Data Zone
Justification of Red List category
Although this species may have a small range, it is not believed to 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 stable, and hence the species does not approach the thresholds for Vulnerable under the population trend criterion (>30% decline over ten years or three generations). The population size may be small, but it is not believed to approach the thresholds for Vulnerable 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. Based on its very small range the population is unlikely to be large; it is here tentatively placed in the band 2,500-9,999 mature individuals, though this number requires confirmation. A precise population estimate is urgently needed.
Trend justification
The population trend has not been assessed directly. Large areas of forests persist within the range and tree cover loss is currently low (2% over three generations; Global Forest Watch 2022, using Hansen et al. [2013] data and methods disclosed therein). The species occupies a variety of habitats, including forests, edge and bushy areas (Jaramillo et al. 2020). Therefore, despite the low level of tree cover loss within the range, this is not thought to impact on the population size. In the absence of evidence for any declines or substantial threats, the population is assessed as stable.
Atlapetes nigrifrons is found only in the Perijá Mountains on the border of Colombia and Venezuela.
It inhabits mid-montane to high elevation bushy forested habitats and edge, and may be able to tolerate a degree of habitat disturbance (see Jaramillo et al. 2020).
At lower altitudes, habitat is under threat from a range of processes, including small-scale logging for colonisation, agricultural cultivation, ranching and mineral exploitation. This species' range in higher altitudes however currently remains less affected by these factors as large areas of forests still persist (Global Forest Watch 2022). Moreover, the species' tolerance of open, bushy and disturbed habitat (Jaramillo et al. 2020) suggests that it is not experiencing a decline in habitat quality.
Conservation Actions Underway
Some of its range is formally protected by Sierra de Perijá National Park, Venezuela.
Conservation Actions Proposed
Survey to quantify the population size. Monitor the population trend. Prevent encroachment into higher-elevation zones of the Sierra de Perijá.
Text account compilers
Hermes, C.
Contributors
Fjeldså, J., Rodríguez, J.-P., Rojas-Suárez, F., Sharpe, C.J., Symes, A. & Westrip, J.R.S.
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Species factsheet: Black-fronted Brushfinch Atlapetes nigrifrons. Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/black-fronted-brushfinch-atlapetes-nigrifrons on 26/12/2024.
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 26/12/2024.