The threat of extinction hanging over the emerald hummingbird (Amazilia luciae) is growing, as evidenced in the latest report, which found just 500 mating pairs in its habitat of tropical arid forest in the northern Honduran province of Yoro. The coordinator of the area's Environmental Education Regional Center, Lester Lozano, told Tierramérica that to the extent that deforestation continues, the chances for this unique hummingbird's recovery diminish.

Illegal logging and the lack of environmental education “are the factors that are finishing off the forest and the hummingbird,” Lozano said after meeting with government officials to find a solution.

The Honduran tropical arid forest is attractive for raising livestock and for agriculture, and it holds precious woods, like mahogany and pink trumpet tree, among others.