The Junín Grebe (Podiceps taczanowskii) is a critically endangered species of grebe endemic to Lake Junín in the Andes of central Peru. With its striking appearance characterized by a rufous-colored neck and distinctive white face, it was once a prominent inhabitant of the lake’s marshy shores. However, due to a combination of habitat destruction, pollution, and predation by introduced species such as trout, its population has declined dramatically over the past century. The lake’s ecosystem has been significantly altered by human activities such as agriculture, mining, and water extraction, further exacerbating the grebe’s plight.
Conservation efforts for the Junín Grebe have focused on habitat restoration, predator control, and community engagement to promote sustainable land use practices around Lake Junín. Conservation organizations collaborate with local communities, government agencies, and international partners to implement measures aimed at protecting the grebe’s remaining habitats and raising awareness about its conservation status. Despite these efforts, the Junín Grebe remains on the brink of extinction, highlighting the urgent need for continued conservation action to ensure the survival of this iconic bird species.