Birds of Upper Paraná river Basin in the State of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil

The Upper Parana River Basin covers approximately half of the territory of Mato Grosso do Sul state. There are two phytogeographic domains in this region: Cerrado and Atlantic Forest. Despite these domains have a high biological diversity and suffer intense anthropogenic pressure, little is known about their avifauna in this region. Thus, we presented a compilation of the avifauna based on field studies conducted by the authors, supplementary data from literature and institutional material deposited in museum collections. We recorded 472 species of birds belonging to 25 orders and 71 families. Eleven species are endemic to the Cerrado and 26 to the Atlantic Forest. Nine species with Amazonian distribution and four from the Chaco were also found in this region. Sixteen intercontinental migratory species were recorded and 20 species are considered endangered. These endangered species are rare or uncommon in the region, except for Rhea americana and Alipiopsitta xanthops, which are very common. These data reinforce the importance of the conservation of birds in these areas, as well as additional studies that will allow a better characterization of the avifauna of the region. We recommend the creation of new protected areas in the Upper Parana River region, in addition to the full maintenance of Permanent Preservation Areas and Legal Reserves. This will ensure the conservation of these birds currently threatened by strong anthropic pressure due to the presence of pastures and large-scale agriculture in the region.