The Bearded Guan (Penelope barbata) is a species of bird in the Cracidae family, the chachalacas, guans, and curassows. It is found in Ecuador and Peru. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist montane forests. It is threatened by habitat loss.
This species has a small and severely fragmented range, which is continuing to decline as a result of habitat loss and hunting, and it's conservation status is rated as Vulnerable.
The main threat to the species is ongoing habitat destruction and fragmentation due to clearance for pasture, agriculture and increased mining activity, both legal and illegal. Legal mining is particularly a threat in Peru, with many concessions having been granted throughout the species range. Several of these legal concessions will impact protected areas including Tabaconas-Namballe National Sanctuary. Within Podocarpus National Park illegal gold mining and forest clearance by colonists take place within the park boundary, although large areas of undisturbed forest remain. Hunting may be a threat in key areas such as Loma Angashcola and Podocarpus National Park, and in Peru. The expansion of mining in the region and the creation of new roads improve access and may locally increase hunting. Habitat destruction is also fragmenting the species range and promoting long-term isolation of small, non-viable populations.
