Data Zone
Justification of Red List category
This recently discovered species is restricted to a very small range in the páramos of southwestern Ecuador. Its known population is extremely small and inferred to be in decline as a result of the loss and degradation of the bushy habitat that it is strictly depending on. It is therefore assessed as Critically Endangered.
Population justification
The global population is extremely small. At the time of the species’s discovery, the global population was suspected to number below 750 individuals (Sornoza-Molina et al. 2018). During 25 consecutive surveys carried out in 2020 and 2021 throughout the known range, the population in Cerro de Arcos and Moras was estimated at 30-50 mature individuals, while in Guanazán and Burrourco the population was estimated at 30-40 mature individuals (Moens 2020; León et al. 2021; E. Bonaccorso et al. in litt. 2021). The population in Fierro Urco numbers at most 20 mature individuals (E. Bonaccorso et al. in litt. 2021), and there may be a small number of individuals in Chinchilla (J. Freile in litt. 2021). Based on these values, the total population may number 80-110 mature individuals.
The population structure has not been formally investigated. Observational records are localised, but fairly continuous within the distribution range (Sornoza-Molina et al. 2018; eBird 2021; León et al. 2021). Based on the very small size of the range, continuous distribution of observational records and absence of substantial barriers to dispersal, it is assumed that gene glow persists between individuals (H. M. Schaefer in litt. 2021; J. Freile in litt. 2021). Thus, the species is tentatively assessed as forming one subpopulation.
Trend justification
The species is strictly dependent on dense bushy stands, mainly of Chuquiraga jussieui, which are lost to ongoing habitat clearance through periodic burning of the paramo and degraded through cattle grazing and creation of pine plantations (Sornoza-Molina et al. 2018; Kirwan 2020; H. M. Schaefer in litt. 2021). Re-growth of Chuquiraga bushes is limited by droughts (Moens 2020); therefore, the vegetation may not recover sufficiently before the next fires are occurring. It is assumed that burning of the vegetation caused the species to disappear from two previously occupied sites near the Laguna de Chinchilla (E. Bonaccorso et al. in litt. 2021). The population is thus inferred to undergo a decline.Rates of habitat loss have not been quantified across the full range. However, it is reported that in Cerro de Arcos and Guanazán around 1 ha of suitable habitat has been lost over the past three years (León et al. 2021), which would roughly equate to a rate of 1% over three years. Assuming that this rate is representative for the entire range and continuing into the future, the total rate of habitat loss is roughly 3% over ten years. To account for uncertainty, it is here placed in the band 1-9% over ten years.
This species is endemic to Ecuador, where it occurs in the Cordillera de Chilla-Tioloma-Fierro Urcu of El Oro and Loja provinces. Most observational records are from Cerro de Arcos and Guanazán, with further records in La Capilla and Fierro Urco (Sornoza-Molina et al. 2018; Kirwan 2020).
Distribution modelling identified areas of potentially suitable habitat in the páramos of El Oro and Loja provinces near the type locality, as well as the páramos of Cajas and of Azuay-Morona-Zamora south to northern Peru; however, no sightings have been reported to date (Sornoza-Molina et al. 2018; eBird 2021).
The species inhabits shrubby patches surrounded by grassy areas and meadows in páramos in hilly and steep terrain, on rocky outcrops and along creeks between 3,325 and 3,680 m (Sornoza-Molina et al. 2018; Kirwan 2020). It appears to be closely associated with stands of Chuquiraga jussieui (Sornoza-Molina et al. 2018; Kirwan 2020). Occasionally, the species is recorded in open, dry páramo with only small patches of vegetation, in introduced stands of Pinus radiata and in Polylepis and Gynoxys woodland (Sornoza-Molina et al. 2018). Its breeding behaviour is not well known, nests were found inside narrow rocky caves (León et al. 2021).
The species is threatened by the destruction of habitat. Its preferred stands of Chuquiraga jussieui and other bushes are lost as a consequence of clearance for agriculture through regular burning of the páramo and degraded through cattle grazing, the creation of pine plantations and motorcycling activities (Sornoza-Molina et al. 2018; León et al. 2021; H. M. Schaefer in litt. 2021). The species is further susceptible to climate variability and change, as re-growth of Chuquiraga bushes is limited during dry periods (Moens 2020). Parts of the distribution range lie within mining concessions and are at risk of being exploited through open-cast techniques (Kirwan 2020).
Further threats include predation by native Aplomado Falcon (Falco femoralis) and competition for nectar sources with the dominant Shining Sunbeam (Aglaeactis cupripennis) (Kirwan 2020; León et al. 2021). Disturbance of nesting sites through outdoor and touristic activities impacts breeding success (Molina et al. 2021).
Conservation Actions Underway
In 2020, Fundación Jocotoco established a reserve in Cerro de Arcos to protect critical habitat. Within the reserve and in the immediate surroundings, the population is monitored regularly along fixed transects (Moens 2020). Fundación Jocotoco coordinates studies to investigate habitat use in order to identify key feeding plants (Moens 2020). Habitat restoration and reforestation with native plants, mainly Chuquiraga jussieui, is carried out in Cerro de Arcos reserve (Moens 2020).
Conservation Actions Needed
Search for further populations in suitable habitat. Survey known sites outside of Cerro de Arcos to refine the population estimate. Monitor the population to determine and quantify the overall trend. Investigate the species's life history and behaviour. Create an action plan for the conservation of the species and its habitat.
Increase the area under protection. Expand habitat restoration efforts with the aim of establishing an ecological corridor linking the strongholds in Cerro de Arcos and Guanazán to facilitate dispersal between the sites. Consider creating artificial nesting sites. Establish an environmental education programme among local communities and raise awareness for the species and its habitat in order to decrease pressures from intentional burning of páramo habitat.
Text account compilers
Hermes, C.
Contributors
Bonaccorso, E., Freile, J., Moens, M. & Schaefer, H.M.
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Species factsheet: Blue-throated Hillstar Oreotrochilus cyanolaemus. Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/blue-throated-hillstar-oreotrochilus-cyanolaemus on 18/12/2024.
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 18/12/2024.