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

Justification of Red List category
This species has a large range, and hence does not approach the thresholds for Vulnerable under the range size criterion (Extent of Occurrence <20,000 km² combined with a declining or fluctuating range size, habitat extent/quality, or population size and a small number of locations or severe fragmentation). The population trend appears to be decreasing but does not approach the thresholds for Vulnerable under the population trend criterion (>30% decline over ten years or three generations). The population size is unknown, and hence cannot be assessed under the population size criterion (<10,000 mature individuals with a continuing decline estimated to be >10% in ten years or three generations, or with a specified population structure). For these reasons the species is evaluated as Least Concern.

Population justification
The global population size has not been quantified, but the species has been described as common in logged and unlogged forest edges throughout its range (F. Lambert in litt. 2010; D. Edwards in litt. 2020).

Trend justification
The population is suspected to be in moderately rapid decline overall as a result of the widespread wholesale clearance of lowland forests in the species's range. Over the past three generations (11.7 years; Bird et al. 2020), 20% of tree cover within the range has been lost (Global Forest Watch 2021). However, due to its occurrence in secondary and logged forests (del Hoyo et al. 2020), rates of population decline are not thought to be as steep as rates of forest loss, in any case unlikely to exceed 20% over three generations. The population decline is therefore tentatively placed in the band of 10-19% over three generations. 

Erythropitta ussheri is confined to Sabah, Malaysia, where it has been described as locally common throughout its range (del Hoyo et al. 2003; F. Lambert in litt. 2010).

This species inhabits dense primary forest and secondary to heavily logged forest, fairing particularly well in such disturbed habitat (D. Edwards in litt. 2020). Occurs below 500 m (Eaton et al. 2021). It breeds from early February to August with a clutch of two eggs. Its diet comprised of insects, small snails and seeds from fruit, and it forages by probing the leaf litter and damp soil, sometimes foraging on logs.

Rates of forest loss in the Sundaic lowlands have been extremely rapid, owing partly to the escalation of illegal logging and land conversion, with deliberate targeting of all remaining stands of valuable timber including those inside protected areas. Forest fires have also had a damaging effect (particularly in 1997-1998). The magnitude of these threats is however allayed by this species's tolerance of secondary and logged forest (del Hoyo et al. 2003).

Conservation Actions Underway
This species occurs in the Danum Valley Conservation Area and Sepilok Reserve (del Hoyo et al. 2003).

Conservation Actions Proposed
Conduct repeated surveys across the species's range to determine the magnitude of declines and rates of range contraction. Conduct ecological studies to improve understanding of its precise habitat requirements, tolerance of secondary habitats and response to fragmentation. Campaign for the protection of remaining tracts of lowland forest throughout the species's range. Determine its population size and densities.

Text account compilers
Fernando, E., Hermes, C.

Contributors
Calvert, R., Edwards, D., Lambert, F. & Taylor, J.

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Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Species factsheet: Black-crowned Pitta Erythropitta ussheri. Downloaded from https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/black-crowned-pitta-erythropitta-ussheri on 26/11/2024.
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 26/11/2024.