., park conservation). While CITES gives us a good snapshot of species that could benefit from changes in habitat management, the list is somewhat selective since species are placed on the list to impede the international wildlife trade. Several groups including birds of prey, parrots, and hummingbirds receive blanket coverage to improve enforcement efforts. However, even with these groups removed from Table 1, ten species remain based on other criteria including the Golden-cheeked Warbler (Dendroica chrysoparia; U.S. Endangered Species and long distance migrant), rare endemics like the Azure-rumpedTanager (Tangara cabanisi) and national symbols like the Resplendent Quetzal {Pharomachrus mocinno). This review focused on the Neotropics where the majority of the work on birds and coffee has been conducted and does not include endangered species lists from individual countries. Another approach evaluating conservation poten122 Endangered Species UPDATE Vol. 17 No. 6 2000