Justification of Red List category
This species is suspected to have a small population (2,500-10,000 mature individuals), with the largest subpopulation smaller than 1,000 individuals, and is declining as land is converted to agriculture, as well as the regeneration of shrubland, tree planting and grazing leading to a decrease in the amount of suitable grassland for this species. For these reasons, it is evaluated as Near Threatened.
Population justification
The species has recently been re-found in Myanmar (Eaton et al. 2014), but the population there is assumed to be very low (Leader et al. 2010) and Eaton et al. (2014) reported the species for the first time in Cambodia where the population is estimated to be at least 250 mature individuals (S. Mahood in litt. 2018). Extensive surveys have been undertaken in south-east China, which generated records from Gaungxi and Guangdong (Lee et al. 2006; Leader et al. 2010): of 175 sites surveyed across south-east China, only 33 birds at 14 sites were detected (five in Guangdong, nine from Guangxi) suggesting that the species is very scarce and localised (Zheng et al. 2021). In Hong Kong, the population has been estimated at 50-100 pairs (Leader et al. 2010) or maybe 490 individuals (So et al. 2012). Overall, the population is suspected to comprise fewer than 10,000 mature individuals, and is placed in the range 2,500-10,000. The largest known subpopulation is in Hong Kong, where up to 490 individuals have been estimated.
Trend justification
The population is suspected to be undergoing a slow decline as land is converted to agriculture, as well due to regeneration of shrubland, tree planting and grazing leading to a decrease in the amount of suitable grassland for this species (Leader et al. 2010).The species has become extinct in Vietnam and Thailand, principally a result of draining and wetlands, while populations in Myanmar and Cambodia now remain exceptionally disjunct. Ecological niche modelling (Zheng et al. 2021) has indicated that the total area of suitable habitat in south-east China (where the species is most widespread) for this species has declined by 18.9% over 20 years, which is equivalent to c.9% over ten years. It is estimated that this decline will continue (Zheng et al. 2021).
Graminicola striatus is widespread in south-east mainland China (resident in Guangxi and Guangdong; Lee et al. 2006; Leader et al. 2010; Zheng et al. 2021) with a stronghold in Hong Kong; there are no recent records from Hainan (the type locality), despite recent surveys and the persistence of suitable habitat (Zheng et al. 2021). The populations are suspected to number 490 individuals in Hong Kong, and c.2,500 individuals in south-east China (So et al. 2012; Zheng et al. 2021). It was recorded for the first time at Lake Inle, Myanmar and Pursat, Cambodia, in 2012 and 2013 respectively (Eaton et al. 2014). The previous record attributed to Myanmar (in Tenasserim) is thought to be a misidentification (Zheng et al. 2021). The population in Myanmar is assumed to be very small (Leader et al. 2010) and that in Cambodia of >250 mature individuals pending further surveys. There have been no recent records from Vietnam or Thailand and here it is assumed to be extinct (Leader et al. 2010, Zheng et al. 2021). Overall, the population is suspected to number <10,000 mature individuals. The population is likely to be declining as land is converted to agriculture, as well as the regeneration of shrubland, tree planting and grazing leading to a decrease in the amount of suitable grassland for this species (Leader et al. 2010; Zheng et al. 2021).
It occurs in tall (taller than 1 m) lowland wet grassland, reed-swamp and other emergent vegetation in or bordering freshwater swamps or along banks of rivers in lowlands (Baral et al. 2006). In China it is most commonly associated with Miscanthus- or Indocalamus-dominated grassland (Zheng et al. 2021), but also occurs in areas dominated by dwarf bamboo (P. Leader in litt. 2007). Also found in rugged hilltop grasslands (Zheng et al. 2021) and an area in Hong Kong burned only three months prior (So et al. 2012). The species occurs at elevations up to 900 m (del Hoyo et al. 2020).
It is restricted to grassland and is therefore susceptible to modification of grassland and wetland habitat. Drainage, burning, over-grazing and conversion to agriculture are the most pertinent threats, although it may also be impacted by continuing reforestation efforts in south-east China (Zheng et al. 2021).
Conservation Actions Underway
It occurs in a number of protected areas.
Text account compilers
Berryman, A., Fernando, E., Wheatley, H.
Contributors
Benstead, P., Crosby, M., Khwaja, N., Kilburn, M., Leader, P., Mahood, S. & Thompson, P.
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2025) Species factsheet: Chinese Grass-babbler Graminicola striatus. Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/chinese-grass-babbler-graminicola-striatus on 11/01/2025.
Recommended citation for factsheets for more than one species: BirdLife International (2025) IUCN Red List for birds. Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/search on 11/01/2025.