Data Zone
Justification of Red List category
This species has a very small population, which is declining rapidly owing to loss and degradation of its habitat; it has already been extirpated at former sites. All subpopulations are thought to be extremely small. The species is therefore listed as Endangered.
Population justification
Obtaining a solid population estimate is complicated by the fact that the population density varies drastically between sites, ranging from 0.04 individuals/ha to 6 individuals/ha (Renjifo et al. 2016). Based on count data from known sites, the overall population is estimated to number less than 2,500 mature individuals (Renjifo et al. 2016); it is here placed in the band 1,000-2,499 mature individuals.
The subpopulation structure has not been investigated, but observations away from regular sites indicates that the species may undertake local movements (Kroodsma and Brewer 2020). This suggests that, despite the somewhat localised occurrence, the population is not severely fragmented and that the number of subpopulations is low. Nevertheless, is it assumed that no subpopulation numbers more than 250 mature individuals (Renjifo et al. 2016).
Trend justification
Local declines have been observed over the past two decades, and the species has even disappeared from previously occupied sites (Renjifo et al. 2016 and references therein). Habitat loss has been below 10% over ten years, but the species is suffering from additional threats including nest parasitism and pollution (Renjifo et al. 2016). Consequently, the species is inferred to be undergoing a continuing decline, the rate of which is suspected at 30-49% over ten years (Renjifo et al. 2016).
Cistothorus apolinari is found locally in the East Andes of Colombia. Current strongholds are at Laguna de Tota (Boyacá) and Laguna de Fúquene (Cundinamarca), with the population in each numbering around 200-250 mature individuals (Renjifo et al. 2016). It has been extirpated from at least two sites since 1950, and numbers have fallen at several formerly important sites.
It inhabits tall, dense, emergent vegetation fringing marshes and lakes, preferring reedbeds, between 1,800 and 3,600 m (Renjifo et al. 2016). In páramo habitats, it is limited to areas with riparian vegetation, especially Espletia spp. (Cortes-Herrera and Briceño 2004; O. Cortes in litt. 2007). It gleans aquatic insects from reed stems, and is usually found in pairs or family groups. Breeding seems to occur between February and October, and eggs have been found in July, although nests under construction in the forks of Escallonia myrtilloides trees have been found in December and January (Cortes-Herrera and Briceño 2004).
The species is threatened by the drainage and burning of wetlands for agriculture, mainly onion cultivation and cattle-farming (Wege and Long 1995). Siltation, because of erosion on deforested hillsides in the region (Wege and Long 1995), and pollution by agrochemicals and sewage alter the wetland vegetation, and insecticide use may reduce food availability or directly poison birds. Several wetlands, particularly near Bogotá, are threatened by highway projects, human settlements and subsequent waste disposal, but also by pressure from tourism (Wege and Long 1995; F. G. Stiles in litt. 1999; Renjifo et al. 2016). Reed-harvesting is a further threat (Renjifo et al. 2016). Throughout the range, nests are increasingly parasitised by Shiny Cowbird Molothrus bonariensis (Rosselli and Stiles 2012; Renjifo et al. 2016).
Conservation Actions Underway
The species occurs in several protected areas throughout the range. In some wetlands, the population is being monitored.
Conservation Actions Proposed
Survey and monitor known populations. Protect the habitat at known sites. Restore suitable habitat. Control Shiny Cowbird Molothrus bonariensis populations at breeding sites (Rosselli and Stiles 2012; Renjifo et al. 2016). Include the species in site management plans.
12 cm. Small, streaked wren. Buffish with short, grey supercilium. Back and rump streaked black and buff-white. Dingy grey underparts, washed buff on flanks and undertail. Voice Short series of bubbling toe-a-twée interspersed with churrs. Also a scolding churr call.
Text account compilers
Hermes, C.
Contributors
Cortés, O., Gilroy, J., Salaman, P.G.W., Sharpe, C.J. & Stiles, F.G.
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Species factsheet: Apolinar's Wren Cistothorus apolinari. Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/apolinars-wren-cistothorus-apolinari 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.