Data Zone
Justification of Red List category
This species is estimated to have a small population size that is fragmented into small subpopulations as a result of deforestation. The population size is inferred to be declining as forest loss continues due to urbanisation, conversion to agriculture and selective logging. For these reasons, the species is listed as Vulnerable.
Population justification
This species is described as 'fairly common to common' (del Hoyo et al. 2020). In Alagoas, the species was found in only two (13%) of 15 surveyed forest fragments (Silveira et al. 2003). It is considered common in the Serra de Baturité, Ceará (Albano and Girão 2008).
The population density has been estimated at 0.14 individuals per ha (14 individuals per km2) in the Guaribas Biological Reserve, Paraíba, in 2018-2019 (ICMBio/CEMAVE, in D. Mendes Lima in litt. 2021). Based on this density, the estimated area of tree cover with at least 75% canopy cover within the species's mapped range in 2020 (c. 5,880 km2; Global Forest Watch 2021), and assuming the tree cover to be 10-20% occupied, the population size is estimated to fall within the range 8,000 - 17,000 individuals, roughly equating to 5,000 - 11,000 mature individuals.
The subpopulation structure is not known, but based on its distribution, the species is thought to have between 20 and 31 subpopulations (ICMBio/CEMAVE 2019 in R. Subirá in litt. 2021). Studies have shown that the sister species X. fuscus is able to easily disperse short distances of 75 m between forest patches, and is able to travel at least 150 m between forest patches by using isolated trees as 'stepping stones' (Boscolo et al. 2008). If all subpopulations were of equal size, the largest may have up to 550 mature individuals, so it is reasonable to assume that the largest subpopulation is smaller than 1,000 mature individuals.
Trend justification
Remote-sensing data on tree cover loss indicates that approximately 5% of tree cover with at least 75% canopy cover was lost from within the species's mapped range over the past decade from 2010-2020 (Global Forest Watch 2021). Although this species occurs in secondary forest, it appears to prefer well-preserved habitat (Silveira et al. 2003). The species is therefore inferred to be declining. The rate of decline may be higher than indicated by the rate of forest loss due to habitat degradation. The population size is therefore suspected to be declining at a rate of 5-10% over ten years.
Occurs in northeastern Brazil in Ceará and from Paraíba, south through Pernambuco to Alagoas, north of the Rio São Francisco.
Occurs in humid forests, including secondary forest and brejos. It has been recorded to at least 700 m. During surveys of 15 forest fragments in Alagoas, the species was found only in the two fragments with the best-preserved habitat (Silveira et al. 2003). It forages in the dense understory, often in mixed flocks (Aleixo 2008). Studies have shown that the sister species X. fuscus is able to easily disperse short distances of 75 m between forest patches, and is able to travel at least 150 m between forest patches by using isolated trees as 'stepping stones' (Boscolo et al. 2008).
The principal threats are forest loss and degradation due to urbanisation, conversion to agriculture and selective logging (CEMAVE 2018).
Conservation Actions Underway
It occurs in several protected areas, including Pedra Talhada, Saltinho and Guaribas Biological Reserves, Tapacurá and Murici Ecological Stations, Dois Irmãos State Park, Matas do
Sistema Gurjaú Wildlife Refuge, and Guadalupe Environmental Protection Area. It is included in the National Action Plan for the Conservation of the Birds of the Atlantic Forest (ICMBio 2017), and the National Action Plan for the Conservation of the Birds of the Caatinga (ICMBio 2015).
Conservation Actions Proposed
Carry out further surveys to improve knowledge of the species's population size. Monitor populations to ascertain trend. Survey further areas of potentially occupied habitat to gain knowledge of the species's distribution. Study the impact of habitat degradation.
Enforce existing protected areas and create further protected areas where the species occurs. Protect and restore habitat, especially in corridors between remaining fragments where the species is present. Enforce legislation against habitat destruction.
Text account compilers
Wheatley, H.
Contributors
Butchart, S., Ekstrom, J., Derhé, M., Mendes Lima, D. & Phalan, B.
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Species factsheet: Atlantic Woodcreeper Xiphorhynchus atlanticus. Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/atlantic-woodcreeper-xiphorhynchus-atlanticus on 22/12/2024.
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 22/12/2024.