Zoothera guttata

Taxonomy

Assessment Information

Geographic Range

Population

Habitat and Ecology

Threats

Conservation Actions

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Taxonomy [top]

Kingdom	Phylum	Class	Order	Family
ANIMALIA	CHORDATA	AVES	PASSERIFORMES	TURDIDAE

Scientific Name:

Zoothera guttata

Species Authority:

(Vigors, 1831)

Common Name/s:

English	–	Natal Thrush, Spotted Forest Thrush, Spotted Ground-thrush, Spotted Ground Thrush, Spotted Ground-Thrush
French	–	Grive terrestre de Fischer

Assessment Information [top]

Red List Category & Criteria:

Endangered C2a(i) ver 3.1

Year Assessed:

2008

Assessor/s:

BirdLife International

Reviewer/s:

Taylor, J., Butchart, S.

Contributor/s:

Burgess, N., Dyer, M., Oatley, T., Dowsett-Lemaire, F.

Justification:
This enigmatic species is listed as Endangered since it has a very small and severely fragmented population which is presumed to be undergoing a continuing decline because of destruction and degradation of its habitat.

History:

2006	–	Endangered
2004	–	Endangered
2000	–	Endangered
1996	–	Endangered
1994	–	Endangered

Geographic Range [top]

Range Description:	Zoothera guttata has a wide but discontinuous distribution⁸, with migratory coastal subspecies in Kenya^2,3 and Tanzania^2,3 (fischeri; c.200 pairs and probably decreasing in both countries)¹⁴, and South Africa¹ (guttata; 400-800 pairs and thought to be stable in KwaZulu-Natal)¹⁴, a resident subspecies in Malawi⁴(belcheri; 30-40 pairs and thought to be decreasing on Mt Soche, at least)¹⁴ and two subspecies known from single specimens, in Sudan (maxis)¹⁴ and Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) (lippensi)¹⁴. Z. g. guttata has been recorded in Mozambique^15,17, and fischeri and belcheri are suspected to occur in other parts of this country^14,16. The estimates provided for some known populations suggest that the world population numbers less than 2,500 individuals.
Countries:	Native: Congo, The Democratic Republic of the; Kenya; Malawi; South Africa; Sudan; Tanzania, United Republic of Present - origin uncertain: Mozambique
Range Map:	Click here to open the map viewer and explore range.

Population [top]

Population:	The estimates provided for some known populations (guttata 400-800 pairs; fischeri c.200 pairs; belcheri 30-40 pairs; Ndang'ang'a et al. 2005) suggest that the world population numbers less than 2,500 individuals, therefore it is placed in the range bracket for 1,000-2,499 individuals.
Population Trend:	Decreasing

Habitat and Ecology [top]

Habitat and Ecology:	It occurs in deep shade in a variety of forest types with deep leaf-litter, from dry Cynometra thicket in Arabuko-Sokoke at sea-level (non-breeding birds) to moist evergreen forest at 1,200-1,700 m in Malawi⁴. The species winters in tall coastal forests, with fischeri preferring coral rag forests, and guttata possibly using coastal dune forest¹⁴. The species avoids disturbance-prone areas. It forages amongst the lower branches of leafy trees, on rotting logs and on the forest floor by scratching at leaf litter. It feeds on seeds, fruits, insects and their larvae, and land molluscs¹⁴. It has a home range of at least 0.14 ha². Clutch-size is 2-3². Its nest is described as a cup or bowl constructed from vegetation, small twigs and mud, lined with plant material and feathers; the exact composition of materials is dependent on the habitat and thus differs between subspecies¹⁴. The species does not conceal its nests well, and they tend to be very exposed and easy to find^10,14, leading to a low breeding success rate, with about 85% of nests recorded as failing by one observer in South Africa¹⁰. Nests may be re-used after a brood has fledged or even after the nest has been depredated, despite the clear indication that it is at risk. This may be a time- and energy-saving strategy¹⁰. Snakes, raptors and domestic cats are the main nest predators, and contribute to nearly 50% of breeding failures¹⁴. Laying has been noted in November in Malawi and in September-March in South Africa¹⁴.
Systems:	Terrestrial

Habitat and Ecology:

It occurs in deep shade in a variety of forest types with deep leaf-litter, from dry Cynometra thicket in Arabuko-Sokoke at sea-level (non-breeding birds) to moist evergreen forest at 1,200-1,700 m in Malawi⁴. The species winters in tall coastal forests, with fischeri preferring coral rag forests, and guttata possibly using coastal dune forest¹⁴. The species avoids disturbance-prone areas. It forages amongst the lower branches of leafy trees, on rotting logs and on the forest floor by scratching at leaf litter. It feeds on seeds, fruits, insects and their larvae, and land molluscs¹⁴. It has a home range of at least 0.14 ha². Clutch-size is 2-3². Its nest is described as a cup or bowl constructed from vegetation, small twigs and mud, lined with plant material and feathers; the exact composition of materials is dependent on the habitat and thus differs between subspecies¹⁴. The species does not conceal its nests well, and they tend to be very exposed and easy to find^10,14, leading to a low breeding success rate, with about 85% of nests recorded as failing by one observer in South Africa¹⁰. Nests may be re-used after a brood has fledged or even after the nest has been depredated, despite the clear indication that it is at risk. This may be a time- and energy-saving strategy¹⁰. Snakes, raptors and domestic cats are the main nest predators, and contribute to nearly 50% of breeding failures¹⁴. Laying has been noted in November in Malawi and in September-March in South Africa¹⁴.

Systems:

Terrestrial

Threats [top]

Major Threat(s):	In Tanzania, coastal forest patches that are probably "stepping stones" during migration are under heavy pressure and becoming increasingly fragmented. Pugu Forest is being degraded as a result of charcoal production¹⁸. Wintering habitat in Kenya is also under heavy pressure, particularly the smaller sites⁹. In Malawi, forest is being cleared at all four known sites and there will soon be very little habitat remaining⁵. At Mt Mulanje (Malawi) exotic species accompany the threats of encroachment, deforestation and bush fires¹⁴. In South Africa, mining has destroyed much wintering habitat and may affect more forest in the near future⁷, while habitat disturbance is increasing in many protected areas¹. The species's recovery is limited by its low breeding success, which is largely due to vulnerability of nests and resultant high rates of predation, probably exacerbated by domestic cats where they are present^10,14. This species occasionally suffers mortality from collisions with skyscrapers, probably due to the disorientating effect of city lights during nocturnal migration¹⁹.

Major Threat(s):

In Tanzania, coastal forest patches that are probably "stepping stones" during migration are under heavy pressure and becoming increasingly fragmented. Pugu Forest is being degraded as a result of charcoal production¹⁸. Wintering habitat in Kenya is also under heavy pressure, particularly the smaller sites⁹. In Malawi, forest is being cleared at all four known sites and there will soon be very little habitat remaining⁵. At Mt Mulanje (Malawi) exotic species accompany the threats of encroachment, deforestation and bush fires¹⁴. In South Africa, mining has destroyed much wintering habitat and may affect more forest in the near future⁷, while habitat disturbance is increasing in many protected areas¹. The species's recovery is limited by its low breeding success, which is largely due to vulnerability of nests and resultant high rates of predation, probably exacerbated by domestic cats where they are present^10,14. This species occasionally suffers mortality from collisions with skyscrapers, probably due to the disorientating effect of city lights during nocturnal migration¹⁹.

Conservation Actions [top]

Conservation Actions:	Conservation Actions Underway CMS Appendix II. In KwaZulu-Natal (South Africa), 22 provincial nature and forest reserves include suitable habitat¹, but funding is being reduced and many are no longer patrolled⁷. In Malawi, all sites are Forest Reserves, but this confers little protection. In Kenya, a project is aiming to conserve wintering habitat at Arabuko-Sokoke Forest through sustainable use. The forest is also protected by the Forests Act, and the management of several other forests in Kenya is subject to a memorandum of understanding between the Kenya Wildlife Service and Forest Department¹⁴.The two breeding sites in Tanzania (Litipo and Rondo Plateau Forest Reserves) are part of a coastal forest conservation programme. In May 2003, a workshop of international experts, comprising 16 participants from NGOs and governments, was held in Watamu, Kenya¹¹. During the workshop an International Conservation Action Plan was developed and an International Spotted Ground Thrush Working Group was set up to coordinate the implementation of the plan. Recommended actions included raising awareness, research and monitoring, and effective management of forest habitats¹¹. Discussions covered the importance of involving local communities and other stakeholders adjacent to the species's sites¹², the use of the species's presence as an indication of high forest quality, and the benefit to local communities of ecotourism associated with the species¹³, which already takes place at some sites^13,14. Actions proposed for the Blue Swallow Hirundo atrocaerulea may complement those suggested for Z. guttata at sites such as Upemba National Park (DRC) and Mt Mulanje (Malawi)¹⁴. Conservation Actions Proposed Study the species's ecology, including habitat requirements, breeding success, population dynamics, migration routes and survival rates¹⁴. Monitor the species's populations^11,14. Search for the species in areas where it is suspected to occur, such as northern Mozambique, northern Uganda and northeastern DRC: identify all potential sites and rank their importance¹⁴. Identify and protect breeding sites and migration "stepping stones" for Z. g. fisheri in Tanzania and Mozambique. Investigate the current status of its forest habitat in South Africa and improve protection of provincial nature and forest reserves⁷. Initiate a campaign in Malawi of land reform and conservation of water resources through the maintenance of remaining forest reserves^5,6. Investigate the current status of the subspecies in Sudan and DRC, when the security situation allows. Study local knowledge of and attitudes towards the species, and raise awareness about it and its threats amongst communities and stakeholders^11,14. Implement forest management that favours the species¹¹, and involve local communities and other stakeholders¹². Reduce illegal activities at sites by 20%¹⁴. Provide alternative resources and economic activities for local communities in order to alleviate pressure on forests¹⁴. Encourage ecotourism associated with the species¹³. Stabilise the population by 2010¹⁴.

Conservation Actions:

Conservation Actions Underway
CMS Appendix II. In KwaZulu-Natal (South Africa), 22 provincial nature and forest reserves include suitable habitat¹, but funding is being reduced and many are no longer patrolled⁷. In Malawi, all sites are Forest Reserves, but this confers little protection. In Kenya, a project is aiming to conserve wintering habitat at Arabuko-Sokoke Forest through sustainable use. The forest is also protected by the Forests Act, and the management of several other forests in Kenya is subject to a memorandum of understanding between the Kenya Wildlife Service and Forest Department¹⁴.The two breeding sites in Tanzania (Litipo and Rondo Plateau Forest Reserves) are part of a coastal forest conservation programme. In May 2003, a workshop of international experts, comprising 16 participants from NGOs and governments, was held in Watamu, Kenya¹¹. During the workshop an International Conservation Action Plan was developed and an International Spotted Ground Thrush Working Group was set up to coordinate the implementation of the plan. Recommended actions included raising awareness, research and monitoring, and effective management of forest habitats¹¹. Discussions covered the importance of involving local communities and other stakeholders adjacent to the species's sites¹², the use of the species's presence as an indication of high forest quality, and the benefit to local communities of ecotourism associated with the species¹³, which already takes place at some sites^13,14. Actions proposed for the Blue Swallow Hirundo atrocaerulea may complement those suggested for Z. guttata at sites such as Upemba National Park (DRC) and Mt Mulanje (Malawi)¹⁴.

Conservation Actions Proposed
Study the species's ecology, including habitat requirements, breeding success, population dynamics, migration routes and survival rates¹⁴. Monitor the species's populations^11,14. Search for the species in areas where it is suspected to occur, such as northern Mozambique, northern Uganda and northeastern DRC: identify all potential sites and rank their importance¹⁴. Identify and protect breeding sites and migration "stepping stones" for Z. g. fisheri in Tanzania and Mozambique. Investigate the current status of its forest habitat in South Africa and improve protection of provincial nature and forest reserves⁷. Initiate a campaign in Malawi of land reform and conservation of water resources through the maintenance of remaining forest reserves^5,6. Investigate the current status of the subspecies in Sudan and DRC, when the security situation allows. Study local knowledge of and attitudes towards the species, and raise awareness about it and its threats amongst communities and stakeholders^11,14. Implement forest management that favours the species¹¹, and involve local communities and other stakeholders¹². Reduce illegal activities at sites by 20%¹⁴. Provide alternative resources and economic activities for local communities in order to alleviate pressure on forests¹⁴. Encourage ecotourism associated with the species¹³. Stabilise the population by 2010¹⁴.

Citation:	BirdLife International 2008. Zoothera guttata. In: IUCN 2011. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2011.2. <www.iucnredlist.org>. Downloaded on 09 February 2012.
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