Data Zone
Justification of Red List category
This species has a very small range, within which suitable habitat is declining as a result of logging and burning. For these reasons, the species is evaluated as Endangered.
Population justification
The population was estimated at 2,880 individuals (Maurício et al. 2014), which roughly equates to 1,920 mature individuals. To account for uncertainties, the population is here placed in the band 1,000-2,499 mature individuals, but a recent population estimate is urgently required. Given the geographical division between the two known areas for the species, it is assumed that it forms two disjunct subpopulations.
Trend justification
The population is suspected to be in decline owing to ongoing habitat destruction. Within the range, tree cover is lost at a rate of 5% over ten years (Global Forest Watch 2022, using Hansen et al. [2013] data and methods disclosed therein). As the species is strictly dependent on forest favouring pristine areas (Maurício et al. 2014, del Hoyo et al. 2020), the rate of population decline may be faster than the rate of tree cover loss alone; it is here tentatively placed in the band 1-19% over ten year.
The species is restricted to two mountainous areas in the municipalities of Boa Nova, Iguaí and Arataca in south-east Bahia, Brazil. It is recorded in Morro do Inglês and Mata do Dr. Mauro in the Serra da Ouricana (Boa Nova), Serra do Rio Preto Serra do Pote (Iguaí), as well as Serra das Lontras and Serra do Javi (Arataca) (ICMBio 2018).
It is found in the undergrowth of humid montane evergreen forest, specifically in areas with dark and densely vegetated ravines often with Chusquea sp. or Merostachys sp.bamboo (Maurício et al. 2014). All territories of mature birds located were within primary forest, though some included disturbed or second-growth within the territory (Maurício et al. 2014, del Hoyo et al. 2020). It occurs between 660-1,140 m above sea level.
Habitat within the range suffers ongoing pressure from deforestation and logging, and the conversion of secondary areas to pasture through burning.
Conservation Actions Underway
It occurs in Boa Nova National Park and Serra das Lontras National Park.
Conservation Actions Proposed
Survey to more accurately quantify the population. Survey potentially suitable habitat to locate additional populations. Monitor the population trend. Protect suitable habitat and retain zones of intact forest alongside productive forest. Carry out awareness and education work in local communities.
Text account compilers
Martin, R., Hermes, C.
Contributors
Wheatley, H.
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Species factsheet: Boa Nova Tapaculo Scytalopus gonzagai. Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/boa-nova-tapaculo-scytalopus-gonzagai on 22/12/2024.
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 22/12/2024.