Mapping of Spizaetus ornatus (Accipitridae) allied to citizen science at the Serra de Maracaju region, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil

The presence and effective use of a place by birds of prey require qualified habitats and this can contribute to understanding the structure of biological communities and to drive efforts for the conservation and protection of these areas. Spizaetus ornatus (Ornate Hawk-Eagle) is considered to be Near Threatened species by IUCN and ICMBio, referred to, however, as Endangered in several Brazilian states. This work aims to map the occurrence of the species in a plateau region – the eastern border of the Pantanal -, and involve the community in processes of citizen science. The mapping of S. ornatus in the Serra de Maracaju has been carried out since 2014, through field searches and indication of resident people. In due course, citizen science actions are carried out with the local communities: dialogues, project presentation and their results, field practices with bird observation, constituting strategies for sensitization and social engagement for conservation and protection of the species and regional biodiversity. So far, evidence of occurrence has been found in three sites, all of them in semi-deciduous dry forest: active nest in RPPN Vale do Bugio (Corguinho/MS), two points in Taboco (Corguinho/MS), and a potential point in Piraputanga (Aquidauana/MS), this last as resulting from reports of residents. This information may provide information on the population distribution of S. ornatus and its conservation status in Mato Grosso do Sul. In the activities of citizen science has participated more than 100 people including local community, students and tourists. Besides the contribution of citizens in the search for the species, they have become agents of protection of the regional biodiversity.