Informing decisions on an extremely data poor species facing imminent extinction

AbstractSome of the species that are believed to have the highest probability of extinction are also amongst the most poorly known, and this makes it extremely difficult to decide how to spend scarce resources. Assessments of conservation status made on the basis of loss or degradation of habitat and lack of records may provide compelling indications of a decline in geographical range and population size, but they do not help identify where conservation action might be best targeted. Methods for assessing the probability of extinction and for modelling species’ distributions exist, but their data requirements often exceed the information that is available for some of the most urgent conservation cases. Here we use all available information (localities, expert information, climate and landcover) about a high-priority Vietnamese bird species (Edwards's pheasant Lophura edwardsi) to assess objectively the probability of its persistence, and where surveys or other conservation action should be targeted. It is clear that the species is on the threshold of extinction and there is an urgent need to survey Bach Ma National Park (including the extension) and to consider surveying Ke Go Nature Reserve. This approach has potential to help identify where conservation action should be targeted for other Critically Endangered species for which there is an extreme scarcity of information.

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Nepal’s National Red List of Birds

Journal of Threatened Taxa ◽

10.11609/jott.2855.9.1.9700-9722 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 9 (1) ◽

pp. 9700 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Carol Inskipp ◽

Hem Sagar Baral ◽

Tim Inskipp ◽

Ambika Prasad Khatiwada ◽

Monsoon Pokharel Khatiwada ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Endangered Species ◽

Biological Diversity ◽

Conservation Status ◽

Bird Species ◽

Convention On Biological Diversity ◽

Wetland Birds ◽

Distribution Maps ◽

Critically Endangered Species ◽

Passerine Species ◽

Over Exploitation

The main objectives of the Nepal National Bird Red Data Book were to provide comprehensive and up-to-date accounts of all the bird species found in Nepal, assess their status applying the IUCN Guidelines at Regional Levels, identify threats to all bird species and recommend the most practical measures for their conservation. It is hoped that the Bird RDB will help Nepal achieve the Convention on Biological Diversity target of preventing the extinction of known threatened species and improving their conservation status. As population changes of Nepal’s birds have been studied for only a few species, assessments of species’ national status were mainly made by assessing changes in distribution. Species distribution maps were produced for all of Nepal’s bird species except vagrants and compared to maps that were produced in 1991 using the same mapping system. Of the 878 bird species recorded, 168 species (19%) were assessed as nationally threatened. These comprise 68 (40%) Critically Endangered species, 38 (23%) Endangered species and 62 (37%) Vulnerable species. A total of 62 species was considered Near Threatened and 22 species Data Deficient. Over 55% of the threatened birds are lowland grassland specialists, 25% are wetland birds and 24% tropical and sub-tropical broadleaved forest birds. Larger birds appear to be more threatened than smaller birds with 98 (25%) non-passerine species threatened and 67 (14%) passerine species. Habitat loss, degradation and fragmentation are the most important threats. Other threats include chemical poisoning, over-exploitation, climate change, hydropower, invasive species, intensification of agriculture, disturbance, and limited conservation measures and research. Measures to address these threats are described. It was also concluded that re-assessments of the status of certain bird groups carried out every five years and the setting up of a national online system for storing and reporting bird sightings would be useful.

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Accounting for the low survival of the Critically Endangered northern bald ibisGeronticus eremitaon a major migratory flyway

Oryx ◽

10.1017/s0030605313000665 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 49 (2) ◽

pp. 312-320 ◽

Cited By ~ 9

Author(s):

G. Serra ◽

J. A. Lindsell ◽

L. Peske ◽

J. Fritz ◽

C. G. R. Bowden ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Satellite Telemetry ◽

Bird Species ◽

Range Shift ◽

Critically Endangered ◽

Conservation Action ◽

Field Surveys ◽

Critically Endangered Species ◽

The Past ◽

Geronticus Eremita ◽

Wintering Areas

AbstractThe poor survival rate of immature northern bald ibisesGeronticus eremitaduring their first years spent outside the natal site is driving the last known wild colony of the migratory eastern population to extinction. To inform emergency conservation action for this Critically Endangered species we investigated the distribution range and behaviour of immature birds in passage and wintering areas, and the threats to which they are subject. We integrated recent satellite telemetry data with visual observations spanning 130 years. We assessed threats across the range, using satellite tracking and field surveys. Our results show that during the years before they return to the natal site in Syria, immature northern bald ibises reside away from the recently identified adult wintering site in the central Ethiopian highlands. They occur mainly across the northernmost 70–80% of the adult migratory range. Historical records suggest that immature birds spend more time along the western Arabian Peninsula now than in the past. This range shift exposes them for longer periods to threats, such as hunting and electrocution on power lines, which are absent from the wintering site used by adult birds. We suggest that other threatened and declining bird species sharing the same flyway probably face the same threats during migration.

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The avifauna and conservation status of the Namuli Massif, northern Mozambique

Bird Conservation International ◽

10.1017/s0959270900003518 ◽

1999 ◽

Vol 9 (4) ◽

pp. 315-331 ◽

Cited By ~ 15

Author(s):

Peter G. Ryan ◽

Carlos Bento ◽

Callan Cohen ◽

John Graham ◽

Vincent Parker ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Conservation Status ◽

Bird Species ◽

Current Status ◽

Conservation Action ◽

Forest Patches ◽

Commercial Logging ◽

Remnant Forest ◽

First Time ◽

Pristine Forest ◽

Montane Grasslands

SummaryWe report the current status of birds at the Namuli Massif, northern Mozambique. Despite being the only known locality for the Namuli Apalis Apalis lynesi and the nominate race of the Dapplethroat Arcanator orostruthus, the mountain is very little known ornithologically. Prior to our survey it had only been visited by an ornithologist in 1932, when Jack Vincent collected in the area for three weeks. During our week-long survey in November-December 1998 we recorded 130 bird species from the Namuli area, including all three globally threatened species reported by Vincent (Thyolo Alethe Alethe choloensis, Dapplethroat and Namuli Apalis). The higher-elevation (>1,500 m) forests are still largely intact, but most of those at lower elevations have been cleared for agriculture. The alethe and apalis are common, occurring in remnant forest patches and secondary scrub as well as pristine forest from 1,160 to 2,000 m. The Dapplethroat is restricted to large, intact forests above 1,500 m, but also is fairly common (up to 2–3 singing males per hectare; greater densities than recorded elsewhere). Red-rumped Swallow Hirundo daurica was recorded for the first time in Mozambique, and was suspected of breeding at 1,400 m. We estimate that some 1,300 ha of pristine forest remains on the main massif between Gurue and Mount Namuli, but this area is being reduced by burning and “subsistence” logging. Approximately 7,000 people currently live in the area east of the main forest. Grazing by goats and pigs on the montane grasslands surrounding the forests is another problem, but the gravest threat is posed by improved road access to the area, which could open the forests to commercial logging. In addition to being the sole locality known for the Namuli Apalis and the nominate race of Dapplethroat, the Namuli forests probably support the largest single populations of Thyolo Alethe and the well-marked belcheri race of Green Barbet. These populations make Namuli arguably the most critical Important Bird Area for Mozambique, and the remaining forests have a high priority for conservation action.

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A Preliminary Survey of Birds in Pench Tiger Reserve, Madhya Pradesh, India

Asian Journal of Environment & Ecology ◽

10.9734/ajee/2019/v9i130083 ◽

2019 ◽

pp. 1-20

Author(s):

Talat Parveen ◽

Orus Ilyas

Keyword(s):

Deciduous Forest ◽

Ecological Status ◽

Bird Species ◽

Passer Domesticus ◽

Tropical Deciduous Forest ◽

Preliminary Survey ◽

Conservation Action ◽

Critically Endangered Species ◽

Tiger Reserve ◽

Gyps Indicus

A preliminary survey of bird species and habitat in the Karmajhiri Range, Pench Tiger Reserve was conducted during March 2014 - May 2014. The aim of this study was assessment of avian population by addressing some ecological status such as faunal type, phenological traits, trophic status, occurence and protection status of birds species. 221 species of birds were recorded from study area. Out of 26 order in India 16 order of birds were presented in and around Pench Tiger Reserve (PTR) which comprises 61 families. PTR provides habitat for three critically endangered species, namely White-rumped Vulture (Gyps bengalensis Gmelin, 1788), Red-headed Vulture (Sarcogyps calvus Scopoli, 1786) and Indian Vulture (Gyps indicus Scopoli, 1786). Regarding species protected by Berne convention 34 species are listed in Appendix 2 (strickly protected fauna) and only one are represented in Appendix 3 (Protected fauna) House Sparrow (Passer domesticus Linnaeus, 1758). Based on the AEWA (African-Europian Migratory Waterbird Agreement) bird list, 18 bird species are noted in the study area. The dominance of Oriental faunal type provide information on the relationship of the surveyed avifauna to the biogeographical zones. We were recorded 28 biome restricted bird species. This assessment also supports and justifies its classification as an Important Bird Area “IBA” because of the importance and abundance of avian species. Its provide shelter and hosts to birds. To conserve birds species in tropical deciduous forest in PTR, it will be necessary to preserve large areas of contiguous forest and monitor the effect of Habitat fragmentation and other development activities in and around forest area will have impact on their foraging, breeding and subsequently their population. These scientific findings will help to evaluate the effectiveness of legislation and policies for bird protection and will under in future conservation action for birds and their habitats.

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Distribution and conservation status of Bornean Peacock-pheasant Polyplectron schleiermacheri in Central Kalimantan, Indonesia

Bird Conservation International ◽

10.1017/s0959270900002136 ◽

1998 ◽

Vol 8 (4) ◽

pp. 373-385 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Timothy G. O'Brien ◽

Nurul Laksmi Winarni ◽

Frida Mindasari Saanin ◽

Margaret F. Kinnaird ◽

Paul Jepson

Keyword(s):

Habitat Loss ◽

Protected Area ◽

National Park ◽

Conservation Status ◽

Conservation Action ◽

Lowland Forest ◽

Central Kalimantan ◽

The Status ◽

Lowland Rainforest ◽

And Control

SummaryWe distributed questionnaires and conducted interviews between July and November 1996 to develop a better understanding of the status and distribution of Bornean Peacock-pheasant Polyplectron schleiermacheri in Central Kalimantan, Indonesia. We found that many people were familiar with the species, that it is apparently widely distributed but rare in lowland forest, and that populations may be declining. We received reports of recent sightings of the pheasant at 23 locations in 9 survey areas. The primary threats to Bornean Peacock-pheasants are habitat loss within logging concessions and hunting. Recommendations for future conservation action include increasing the representation of lowland rainforest in Kalimantan's protected area system, specifically the proposed extension of Bukit Raya National Park, and control of hunting within logging concessions.

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The importance of Vu Quang Nature Reserve, Vietnam, for bird conservation, in the context of the Annamese Lowlands Endemic Bird Area

Bird Conservation International ◽

10.1017/s0959270901000326 ◽

2001 ◽

Vol 11 (4) ◽

pp. 247-285 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

J. C. Eames ◽

R. Eve ◽

A. W. Tordoff

Keyword(s):

Protected Areas ◽

Nature Reserve ◽

Conservation Status ◽

Bird Species ◽

Present Species ◽

Bird Conservation ◽

Conservation Priority ◽

Mammal Species ◽

Species Lists ◽

Complementarity Analysis

Vu Quang Nature Reserve, Vietnam, was brought to the attention of the world scientific community following the discovery of two previously undescribed large mammal species in the early 1990s. In light of the identification of other sites of high biodiversity value in the Annamite mountains of Vietnam and Laos, the relative importance for biodiversity conservation of Vu Quang needs to be reassessed. In this paper we evaluate the importance of the site for bird conservation, in relation to 13 other protected areas in the Annamese Lowlands Endemic Bird Area (EBA) and present species lists for all 14 sites. Whilst Vu Quang supports one of the highest numbers of recorded bird species of all 14 protected areas, a complementarity analysis revealed that Vu Quang does not fall within the critical subset of sites necessary to conserve 95% of the avifaunal diversity of the EBA. The site should not, therefore, be considered a regional bird conservation priority. Furthermore, of the nine restricted-range species known from the Annamese Lowlands EBA, only three are known from Vu Quang, which is not, therefore, a priority site for the conservation of endemic bird species. We also evaluate the conservation status of the avifauna of Vu Quang, and propose potential conservation measures to enhance its importance for bird conservation.

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Do social values influence levels of conservation effort in threatened species? The case of two Australian chats

Oryx ◽

10.1017/s0030605315000538 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 50 (4) ◽

pp. 636-645 ◽

Cited By ~ 9

Author(s):

Gillian B. Ainsworth ◽

Heather J. Aslin ◽

Michael A. Weston ◽

Stephen T. Garnett

Keyword(s):

Threatened Species ◽

Social Values ◽

Conservation Status ◽

Bird Species ◽

Its Region ◽

The Other ◽

Emotional Engagement ◽

Conservation Action ◽

The Social ◽

Conservation Effort

AbstractThis research aims to understand why one of two almost identical subspecies of the Australian yellow chat Ephthianura crocea has received significantly higher levels of local and institutional support than the other despite both having the same conservation status and taxonomic distinctiveness, factors commonly thought to influence conservation effort. Using a qualitative multiple case study approach we explored how a range of social factors, including stakeholder attitudes and institutional, policy and operational aspects, might have affected conservation efforts for the two taxa. Our results suggest that the conservation trajectories of these two subspecies have diverged since their identification as threatened species in 2000 because of differences in the social landscapes within which they persist. For one subspecies local advocacy was kindled initially by the small number of local endemic bird species but developed into a strong emotional engagement, resulting in increased local awareness, government funding, and effectiveness of conservation action. The other subspecies has had to compete for attention with approximately 200 other threatened taxa occurring in its region. No individual advocate has accorded this subspecies a high priority for action, and none of those responsible for its conservation have seen it or acknowledged an emotional attachment to it. Our findings confirm that initiation of conservation effort is strongly tied to the social values of individuals with power to take action, regardless of legislation.

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Conservation status of the Endangered Nubian dragon tree Dracaena ombet in Gebel Elba National Park, Egypt

Oryx ◽

10.1017/s0030605313001385 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 49 (4) ◽

pp. 704-709 ◽

Cited By ~ 9

Author(s):

M. Kamel ◽

U. M. Ghazaly ◽

M. W. Callmander

Keyword(s):

Global Positioning System ◽

National Park ◽

Action Plan ◽

Conservation Status ◽

Iucn Red List ◽

Population Status ◽

Conservation Action ◽

Global Positioning ◽

Dracaena Ombet ◽

Conservation Action Plan

AbstractThe Nubian dragon tree Dracaena ombet, which is categorized as Endangered on the IUCN Red List, is found on the highest slopes of Gebel Elba National Park in Egypt, with scattered populations in Sudan, Djibouti, Ethiopia and Somalia. The Gebel Elba population is threatened by drought. Surveys were conducted in the Park to assess the condition and document the distribution of the species to prepare a baseline for conservation efforts. Eight sites were surveyed during 2007–2009: trees were tagged and their locations were recorded using a global positioning system, and tree density, diameter at breast height and population status were estimated. Of 353 trees recorded only 46% (161 individuals) were alive and only 27% (96 individuals) were in a healthy condition. Only 1% (2 individuals) were young trees, indicating a low regeneration level. Field-based observations suggest that 80% of the D. ombet population in Gebel Elba may soon be extinct. A conservation action plan is needed for this flagship species in Egypt and throughout its range.

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Factors affecting the distribution of landbirds on the Falkland Islands

Bird Conservation International ◽

10.1017/s0959270902002095 ◽

2001 ◽

Vol 12 (2) ◽

pp. 151-167 ◽

Cited By ~ 13

Author(s):

James R. Hall ◽

Robin W. Woods ◽

M. de L. Brooke ◽

Geoff M. Hilton

Keyword(s):

Conservation Status ◽

Bird Species ◽

Habitat Destruction ◽

Habitat Modification ◽

Conservation Action ◽

Factors Affecting ◽

Island Species ◽

Introduced Predators ◽

Isolation Effects ◽

Bird Distribution

A high proportion of island birds are threatened with extinction as a result of their vulnerability to introduced predators, habitat destruction, and fragmentation/isolation effects. In order to conserve island species effectively, it is necessary to disentangle these effects on distribution and abundance. We attempt to do this for the nine native passerines in the Falkland (Malvinas) Islands, using a database of presence/absence on 59 offshore islands in the archipelago, linked to data for each island on mammal presence, habitat modification, and isolation. Falklands native passerines are of considerable conservation importance, comprising one endemic globally threatened species, several endemic subspecies, and several restricted range species. Presence of rats on islands was by far the most important predictor of passerine presence, overriding the effect of habitat modifications. The globally threatened endemic Cobb's Wren Troglodytes cobbi was absent from all islands containing rats. Some species were more likely, and others less likely to occur on islands where tussac Poa flabellata grassland had been destroyed by grazing. The former species were primarily those adapted to dwarf-heath vegetation, and/or that thrive around human settlements. Island size and isolation were important predictors of occurrence for several bird species. The analyses show that, if vegetation restoration in the Falklands is to meet conservation aims, then it should be accompanied by introduced mammal control. Secondly, they indicate that biogeographical effects on bird distribution among islands in the Falklands are important, and need to be considered when assessing the conservation status of species, and when considering conservation action.

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A rapid biodiversity assessment of Lesotho’s first proposed Biosphere Reserve: a case study of Bokong Nature Reserve and Tšehlanyane National Park

Bothalia ◽

10.38201/btha.abc.v51.i2.6 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 51 (2) ◽

Author(s):

Lerato Seleteng-Kose ◽

Khotso Kobisi ◽

Ruida Pool-Stanvliet ◽

Khotso Mohapi

Keyword(s):

Protected Areas ◽

National Park ◽

Nature Reserve ◽

Rapid Assessment ◽

Bird Species ◽

Biosphere Reserve ◽

Mammal Species ◽

Amphibian Species ◽

The Core ◽

Baseline Information

Background: Two of Lesotho’s protected areas, namely Bokong Nature Reserve and Tšehlanyane National Park, form the core area of the country’s first proposed Biosphere Reserve. Biodiversity is a key aspect needed to justify nomination of a Biosphere Reserve under UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere Programme. Previously documented biodiversity of the two protected areas is limited in terms of coverage and scope as well as being outdated. The aim of the current study was to conduct a rapid assessment of the biodiversity, including endemism, of the proposed Biosphere Reserve to inform the formal nomination process.Methods: A field survey was undertaken over 112 033 ha in the core, buffer and transition zones of the proposed Biosphere Reserve during which species of both flora and fauna were documented. Purposeful recordings were made during different seasons to incorporate various flowering seasons of the plants, as well as faunal species that may hibernate or migrate seasonally.Results: A total of 380 plant species was recorded, 30 of which are legally protected in the country, 60 endemic to the Drakensberg Mountain Centre, and two species (Aloe polyphylla and Glumicalyx lesuticus) are endemic to Lesotho. The former is the national flower of Lesotho and is under threat due to illegal trade. Sixteen mammal species were recorded, seven of which are legally protected in the country, as well as 53 bird species (including the IUCN Red Listed vulture species, Gyps coprotheres and Gypaetus barbatus). Two fish species were also recorded including Pseudobarbus quathlambae, which is Lesotho’s only known endemic vertebrate species, as well as seven reptile and three amphibian species (two of which are near endemic namely Amietia delalandii and A. vertebralis).Conclusion: This survey has provided valuable baseline information on the biodiversity (particularly regarding the flora and avifauna) of the proposed Biosphere Reserve, which includes two protected areas namely Bokong Nature Reserve and Tšehlanyane National Park. The findings reflect the biodiversity value of the area and will contribute towards its nomination as Lesotho’s first Biosphere Reserve.

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