Strange Tails
We're delighted to have a strong population of strange-tailed tyrants at the reserve. So much so that we've adopted these beautiful and endangered birds as the symbol of the Trust
The growing diversity of the animals of Reserva Don Luis is a fresh source of delight every time we return. We don't play favourites, but it's impossible not to engage more with some of our more conspicuous guests. One of these is the strange-tailed tyrant. The male is stoic in his tolerance of one of nature's strangest - and it would seem least practical - adaptations. He's willing to suffer to be beautiful, and somehow manages to fly with tail feathers that were surely designed for a bird three times his size.
We love his perseverance; his resolution to succeed against challenge, and his ability to prove that anything is possible. He's appearing in growing numbers on the Reserva Do Luis, and his success has become an allegory for, and a symbol of, our own.
When we started the process of updating and redesigning our website, we wanted to adopt an image that symbolised our aims and our challenges. This brave little flycatcher, with his indomitable character, was the perfect choice.
The logo is a stylised profile of a male tyrant, silhouetted against the sunrise. We coloured the sun the blue of the Argentinian flag in honour of this country's beauty, its climate and the breathtaking span of magnificent animals that it nurtures.
Bat Research
Our bat team is conducting bat research both in the Ibera Marshes and in other provinces. We are especially concentrating on Misiones at the moment where we find the largest bat in Argentina, Chrotopterus auriitus and Myotis ruber, two species that we are researching.
About Us
This video was created in Jersey by Channel TV. Miranda gives some information on the trust and the reserve.
Our trust has been formed with the aim of preserving habitat for species (other than humans) with particular emphasis on areas for endangered species. Most of our interest at the current time lies in North East Argentina. With this aim in mind, we completed the process of buying 1600 hectares of private land in the Esteros del Iberá in 2010. This is a vast wetland in the province of Corrientes consisting over 15,000 km2.
Iberá is the second largest wetland in the Americas, after the Pantanal in Brazil, and has amazing biodiversity which includes over 330 species of bird. It is still relatively unknown and needs a lot more research on the numerous species. Mammals include the near-threatened (NT) Pampas Deer* the (NT) Maned Wolf *and the vulnerable (VU) Marsh Deer.* The (NT) Giant Anteater* has recently been reintroduced to the area and our trust was involved in this project.
Endangered birds include the (VU) Strange Tailed Tyrant, the (VU) Black & white Monjita,the (VU) Ochre breasted pippit,3 Sporophila seedeaters (CR, EN, NT), the Yellow cardinal (EN) and the Saffron Cowled Blackbird (VU).*
* IUCN Redlist
Yellow Cardinal, Cardenal Amarillo
There are other vulnerable or near threatened animals and birds in this area and it is a viable proposition to try to save their habitat. It has not yet reached the point of no hope, unlike many areas of the world. So our work here has barely begun and we hope to expand the reserve some time in the future when neigbouring land becomes available.
Our trust consists of 5 trustees & an enforcer
Miranda Collett (chief trustee)
Michael Collett (enforcer)
Alejandra Boloqui (deputy)
Cepi Oporto
Martin Bossart
The Collett Trust was formed in 2008 under Jersey law and we are a non- profit organisation. The Argentine branch is called FUCANA.
Alejandra and Cepi with Rocio the young Marsh Deer
We have poured large amounts of personal money into this project, and will continue to do so. But the task is gigantic, and we desperately need help. Any donation, however small, will be used for the good of the habitat. It will allow us to do more, not to ease our own financial burden. Similarly, if anyone would like to help with buying items for the Trust such as incubating equipment, infra-red cameras, sound recording equipment, powerful torches or anything to help our projects we would be delighted. We now have adoption kits for purchase for the Marsh Deer which are good value at £28 British pounds - please see our page 'Adopt a Marsh Deer'.
We are eager to hear from conservationists and biologists interested in carrying out surveys or research, or in purchasing land for conservation in this important area. We are always looking out for volunteers to help with jobs at the reserve and with the research.
Marsh Deer (female), Ciervo de los Pantanos (hembra)
