LC
Canebrake Groundcreeper Clibanornis dendrocolaptoides



Justification

Justification of Red List category
This species has a very 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 may be moderately small to large, but it is not believed to 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, but this species is described as rare (Stotz et al. 1996, Remsen Jr. 2020). In the past, it was considered very local and scarce throughout its range, though it was almost certainly previously overlooked. There has been an increase in records now that its voice is known, and as a result its population is believed to considerably exceed 10,000 mature individuals. It is here tentatively placed in the band 20,000-49,999 mature individuals, though this requires confirmation.

Trend justification
A population decline is suspected to be occurring, owing to continuing habitat degradation and loss within the species' range. Trends have not been quantified by direct surveys. Over three generations (10.8 years), 11% of tree cover is lost within the range (Global Forest Watch 2022, using Hansen et al. [2013] data and methods disclosed therein). The species appears to show a preference for forest edges and tall secondary growth (Remsen Jr. 2020); therefore population declines are suspected to be roughly equivalent to the rate of tree cover loss. Tentatively, declines are here placed in the band 1-19% over three generations.

Distribution and population

Clibanornis dendrocolaptoides occurs in in south Brazil (southern São Paulo, Paraná, Santa Catarina and north-central Rio Grande do Sul), south-east Paraguay (Alto Paraná, Caazapá and Itapúa) and north-east Argentina (Misiones).

Ecology

This species inhabits dense undergrowth of montane and lowland evergreen forests at elevations up to 1,200 m (Remsen Jr. 2020). It is mostly found along forest edges and in tall secondary growth in hilly terrain (Remsen Jr. 2020). In Brazil, it prefers  bamboo thickets and other dense vegetation in ravines near water (B. M. Whitney in litt. 1992, Remsen Jr. 2020). It feeds on arthropods, but its ecology remains largely unknown (Remsen Jr. 2020).

Threats

The species is threatened by the degradation, destruction and fragmentation of its Atlantic forest habitat caused by an increase in human population and subsequent logging of forests for timber extraction as well as for conversion to agricultural plantations and pastures. However, the species is commonly found along edges and in second growth, and is reported to persist in small forest fragments (F. Straube pers. comm. 2003, Remsen Jr. 2020), which suggests that this threat is unlikely to be driving a rapid population decline. In Argentina, the building of dams has flooded parts of its former range.

Conservation actions

Conservation Actions Underway
The species occurs in several protected areas throughout its range, including Iguazú and Araucárias national parks. It is listed as Endangered at the national level in Argentina (MAyDS and AA 2017).

Conservation Actions Proposed
Survey areas of suitable habitat within and surrounding the known range in order to determine its true distribution and abundance. Conduct ecological studies to research the species' precise habitat requirements and behaviour. Investigate its tolerance of secondary and fragmented habitats. Monitor the population trend. Monitor rates of habitat loss. Protect suitable habitat within the range to prevent further loss and degradation. Restore degraded forests within the range.

Identification

21.5 cm. Robust, largely terrestrial furnariid. Rufous-brown above, brightest on crown and long tail. Buffy-grey postocular stripe. Off-white throat, flecked black around malar. Rest of underparts grey, with brownish flanks and undertail. Strong bill. Similar spp. Larger and more boldly marked than other sympatric forest furnariids. Voice Series of loud and harsh, staccato chek notes. Single call notes.

Acknowledgements

Text account compilers
Hermes, C.

Contributors
Butchart, S., Gilroy, J., Jaramillo, A.P., Mazar Barnett, J., Pearman, M., Sharpe, C.J., Straube, F.C. & Whitney, B.


Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Species factsheet: Canebrake Groundcreeper Clibanornis dendrocolaptoides. Downloaded from https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/canebrake-groundcreeper-clibanornis-dendrocolaptoides 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.