• Summary
• Text account
• Data table and detailed info
• Distribution map
• Reference and further resources

Justification of Red List category
This species is declining at a moderately rapid rate as a consequence of the loss, fragmentation and degradation of woodland and forest habitat within the range. It has reportedly become rarer in several areas and is therefore listed as Near Threatened.

Population justification
The population size has not been quantified, but the species is described as rare, though possibly under-recorded. Based on the number of observations within its large range (see eBird 2022), it is considered unlikely that the population is small.

Trend justification
The species is reported to have declined over large parts of its range, particularly in Argentina (Winkler and Christie 2020). The main driver of the decline is thought to be the clearance and conversion of woodland (Winkler and Christie 2020).
Within the range, tree cover is lost at a rate of up to 14% over three generations (10.8 years; Global Forest Watch 2021, using Hansen et al. [2013] data and methods disclosed therein). The species' strict dependence on trees, including standing deadwood for nesting, suggests that population declines may be steeper than the rate of tree cover loss alone. Declines are therefore here tentatively placed in the band 20-29% over three generations.

This species is restricted to south and south-central Bolivia (Chuquisaca and Santa Cruz), west Paraguay (Boquerón and Presidente Hayes) and north-central Argentina (Formosa, Salta, Chaco, Santiago del Estero, Santa Fé, Catamarca, La Rioja, Córdoba and San Luis). The population stronghold appears to be in Córdoba and adjacent San Luis.

The species inhabits xeric woodland, savanna with Lithrea, Celtis, acacias, carob and cacti, as well as the transitional zone to montane forests (Winkler and Christie 2020). It appears to tolerate at least some habitat conversion, as it has been found in timber plantations and rural gardens (M. Hechem in litt. 2018). Breeding mainly takes place between October and December; the nest is a hole built in dead trees (Winkler and Christie 2020).

The species is threatened by habitat loss through clearance of woodland for the expansion of agriculture and cattle-ranching, plantations of non-native trees, as well as selective logging of quebracho and algarrobo trees for charcoal (Madroño and Pearman 1992, Winkler et al. 1995, H. Casañas in litt. 1998, Winkler and Christie 2020).

Conservation Actions Underway
The species occurs in several protected areas throughout its range, including Copo, Chaco and Río Pilcomayo national parks (Argentina), and possibly Titunque National Park (Paraguay). It is listed as Endangered at the national level in Argentina (MAyDS and AA 2017).

Conservation Actions Proposed
Survey to produce a precise estimate of the population size. Investigate the species' ecology, behaviour and population structure. Assess the impact of threats and its tolerance of converted, degraded and fragmented habitats. Monitor the population trend. Monitor rates of habitat loss. Protect areas of suitable habitat within the range. Effectively manage protected areas where the species occurs.

Text account compilers
Hermes, C.

Contributors
Benstead, P., Capper, D., Casañas, H., Hechem, M., Mansur, E.F, Sharpe, C.J. & Symes, A.

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Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Species factsheet: Black-bodied Woodpecker Hylatomus schulzii. Downloaded from https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/black-bodied-woodpecker-hylatomus-schulzii on 23/12/2024.
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 23/12/2024.