Data Zone
Justification of Red List category
This species was formerly considered threatened, however more recent research has shown its population size to be larger than previously thought, and the species is tolerant of modified habitats. With no indication that it is declining (and may even be increasing in response to reforestation schemes), it is listed as Least Concern.
Population justification
Estimates of this species' population size have varied depending on the method deployed. Most recently, Paguntalan et al. (2022) estimated a population size of 11,839 (9,160-15,415) birds across five sites. The population density estimated across these varied, yielding the following population estimates, in order of size, for each area (parenthetic values given as follows: density/km2; forest size; population estimate): Alcoy-Boljoon (349 birds/km2; 30 km2; 10,470 birds), Argao (237 birds/km2; 3 km2; 711 birds), Dalaguete (325 birds/km2; 1 km2; 325 birds), Catmon (284 birds/km2; 0.4 km2; 114 birds), CCPL (219 birds/km2; 1 km2; 219 birds). The majority of birds are thought to refer to mature individuals given that most detections during surveys were aural. These data do not, however, encompass all suitable habitat on Cebu. Paguntalan et al. (2022) note a number of other sites from which Copsychus cebuensis has been documented over the past decade, but for which either (1) survey effort was too sparse to deploy distance sampling estimations; or (2) records were not part of the study's sampling at all. None of these areas are thought to host more than few hundred individuals when combined, with the sampled Alcoy-Boljoon forest patch the only substantial area of forest left on the island of Cebu. Overall, the population is thought to number 10,000-16,500 mature individuals, with a best estimate of 12,000-13,000. These estimates are lower than some others made. For example, densities from Alcoy in 2004 (Jakosalem et al. unpublished, in Paguntalan et al. 2022) and 2012 (Malaki et al. 2013) were estimated at 350-1,750 individuals/km2 and, extraordinarily, 5,200-5,300 birds/km2 respectively. Similarly, a mist-net survey concluded that the species occurs at densities of c.1,300 individuals/km2 (Parilla et al. 2019). Paguntalan et al. (2022) provide compelling evidence for their estimates being the most accurate made and their survey effort is certainly the most comprehensive. The estimates are therefore accepted here as the best available.
Trend justification
Historically, the species presumably occurred across Cebu, although the island was nearly totally cleared of native forest cover in the nineteenth century. Since 2000, approximately 2-3% forest cover loss has been estimated (Global Forest Watch 2022, based on data from Hansen et al. [2013] and methods disclosed therein) but none of this is known from areas in which the species has been recently recorded (eBird 2022, Paguntalan et al. 2022). Differences in method between previous population size estimations make trend analyses inappropriate, however remote sensing data indicate that in some occupied areas the area of second growth may have expanded, to the benefit of this species. Genetic data from Parilla et al. (2019) also found no evidence of recent declines at their study sites. All sites, including small, isolated urban ones occupied at the end of the previous century, remain occupied (cf. Collar et al. [1999] and Paguntalan et al. [2022]), while the latter authors also recorded the species at eight new localities, which it is believed to have colonised recently (and thus likely represent a genuine increase in occupancy). Ongoing reforestation schemes on the island from local government and NGOs are also likely to benefit this species in the future (Paguntalan et al. 2022). Overall, the population trend is precautionarily described as stable, but may be increasing.
Copsychus cebuensis is endemic to the island of Cebu in the Philippines.
It inhabits primary forest and the dense undergrowth of secondary habitats (e.g. along steep ravines), particularly along valley-bottoms with a high percentage of canopy cover where the highest densities have consistently been reported (Jakosalem et al. 2005, A. B. Malaki in litt. 2016, Paguntalan et al. 2022).
As early as the 1890s, the small amount of forest remaining on Cebu was being rapidly cleared. A century later, Cebu retained barely 0.03% (or 15 km2) of its original vegetative cover, and even highly degraded secondary habitats are scarce and under considerable pressure. However, the species is tolerant of slightly degraded habitats and is able to colonise regenerating secondary forest when the understorey allows, such that previous declines are suspected to have halted (per Global Forest Watch 2022).
Conservation Actions Underway
During the 1980s, the species was the subject of an intensive population survey and an awareness campaign in the local press when the species was believed to be extremely rare. More recently, it has been found to be far more common (see Paguntalan et al. 2022) and monitoring is ongoing (G. Jakosalem in litt. 2023). Several parts of its range now lie in protected areas.
c.20 cm. Distinctive medium-sized, all-black chat with longish tail. Entirely black plumage with dark bluish gloss, duller on wings (can show slight brownish tones), male tending to be brighter than female. Voice Rich, varied and melodious song, sometimes mimicking other species. Hints Can be rather skulking and unobtrusive if not singing. Often cocks tail.
Text account compilers
Berryman, A.
Contributors
Benstead, P., Derhé, M., Gilroy, J., Jakosalem, G., Malaki, A., Paguntalan, L.M.J. & Wilkinson, R.
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Species factsheet: Black Shama Copsychus cebuensis. Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/black-shama-copsychus-cebuensis on 24/12/2024.
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 24/12/2024.