Data Zone
Justification of Red List category
This species has an extremely large range, and hence does not 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). Despite the fact that the population trend appears to be decreasing, the decline is not believed to be sufficiently rapid to approach the thresholds for Vulnerable under the population trend criterion (>30% decline over ten years or three generations). The population size is extremely large, and hence does not 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. In Suriname, it is described as very common in both primary and selectively logged forests, though it is rare to uncommon in savanna and coastal forests (O. Ottema in litt. 2020). Likewise, it is very common in French Guiana, with a population of more than 400,000 pairs (Jullien and Thiollay 1998, Claessens 2000).
In French Guiana, a density of 6 pairs/km2 could be observed (Jullien and Thiollay 1998, Claessens 2000). Under the assumption that this density is representative for the entire range, the global population will likely exceed 1,000,000 mature individuals.
Trend justification
There are no data on the overall population trend, but it cannot be ruled out that the species is undergoing slow declines on the basis of its forest-dependence and slow rates of deforestation within the range.
Over ten years, 2% of tree cover is lost from the species' range (Global Forest Watch 2022, using Hansen et al. [2013] data and methods disclosed therein). Population declines are therefore likely equally low and localised; they are here tentatively placed in the band 1-5% over ten years. Population trends may however vary locally; in Suriname, where large tracts of pristine forests remain (Global Forest Watch 2022), the population is believed to be stable (O. Ottema in litt. 2020).
Epinecrophylla gutturalis occurs across the Guyana Shield region of northern South America. It ranges from Bolívar and Delta Amacuro in Venezuela through Guyana, Suriname and French Guiana into northern Brazil (Amapá, Pará and Amazonas).
This is a lowland and foothill forest species occurring up to 1,000 m, but more usually below 600 m (del Hoyo et al. 2003). It is restricted to the understorey in the interior of humid and wet "terra firme" forest (with no flooding) (del Hoyo et al. 2003, Hilty 2003, Restall et al. 2006). It is commonly associated with mixed-species flocks (Jullien and Thiollay 1998, Claessens 2000).
Possible threats to the species include logging and mining activities, both of which appear to be increasing (O. Ottema in litt. 2020). However, their impact on overall habitat availability is currently believed to be low, as these threats act on small and localised scales and large tracts of pristine, undisturbed forests remain, particularly in the Guyanas (O. Ottema in litt. 2020, Global Forest Watch 2022). Deforestation due to conversion for subsistence and industrial agriculture may however be locally higher, particularly in the Brazilian part of the range (Global Forest Watch 2022).
Conservation Actions Underway
The species occurs in several protected areas throughout its range, including Canaima National Park in Venezuela, Central Suriname Nature Reserve in Suriname (O. Ottema in litt. 2020), Adolfo Ducke Forest Reserve in Brazil, and Trinité and Noragues nature reserves and Parc Amazonien de Guyane in French Guiana (O. Claessens and V. Pelletier in litt. 2020).
Conservation Actions Proposed
Research the species' ecology and behaviour. Monitor the population trend. Monitor rates of habitat loss.
9-11 cm. Small, understorey, gleaning antwren showing some sexual dimorphism. Male is olive-brown above and grey below, with a black throat spotted white. Female in contrast is buff below, and a more yellowish olive-brown colour above, with darker flanks. Voice A short, evenly paced series of harsh downslurred notes, increasing in intensity and decreasing in pitch. Other brief, harsh vocalisations known.
Text account compilers
Hermes, C.
Contributors
Butchart, S., Claessens, O., Ekstrom, J., Khwaja, N., Lees, A., Ottema, O., Pelletier, V. & Symes, A.
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Species factsheet: Brown-bellied Stipplethroat Epinecrophylla gutturalis. Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/brown-bellied-stipplethroat-epinecrophylla-gutturalis on 23/11/2024.
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 23/11/2024.