Pseudochelidon eurystomina
| Kingdom |
Phylum |
Class |
Order |
Family |
| ANIMALIA |
CHORDATA |
AVES |
PASSERIFORMES |
HIRUNDINIDAE |
| Scientific Name: |
Pseudochelidon eurystomina |
| Species Authority: |
Hartlaub, 1861 |
Common Name/s:
| English |
– |
African River-martin, African River Martin, African River-Martin |
| French |
– |
Hirondelle de rivière |
|
Assessment Information
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| Red List Category & Criteria: |
Data Deficient
ver 3.1
|
| Year Published: |
2008 |
| Assessor/s: |
BirdLife International |
| Reviewer/s: |
Mahood, S., Butchart, S., Bird, J. |
| Contributor/s: |
Hogberg, S., Maisels, F., Dowsett, R., Dowsett-Lemaire, F. |
Justification:
This species is classified as Data Deficient because, although it is recorded quite regularly, its distribution and movements remain very poorly known and very few colonies have ever been found. Colonies are very vulnerable to disturbance and exploitation, and the species may prove to be threatened.
|
| History: |
| 2004 |
– |
Data Deficient
|
| 2000 |
– |
Data Deficient
|
|
Geographic Range
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| Range Description: |
Pseudochelidon eurystomina breeds in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) (middle and upper Congo River and lower Ubangi River)1, Gabon (Gamba8, Animba near Port-Gentil and, recently discovered, near Libreville itself; also potentially throughout the coastal areas south of Point Pongara, as far as the border with the Congo)2 and Congo (several hundred birds discovered in 1996 in the Conkouati Reserve)4,9. The total population size is unknown; in the late 1980s, it appeared to be common, if local, and large numbers have been seen on migration in Gabon11, such as the Ogooué River and Makokou where, in 1997, a flock of c.15,000 were observed10, and a mixed flock of this species and Rosy Bee-eater Merops malimbicus at Igeula, Loango, in September 2005, was estimated to number 100,000 birds12. However it is particularly poorly known in the DRC and it is not known if there is any relationship between the birds breeding in the DRC and those breeding in coastal areas of Gabon and Congo2. Birds from the Congo migrate westwards across Gabon (main passage from June to early September)7, arriving at Gamba on the coast from mid-August onwards and on the coast of the Congo from mid-September5. After breeding in the coastal areas, they depart from late October-November5 with the main passage back across Gabon from December to March7. At Odzala in northern Congo, birds have been observed flying west towards coastal breeding grounds in August, returning in late January, but the numbers involved are much lower than those observed in Gabon6. In 1994, three or four birds were observed on passage at Ngotto in the Central African Republic3.
|
| Countries: |
Native:
Angola; Central African Republic; Congo; Congo, The Democratic Republic of the; Gabon
|
| Range Map: |
Click here to open the map viewer and explore range.
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Habitat and Ecology
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| Habitat and Ecology: |
It breeds in large colonies (up to c.800 individuals) along forested rivers, on islands with sandy shores and on beach ridges in coastal savanna11. Nest holes are dug into sandbars which are exposed when river levels are low11. Outside the breeding season it roosts in reed-beds or riverine vegetation2.
|
| Systems: |
Terrestrial; Freshwater |
| Major Threat(s): |
In the 1950s, the species was caught and eaten in large quantities in the DRC by the local population1, and this practice could be on the increase6. Breeding colonies in river sandbars are liable to flooding8, the incidence of flooding could increase with trends in deforestation.
|
Conservation Actions
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| Conservation Actions: |
Conservation Actions Underway
None is known.
Conservation Actions Proposed
Conduct surveys, particularly in D.R. Congo, to determine true range and abundance. Regularly monitor the species at known migration sites in Gabon to determine trends. Research the extent and nature of the threat caused by hunting. Protect large areas of forest at key sites, in both strictly protected areas and community led multiple use areas.
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