Data Zone
Justification of Red List category
This species is strongly dependent on edges of campina savanna. Rates of habitat loss, and with that population decline, have been accelerating to a moderately rapid rate, and the species is consequently assessed as Near Threatened.
Population justification
Based on observed densities and extrapolated over the area of available habitat, the population was estimated at roughly 26,000 mature individuals (Santos Junior 2008, Aleixo et al. 2023).
Trend justification
The population trend has not been investigated, but due to the species' highly specific habitat requirements and intolerance of degradation, declines are inferred on the basis of ongoing habitat destruction in the Amazon basin.
There is no quantification of the rate of conversion of campina habitats, and therefore the rate of tree cover loss is here used as a proxy to derive a value for overall habitat loss and population declines. Within the range, 5% of tree cover has been lost over the past three generations (17.7 years), since 2017 this has been accelerating to a rate equivalent to 8% over three generations (Global Forest Watch 2023, using Hansen et al. [2013] data and methods disclosed therein). Notably, hotspots of deforestation are located in close proximity to campinas, in particular in the southern part of the range (cf. Cohn-Haft et al. 2013, Global Forest Watch 2023); consequently, the rate of destruction and degradation of campinas may at least be equivalent to the rate of tree cover loss. In view of the species' strict dependence on campina edges and its high sensitivity to habitat disturbance and loss, population declines are likely faster than habitat loss suggests. Tentatively, population declines are here placed in the band 10-19% over the past three generations, and from 2017 onward accelerating to 20-29% over three generations into the future.
Cyanocorax hafferi is endemic to Brazil. It is confined to the Brazilian Amazon within the Madeira-Purus interfluvium (Cohn-Haft et al. 2013). Its occurrence within the range is localised, mirroring the availability of campina habitats (see Cohn-Haft et al. 2013, Aleixo et al. 2023).
This species is only found at shrubby edges of open campina savannas and in low forests within campinas, sometimes also at the edge of tall forests in close proximity to the campinas (Santos Junior 2008, Cohn-Haft et al. 2013). It shows little tolerance of habitat conversion, and is absent from areas where the transitional vegetation between tall forests and open savannas is removed (Cohn-Haft et al. 2013). It is hypothesised that birds are able to disperse well through dense forests and may even occupy them outside of the breeding season (Cohn-Haft et al. 2013).
The most severe threat is the loss, degradation and disturbance of suitable habitat. The species has strict habitat requirements and is not found in areas where the shrubby edge vegetation is lost (Cohn-Haft et al. 2013). Habitat clearance for colonisation, cattle ranching and agriculture is accelerating, in particular in the southern part of the range; burning and draining of savannas is destroying suitable habitat (Aleixo et al. 2023, see also Global Forest Watch 2023). A further threat comes from the re-paving of the BR-319 road which passes though the species' range, as this is likely causing an increase in encroachment and habitat loss (Cohn-Haft et al. 2013). Further destruction may occur as a consequence of the construction of gas pipelines and dam works on the rio Madeira (Cohn-Haft et al. 2013).
Conservation Actions Underway
The species is included in the Action Plan for the conservation of Amazonian birds (ICMBio 2015). It occurs in several protected areas across its range, including Mapinguari National Park (Aleixo et al. 2023).
Conservation Actions Proposed
Conduct surveys to better understand the species' distribution and occurrence within the range. Research the species' ecology to better understand habitat use. Quantify the rate of loss and destruction of campina habitat. Monitor the population trend.
Protect areas of suitable habitat within the range. Consider restoring degraded areas. Alleviate the impacts of the BR-319 road by designating appropriate buffer zones. Safeguard remaining habitat from illegal logging and encroachment. Raise awareness for the species and its habitat.
Text account compilers
Hermes, C.
Contributors
Westrip, J.R.S.
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Species factsheet: Campina Jay Cyanocorax hafferi. Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/campina-jay-cyanocorax-hafferi on 25/12/2024.
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 25/12/2024.