Data Zone
Justification of Red List category
This species is only known from a restricted area and has a moderately small population. There is currently no evidence of declines in population size or habitat availability, and as such the species is assessed as Near Threatened.
Population justification
This species was previously thought to be restricted to the Ampay National Sanctuary, where it is described as common with a population of roughly 600-800 individuals (Collar et al. 1992, J. Valenzuela in litt. 2010, Lloyd 2020). Individuals are now increasingly found in areas outside of the Sanctuary, including at Huayrapata, Pacaypata, Cerro Turronmocco and above Yanama (C. Aucca in litt. 2007, H. Lloyd and B. Walker in litt. 2007, eBird 2023). Based on observational records (per eBird 2023) and in the absence of an accurate quantification of the total population, it is here tentatively assumed that half of the global population is found within the Ampay National Sanctuary, and that the total population size is consequently 1,200-1,600 mature individuals.
Trend justification
The species inhabits a mosaic of cloud forest patches interspersed with cleared, degraded areas and agricultural fields (Lloyd 2020). This suggests that it shows a certain tolerance of and adaptation to habitat degradation and fragmentation. Tree cover loss within the range is negligible (<1% over ten years; Global Forest Watch 2023, using Hansen et al. [2013] data and methods disclosed therein). Therefore, in the absence of evidence of any declines or substantial threats, the population is suspected to be stable.
Synallaxis courseni is endemic to a small range in Apurímac and Cusco, Peru, around Nevado Ampay.
It inhabits dense undergrowth, vines and bamboo in Podocarpus woodland and cloud forest, as well as adjacent shrubbery and secondary and regenerating vegetation near clearings and landslides (Lloyd 2020). Records from highly fragmented cloud forest landscape dominated by agriculture (H. Lloyd in litt. 2007, H. Lloyd and B. Walker in litt. 2007) indicate that the species may be tolerant, to a degree, of anthropogenic habitat fragmentation and degradation. It is usually found in pairs or family groups, foraging for insects in dense vegetation near the ground. Adults in breeding condition have been recorded in December, and immatures have been seen in March (Fjeldså and Krabbe 1990). Its ecology is not well known.
The most severe threat to the species is habitat loss and fragmentation caused by agriculture and livestock farming (SERFOR 2018), however the species may be tolerant, to a degree, of anthropogenic habitat fragmentation and degradation.
Conservation Actions Underway
The Podocarpus forest above Abancay, Apurímac, is protected as the Ampay National Sanctuary. Reforestation is underway, but threats to the forest are yet to be alleviated (T. Valqui in litt. 1999, W.-P. Vellinga in litt. 1999).
Conservation Actions Proposed
Survey to locate additional populations and to determine the range boundaries. Complete a full population census. Research the species' ecology and behaviour. Monitor the population trend.
Protect further areas of suitable habitat within the range. Consider restoring degraded areas. Develop a conservation education programme to raise awareness for the species.
18.5 cm. Slender, grey-and-rufous spinetail. Dark grey forehead. Dark rufous crown. Grey face and underparts, paler on centre of belly. Darker throat, stippled whitish. Grey-brown upperparts, greyer on rump. Largely rufous wings. Long, dusky brown tail. Voice Nasal keet-weet.
Text account compilers
Hermes, C.
Contributors
Aucca Chutas, C., Calvert, R., Isherwood, I., Khwaja, N., Lloyd, H., Pople, R., Sharpe, C.J., Stuart, T., Symes, A., Valenzuela, J., Valqui, T., Vellinga, W.-P. & Walker, B.
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Species factsheet: Apurimac Spinetail Synallaxis courseni. Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/apurimac-spinetail-synallaxis-courseni 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.