The Wattled Curassow was found at Hugo's main study site after a 5-hour boat trip down the Río Beni from Rurrenabaque, followed by a 9-hour walk through various forested habitats to the banks of the Río Negro. Although extremely localised, the species is relatively common at this locality, and we were thrilled to observe at least 7 individuals in 36 hours. These birds were very shy, and the weather was poor, but we managed to take some low-quality photographs and videos of both males and females.

Finding the Horned Curassow involved a rough three-hour drive from Santa Cruz to the edge of Parque Nacional Amboró, then a two-hour climb to one of Rodrigo's ridge-top study-sites. We heard a single bird calling from steep slopes on the first day, then saw and heard two birds very well, if briefly, from the trail on the second morning.

Both these rare species are classified as Threatened, and Asociación Armonía is working closely with local people to ensure that vital Bolivian populations are preserved. It may be that ecotourism can play an important role in driving this process, and further visits are encouraged. This is especially true for the Wattled Curassow site, where Asociación Armonía is channelling funds into the development of a small scale ecotourism project in conjunction with the nearby community of San Marcos.

All trips to these particular sites must be organised in consultation with Asociación Armonía, the BirdLife International partner in Bolivia. Any individuals or groups interested in undertaking such a trip, or in learning more about other Bolivian conservation projects, should visit their website.