The Falcon´s Ancistrus (Ancistrus falconensis Taphorn, Armbruster & Rodríguez-Olarte, 2010) is endemic to the contiguous coastal drainages of Hueque and Ricoa in semi-arid western Venezuela. This Loricariidae catfish inhabits rivers in the foothills and mountains, with stony substrates and fast-flowing currents, and crystalline, well-oxygenated waters. The scarce and outdated information on the species suggests that it may occupy a very small area in the piedmonts, possibly suggesting an extremely small distribution range. Twenty years have passed since the explorations that led to the description of the Ancistrus falconensis, but there are no new records of the species or the condition of its habitat.

However, it is known that the species is of interest for subsistence fishing and that the natural cover and its ecosystems are being rapidly lost in the region. The distribution of Ancistrus falconensis, as well as its threat category, may be underestimated due to the limited spatiotemporal coverage of surveys. We need to expand and update surveys in combination with environmental variables (e.g., land cover, waters, conservation status) to ensure adequate categorization of the species' status.

Our project objetives are:

Objective 1. Conduct a habitat assessment of the Falcon's Ancistrus. Including:

• A1. Identification and georeferencing of sampling sites.
• A2. Sampling and assess river attributes: water quality, substrate, riparian zones and land cover.

Objective 2. Determine the distribution and populations and global status of the Falcon's Ancistrus. Including:

• A3. Sample fish and assess their distribution and abundance, as well as its use.
• A4. Development of databases and analysis of environmental and biotic variables to assess habitat and population gradients.

Objective 3. Implement outreach and awareness-raising activities to promote the conservation of the Falcon's Ancistrus. Including:

• A5. Produce training documents for regional focus groups to promote river conservation and the Falcon's Ancistrus.
• A6. Prepare scientific and divulgative reports about the conservation of the species and its habitat.