Summary
The Yellow Cardinal Gubernatrix cristata is a globally endangered passerine from the southern cone of South America. Because of its conspicuous plumage and very attractive song, it suffers considerably from illegal pet trade. The largest remaining populations are found in Argentina, but no coordinated efforts have been made thus far to understand better its current distribution and conservation status. During three annual surveys supported by a citizen science programme, more than 140 volunteers surveyed 644 geographical points during spring and detected 221 Yellow Cardinals. Based on the survey results, we evaluated the presence of cardinals within protected areas in Argentina and found that the species was only detected in four of them, two of which were private reserves with a low level of protection. We also found that the species was not restricted to the ‘Espinal’ ecoregion, but also inhabited ‘Monte’ and ‘Chaco’ ecoregions, which are generally drier. This citizen science programme allowed us to obtain up-to-date information on the remaining populations of the Yellow Cardinal and helped to increase public awareness about the conservation problems faced by the species. We propose some future strategies for monitoring Yellow Cardinals and taking informed conservation decisions.
Since freedom of information for proprietors, publishers and journalists in the mass media is not unlimited, it is necessary to safeguard its rights but also demand its duties, thus making freedom and responsibility compatible. The Council of Europe points out that proprietors, publishers and journalists have a duty to consider information not as a merchandise but as a fundamental citizen's right — that is to say, that citizens can demand truthful information and ethical opinions. Being exposed to pressure from both public authorities and influential companies, journalists need special protection. The mass media has a decisive role in the development of democracy and public opinion. However, it must not usurp the proper functions of the public authorities nor pretend to represent public opinion because that would be an attempt to act like public authorities yet without having either the representation or the necessary democratic controls. In order to help the media fufil its aim of providing reliable information and ethical opinions, the Council of Europe considers it necessary for the mass media to exercise self-control through proprietors, publishers and journalists submitting voluntarily to deontological codes. As far as the deontic codes are concerned, their influence and prestige can only be maintained if they contain declared ethical principles, mechanisms of self-control and sanctions.
La formación de la identidad cultural europea está estrechamente vinculada al papel que los medios de comunicación desempeñen en la difusión cultural y en la protección de los derechos fundamentales de los ciudadanos de la Unión. El autor resalta en este trabajo que el tratamiento jurídico y ético de los contenidos audiovisuales europeos está aún por resolver de manera adecuada, ya que si bien se ha actuado en la liberalización de las telecomunicación, aún resta el desarrollo de los aspectos culturales.
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