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Lipaugus weberi
– Endangered
Taxonomy
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Kingdom:
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ANIMALIA
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Phylum:
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CHORDATA
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Class:
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AVES
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Order:
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PASSERIFORMES
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Family:
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COTINGIDAE
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Scientific Name:
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Lipaugus weberi
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Species Authority:
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A.M. Cuervo, P.G.W. Salaman, T.M. Donegan & J.M. Ochoa, 2001
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Common Name/s:
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| English | — | CHESTNUT-CAPPED PIHA |
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Taxonomic Notes:
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Described as new to science by Cuervo et al. (2001).
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Assessment Information
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Red List Category & Criteria:
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EN B1ab(i,ii,iii,iv); C2a(i) ver 3.1 (2001)
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Year Assessed:
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2006
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Assessor/s:
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BirdLife International
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Evaluator/s:
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Butchart, S. & Stattersfield, A. (BirdLife International Red List Authority)
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Justification:
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This recently described species has a very small and severely fragmented range and population. Remaining forest continues to be degraded and destroyed, and its range and population are therefore inferred to be declining. It consequently qualifies as Endangered.
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History:
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| 2002 | - | Endangered (IUCN 2002) |
| 2004 | - | Endangered (BirdLife International 2004) |
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Geographic Range
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Range Description:
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Lipaugus weberi is confined to a small area of forest (c.800 km²) on the northern slope of the Central Andes in Colombia1, where it is known from five locations2. The area lies between the Porce and Nechí river valleys, where it is presently known from four localities in the Municipality of Anorí1. The species is locally common at the known localities in Anorí, especially between 1,600 and 1,750 m 1,2. It is much less common near Amalfi, presumably because the forests in this area have been subjected to exploitation for a longer period of time2.
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Countries:
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Native:
Colombia
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Population
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Population Trend:
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Habitat and Ecology
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Habitat and Ecology:
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It inhabits primary pre-montane, wet forest between 1,500 and 1,820 m 1. It has been seen at forest borders and in secondary vegetation near mountain gorges, but not usually within secondary forest1,2. Birds occur singly within the midstorey to lower canopy, and are sometimes observed in mixed-species flocks in the higher levels of the canopy2. It feeds on small to medium-sized berries and, occasionally, large invertebrates1.
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System:
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Terrestrial
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Threats
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Threats:
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The Central Andes have undergone almost complete ecological change - surviving forested areas are now highly fragmented and isolated. Pre-montane forest cover is estimated to be 3-4% of its original extent1, and the species is presumed to have been extirpated from a large part of its range2. Forest loss is driven by mining and agriculture, in particular coffee, plantain and cattle1,2. Moreover, current high rates of colonization will increase deforestation in the area. High acidity and poor soil drainage reduce vegetation succession and accentuate problems of soil erosion2. Afforestation with exotic species is an increasing problem in the area1.
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Conservation Actions
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Conservation Actions:
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Conservation measures underway:
There are no large protected areas supporting this species1. However, La Reserva Natural La Forzosa, a fragment of pristine forest of 4.5 km² between 1,500 and 1,820 m, has been designated following an ornithological exploration of the area1,2.
Conservation measures proposed:
Conduct detailed surveys to determine the extent of its distribution, population status, and genetic variation and exchange between the Amalfi and Anorí populations2. Develop a management plan for the species. Pursue the protection of remaining pre-montane forest fragments in the region, particularly those persisting in the Riachón river valley in Amalfi2. Control exploitation of palms and other forest resources. Encourage the local government to aquire land between 1,200 and 1,600 m for future protected areas. Encourage alternative technologies for the use of the land, and campaign to prevent the conversion of forests to pastures2. There remains some large intact and potentially suitable subtropical forest areas in eastern and southeastern Antioquia. Conservation efforts in these areas may prove more practical and probably reveal healthy populations of this and other threatened species3.
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