Data Zone
Justification of Red List category
A victim of the 'escalator to extinction' effect, recent monitoring data indicate rapid declines, especially at lower altitudes, of this species in response to climate change. For this reason, it is assessed as Vulnerable.
Population justification
The abundance of Atherton Scrubwrens is calculated from the density and distribution of birds and the area of climatically suitable habitat at different altitudes in 2016 (Williams 2010a). The population size is estimated at 120,000-550,000 mature individuals, with a best estimate of 260,000 mature individuals.
Trend justification
There appears to have been a substantial decline in population size in the last three generations, as predicted by climate change modelling (Williams et al. 2003). Annual monitoring undertaken from 2000–2016 (1,970 plots, 62 different locations, 0–1500 m altitude) revealed a highly significant 43% decline in the total population over the three generations to 2016 from an estimated 450,000 to 260,000 individuals with almost none at low altitudes (<450 m; Williams & de la Fuente 2021). The reporting rate for 2-ha 20-min surveys and 500-m radius area searches undertaken 1999–2018 declined by 98% and 27% respectively per three-generation period (BirdLife Australia 2020). The cause of this decline, climate change, is unlikely to abate and given the relatively steady decline between 2000 and 2016, a similar rate of decline is suspected in the future as the area of suitable habitat continues to shift to higher elevations with a smaller area.
Atherton Scrubwrens are endemic to the Queensland Wet Tropics region, Australia, from Mount Finnigan in the north, south to the Seaview Range (Higgins and Peter 2002).
Atherton Scrubwrens occur in upland rainforest, formerly attaining their highest densities at 1,000–1,400 m altitude (Williams et al. 2010b), feeding on insects gleaned in the leaf litter. They usually lay two eggs in a domed nest built on the ground (Higgins and Peter 2002).
Climate change is the only known threat and could be having both direct effects as a result of increased mortality during heat waves, which have been longer and hotter in the last two decades, and an indirect effect because the dry season has been longer, drier and hotter, which is likely to have reduced resource availability (Williams et al. 2010b, Williams and de la Fuente 2021).
Conservation Actions Underway
Almost the entire range lies within protected areas.
Conservation Actions Proposed
Understand constraints on population size and survival. Monitor population trends to determine whether the 'escalator to extinction' effect continues at the same rate as projected. Identify reasons for sensitivity to climate change and options for countering them. Develop strategies for maintaining remaining populations. Apply adaptation strategies as required.
Text account compilers
Berryman, A., Vine, J.
Contributors
Butchart, S., Ekstrom, J., Fisher, S. & Harding, M.
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Species factsheet: Atherton Scrubwren Sericornis keri. Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/atherton-scrubwren-sericornis-keri on 22/11/2024.
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 22/11/2024.