Individual Action

Pawi-watch with respect

Try to observe Pawi from a distance (using binoculars) when possible. If you believe you are affecting the bird be quieter and move back, giving the bird more space. Do not try to interact with the bird or to touch or feed it.

No keeping, eating, buying or selling of Pawi

This is important for two reasons:

1. It is illegal: possession of a Pawi or Pawi products (meat, feathers, eggs…) is illegal as this bird is Critically Endangered and listed locally by the Environmental Management Authority as an Environmentally Sensitive Species.
   
2. The Pawi population may collapse: removing even one Pawi from the wild not only means one less Pawi on Earth, it will mean the loss of all the chicks that Pawi could have had in its life. Over time this can reduce the population to a dangerous level and even cause extinction of the Pawi. Remember, Pawi are only found here in Trinidad and nowhere else on the planet, if we loose them here we can never replace them.
   

Be forest fire conscious

Lighting any fire in the forest can be dangerous as it can easily get out of control if you are not careful (especially in the dry season!). We advise that you do not light a fire unless absolutely necessary and in those cases use a camping stove which is more easily controlled. If it becomes necessary to light a fire, clear an area around it to prevent the fire accidentally spreading to vegetation, never leave it unattended and ensure that it is completely out when you leave.

Clearing forests

Remember that habitat damage is a big problem to Pawi. If you need to clear areas on your forested land, clear only what you need and leave as much as you can under natural forest cover. If possible leave some trees on the land you have cleared, especially Pawi food trees (you can contact us if you want a list of these trees, help identifying them or any other advice). Saving these few trees may seem an insignificant act but it has been shown to benefit Pawi. Several agricultural areas in Grande Riviere have a few trees growing on their land and these trees are used by the Pawi for feeding, preening, resting and in at least one case for nesting. 

Apart from helping Pawi, these trees will feed and offer shelter to other wild animals (mainly birds) and will help reduce soil loss (erosion) and in some cases flooding. They can provide shade to shade crops or in a backyard they also add fresher air, beauty and peace to your surroundings. Helps save the Pawi by protecting the trees.

Joining Our Efforts 

Report Pawi Encounters

Let us know if you see or hear any Pawi, how many you saw or heard, where they were and what they were doing. This information is valuable in our efforts to save the Pawi. If you have a report to make please fill out our Pawi Encounter Report Form.

Share Your Pictures

Send us any pictures you have taken, especially any which show the white patterns on the wings or face features clearly. Please send as email attachments (at original size) to pawistudygrouptt@yahoo.com

Become a Member

If you are interested in becoming involved in planning, managing and working on Pawi conservation projects perhaps you may want to become a PSG member.

To join the PSG please fill out and email this membership form to us at pawistudygrouptt@yahoo.com with the subject title "Membership Registration Form", this allows us to keep an electronic copy of your information. You will then need to deliver a printed and signed copy of this form to an executive member when you pay your fees. Remember to collect your receipt. Please note that membership fees have recently been established at TT$20 for all members.

Volunteer

If you are interested in becoming involved in our Pawi conservation projects but do not wish to become a member you can volunteer with us on projects of interest. Check out our ongoing activities on the Projects and Activities page and contact us to let us know what you are interested in volunteering for.