Data Zone
Justification of Red List category
This species is threatened by the loss and degradation of its habitat and likely additionally by hunting. Rates of tree cover loss have been increasing in recent years, driving a moderately rapid population decline. The species is therefore listed as Near Threatened.
Population justification
The species is described as scarce and local (Carroll and Kirwan 2020). The global population is suspected to number 50,000-500,000 mature individuals (Partners in Flight 2020).
Trend justification
The population is undergoing a large, significant decline owing to rapid habitat destruction and possibly hunting (del Hoyo et al. 1994, Carroll and Kirwan 2020, Partners in Flight 2020). Over the past three generations (14.7 years; Bird et al. 2020), 16% of tree cover has been lost within the range (Global Forest Watch 2021, using Hansen et al. [2013] data and methods disclosed therein). Accounting for the additional threat posed by hunting, population declines are likely steeper than the rate of forest loss. In recent years, the rate of tree cover loss appears to be accelerating, amounting to a rate equivalent to 18% over three generations (Global Forest Watch 2021, using Hansen et al. [2013] data and methods disclosed therein). The rate of decline over the past and future three-generation period is therefore suspected at 20-29%.
The species occurs in Central America, from Honduras along the Caribbean slope of Nicaragua, Costa Rica, to Panama and possibly northwest Colombia.
The species inhabits the floor of primary and mature secondary forests at elevations of 450-1,600 m; locally it is also found in the lowlands to sea-level (Carroll and Kirwan 2020). It forages singly, in pairs or small groups for insects or fallen fruits (Carroll and Kirwan 2020).
The species is restricted to dense mature forests and old secondary growth, and as such it is heavily threatened by the loss and degradation of its habitat (Carroll and Kirwan 2020). Within the range, forests are converted for agriculture, plantations and cattle pastures; tree cover loss appears to be accelerating over recent years (Global Forest Watch 2021, using Hansen et al. [2013] data and methods disclosed therein). Deforestation is particularly severe in the northern part of the range in Honduras and Nicaragua (Global Forest Watch 2021, using Hansen et al. [2013] data and methods disclosed therein). The species is likely hunted throughout much of its range (Carroll and Kirwan 2020), but the extent and impact on the population size are unknown.
Conservation Actions Underway
The species occurs in several protected areas within its range.
Conservation Actions Proposed
Accurately quantify the population size. Monitor the population trend. Research the species's ecology. Investigate the impact of hunting on the population size.
Protect remaining habitat within the range. Consider establishing reforestation programmes to restore habitat. Raise awareness for the species in order to reduce hunting pressure.
Text account compilers
Hermes, C.
Contributors
Butchart, S., Ekstrom, J. & Westrip, J.R.S.
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Species factsheet: Black-eared Wood-quail Odontophorus melanotis. Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/black-eared-wood-quail-odontophorus-melanotis on 08/12/2024.
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 08/12/2024.