The species depends on large, humid, primary forest fragments (P. G. W. Salaman in litt. 1999, 2000); it is however not restricted to these and is often recorded in plantations of exotic broadleaf trees, secondary forest and forest edge (Silva Arias 1996; Kattan et al. 2014; Renjifo et al. 2014). It is mostly found between 900 and 2,150 m, but can be found as low as 650 m and as high as 2,690 m (Renjifo et al. 2014). Breeding has been recorded in forest borders, mature secondary forest and in a Pinus plantation, and, in the north of its range, coincides with rainy periods of the year, September-October and February-March (Silva Arias 1996). The species is a generalist in habitat, diet and nest placement (Rios et al. 2008). It has a generalist frugivorous diet consisting of a wide variety of fruits, as well as insects, foliage and flowers (Muñoz et al. 2008). During periods of low fruit availability, guans relied on the young leaves of the exotic Chinese Ash Fraxinus chinensis, congregating in large groups of up to 30 individuals during November and December (Muñoz et al. 2007). This artificial habitat was used by guans for more than a quarter of the year (Rios et al. 2008).

Penelope perspicax occurs on the west slopes of the West and Central Andes (Risaralda, Quindío, Valle del Cauca and Cauca), Colombia. Its current distribution is only 5% of its former range (Kattan et al. 2006). Formerly, the species was considered mostly an east slope species in the West Andes (Hilty and Brown 1986), but the only records on this slope are apparently from Yotoco Forest Reserve (Silva Arias 1996) and Río Lima (both near low passes in Valle del Cauca), the south-east slope of Cerro Munchique, Cauca, and possibly those collected above Patía, Cauca, and at Clementina (an untraced locality). The Otún-Quimbaya Flora and Fauna Sanctuary, together with the Ucumarí Regional Park, are thought to constitute the global stronghold for the species, with the largest cluster of habitat blocks (Kattan et al. 2006; Renjifo et al. 2014). It is assumed that historical factors or other non-autecological mechanisms (e.g. competition with other Penelopinae species) explain its restricted occurrence (Rios et al. 2008).

Conservation Actions Underway
The species's stronghold is in the protected Otún-Quimbaya Flora and Fauna Sanctuary and Ucumarí Regional Park (Renjifo et al. 2014). Yotoco and Bremen y Barbas (Quindío) Forest Reserves and several other protected areas hold small populations (Renjifo et al. 2014). The species has however not been found in suitable habitat in the Munchique area since its detection just outside the national park (P. G. W. Salaman in litt. 1999, 2000). Research into captive breeding potential is underway (Londoño and Dominguez 2005). An action plan for the species and its habitat as well as a monitoring programme have been developed (Renjifo et al. 2014).

Conservation Actions Proposed
Survey and estimate population sizes, especially in Ucumarí (Silva Arias 1996, P. G. W. Salaman in litt. 1999, 2000). Monitor the population trend. Assess and quantify the impacts of forest loss and hunting on the population. Implement the action plan for the species and its habitat. Extend captive breeding efforts. Provide posters and resources for an educational programme about cracids, particularly aimed at limiting hunting (P. G. W. Salaman in litt. 1999, 2000).