Figure 12.5. Distribution of individual radio-tagged Resplendent Quetzals in the Tilaran Moun-
tains, in west-central Costa Rica during their two-parted migration from the breeding area (vertical
lines) to the Pacific slope (squares) and about three months later to the Atlantic slope (diamonds).
From Powell and Bjork (in press).life zones used by quetzals on the Pacific slope dur-
ing their first migration (lower montane wet and pre-
montane wet forest) are poorly represented, with 600
ha and 300 ha protected, respectively (Wheelwright
1983; Fig. 12.7).
This study demonstrates biological linkages among
the major habitats that typify montane areas of Meso-
america. Quetzals are only one of dozens of seasonal
migrant species in Monteverde (Stiles 1985). The full
array of migratory species (including mammals and
insects; see Lawton, "Baird's Tapir") creates a com-
plex web of linkages among a greater range of habi-
tats than have been identified by this species. As the
migratory pathways of other elevational migrants are
elucidated, it will be necessary to expand the alti-
tudinal range of protection. A likely example of a
montane species that requires continuity between
middle-elevation and lowland Atlantic habitats is
the Bare-necked Umbrellabird. This rare species is
believed to migrate between its breeding range in
premontane rain forest to lowland Atlantic tropical
west forests (Stiles and Skutch 1989).
The lack of adequate protection for Pacific slope
habitats makes it likely that quetzals and other altitu-
dinal migrants will decline in numbers and eventu-
ally be extirpated if remaining natural habitat in this
area is destroyed. The two linked Pacific slope life
zones that are lacking from the preserve are poorly
represented in Costa Rica except in Guanacaste Na-
tional Park. However, protection of these zones af-
fords little habitat value to quetzals because the habi-
tats are not sufficiently high to include breeding
habitat to support a local quetzal population. Consid-
eration must be given to habitat linkages.440 Conservation Biology