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 'uncommon' (Stotz et al. 1996). Tentatively assuming that the species occurs at the same density as a congener (G. varia: 3 mature individuals/km2; Santini et al. 2018) and further assuming that 25% of forested habitat within the range is occupied to account for its rarity (i.e., c. 4,500 km2), the population may number 13,500 mature individuals. To account for uncertainty, it is here placed in the band 10,000-19,999 mature individuals, but an exact population estimate is urgently required.
Trend justification
The species is feared to be in slow decline as a consequence of habitat loss and degradation. Within the range, tree cover is lost at a rate of 2% over three generations (11.7 years; Global Forest Watch 2021, using Hansen et al. [2013] data and methods disclosed therein). As the species appears to show at least some tolerance of secondary growth (see Schulenberg and Kirwan 2021), population declines are unlikely to be fast; they are here tentatively placed in the band 1-9% over three generations.
Grallaria blakei is patchily distributed in the Andes of north and central Peru (Ridgely and Tudor 1994). Disjunct populations occur in Amazonas, San Martín, Amazonas, Huánuco, Junín and Ayacucho; the species may however have a wider distribution than currently known (Schulenberg and Kirwan 2021).
It inhabits montane forest and secondary woodland, generally on or near the ground, preferring areas with a dense bamboo understorey (Ridgely and Tudor 1994).
It is primarily threatened by forest destruction through conversion for agricultural purposes. However, large parts of the range are remote and currently only under low pressure from human activities (Schulenberg and Kirwan 2021).
Conservation Actions Underway
No targeted actions are known.
Conservation Actions Proposed
Conduct surveys of suitable habitats within and surrounding the known range to determine its true distribution. Quantify the population size. Investigate its behaviour, ecological requirements and subpopulation structure. Assess threats to the species. Monitor the population trend. Ensure that remaining tracts of suitable habitat receive adequate protection.
Text account compilers
Hermes, C.
Contributors
Butchart, S., Gilroy, J., Lane, D. & Sharpe, C.J.
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Species factsheet: Chestnut Antpitta Grallaria blakei. Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/chestnut-antpitta-grallaria-blakei 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.