This shy, difficult-to-observe species was discovered by Robert S. Ridgely (BigPockets field tester) and others in November 1997 in the Ecuadorian Andes. Its estimated world population is 15 to 20 pairs. The antpitta's habitat is threatened by deforestation. Concerned individuals formed an Ecuador-based foundation, Foundación Jocotoco, to purchase and manage land to preserve the species. To raise money for this good cause, well-known bird artist Mimi Wolf designed this T-shirt, and a percentage of all sales is donated to the Foundación.