VU
Andaman Treepie Dendrocitta bayleii



Justification

Justification of Red List category
This species is considered to have a very small population size, and is likely declining as a result of habitat loss within its range. It is therefore now listed as Vulnerable.

Population justification
Surveys in 1992-1994 (Davidar et al. 1996) and 2007 (Pande et al. 2007) only found limited numbers of individuals, and it has been suggested that there could be fewer than 500 mature individuals remaining (P. Davidar in litt. 2016). It is well documented on eBird (eBird 2017), though this could be a result of survey activity in the area rather than being an accurate representation of abundance. As such, it is tentatively suggested that the population size be placed in the range of 250-999 mature individuals.

Trend justification
Data are lacking on population trends, but slow declines are suspected to be occurring, owing to increasing human population pressure within the species's range.

Distribution and population

This species is endemic to the Andaman archipelago, India (BirdLife International 2001). It appears to be relatively rare according to survey records (see Davidar et al. 1996, Pande et al. 2007), and may be mainly restricted to larger islands in the archipelago (>10 km2), although it sometimes may occur on smaller islands close to large islands (P. Davidar in litt. 2016).

Ecology

This species is usually found in pairs in tall trees in moist deciduous or semi-evergreen forest (P. Davidar in litt. 2016).

Threats

Human population pressure and rates of habitat loss may be increasing in the Andaman archipelago, suggesting that natural habitats within the small range of this species might rapidly shrink and become fragmented.

Conservation actions

Conservation Actions Underway
No targeted conservation actions are known for this species, although some of its habitat is protected. The Department of Environment and Forests, Andaman & Nicobar Islands has initiated steps to conserve the endemic and threatened bird species of Andaman and Nicobar Islands and the Zoological Survey of India is monitoring the bird population of this archipelago (C. Sivaperuman in litt. 2016).

Conservation Actions Proposed
Monitor populations across the species's range, as well as trends in human activities and habitat loss. Conduct ecological studies to determine levels of tolerance of secondary, disturbed or fragmented habitats, as well as its tolerance of plantations. Protect areas of suitable habitat and safeguard against potentially increasing threats.

Acknowledgements

Text account compilers
Westrip, J., Taylor, J., Benstead, P., Gilroy, J.

Contributors
Davidar, P., Sivaperuman, C., Praveen, J.


Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Species factsheet: Andaman Treepie Dendrocitta bayleii. Downloaded from https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/andaman-treepie-dendrocitta-bayleii on 23/11/2024.
Recommended citation for factsheets for more than one species: BirdLife International (2024) IUCN Red List for birds. Downloaded from https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/search on 23/11/2024.