Data Zone
Justification of Red List Category
Based on a model of future deforestation in the Amazon basin, it is suspected that the population of this species will decline by 25-30% over the next three generations, and it has therefore been uplisted to Near Threatened.
Population justification
The global population size has not been quantified, but this species is described as 'fairly common but patchily distributed' (Stotz et al. 1996).
Trend justification
This species is suspected to lose 16.7-16.8% of suitable habitat within its distribution over three generations (14 years) based on a model of Amazonian deforestation (Soares-Filho et al. 2006, Bird et al. 2011). Given the susceptibility of the species to fragmentation and/or edge effects, it is therefore suspected to decline by a rate approaching 30% over three generations.
Herpsilochmus motacilloides is endemic to the eastern Andes of Peru. It ranges from Huánuco southwards to Cuzco, and is considered fairly common (del Hoyo et al. 2003).
This is a canopy and subcanopy species of humid montane forest, ranging from 1,000-2,500 m. It prefers dense, tall evergreen forest, with heavy moss and epiphytic growth on the trees (del Hoyo et al. 2003).
The primary threat to this species is accelerating deforestation in the Amazon basin as land is cleared for cattle ranching and soy production, facilitated by expansion of the road network (del Hoyo et al. 2003, Soares-Filho et al. 2006, Bird et al. 2011). The species is considered highly sensitive to human disturbance, and as such is likely to suffer strong effects from forest fragmentation (del Hoyo et al. 2003, A. Lees in litt. 2011).
Conservation Actions Underway
None is known.
Conservation Actions Proposed
Expand the protected area network to effectively protect IBAs. Effectively resource and manage existing and new protected areas, utilising emerging opportunities to finance protected area management with the joint aims of reducing carbon emissions and maximizing biodiversity conservation. Conservation on private lands, through expanding market pressures for sound land management and preventing forest clearance on lands unsuitable for agriculture, is also essential (Soares-Filho et al. 2006).11-12 cm. Medium-sized, grey antwren. Pale grey above, with black wings barred white, and a black tail. White face with black crown and supercilia. White underparts. Female has buffish forehead and white streaks on crown.
Text account compilers
Butchart, S., Ekstrom, J., Khwaja, N., Symes, A.
Contributors
Lees, A.
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2023) Species factsheet: Herpsilochmus motacilloides. Downloaded from
http://www.birdlife.org on 30/03/2023.
Recommended citation for factsheets for more than one species: BirdLife International (2023) IUCN Red List for birds. Downloaded from
http://www.birdlife.org on 30/03/2023.
