Data Zone
Justification of Red List category
This species is assessed as Near Threatened because it is known from only a few sites within its small range, in which habitat is slowly, but gradually, degrading. The population is feared to be small and declining slowly as a consequence of habitat degradation and, possibly, the impact of hunting.
Population justification
The population size has not been quantified. Other Crypturellus species vary in density from 1 mature individual/km2 (C. variegatus in Peru) to 6 mature individuals/km2 (C. undulatus in Brazil; Santini et al. 2018). Assuming that this species occurs at a similar density, and further assuming that c.50% of forests within the range are occupied to account for its preference for hilly and steep terrain (i.e. 1,300 km2; Global Forest Watch 2022), the global population may number 1,300-7,800 mature individuals. This number however requires confirmation and detailed surveys to quantify the population size are essential.
Trend justification
The population trend has not been quantified, but due to its dependence on forest interior a slow decline is suspected on the basis of habitat loss and degradation; moreover, the species may be subject to hunting (Gomes 2020). Tree cover loss is negligible within the known range (1% over three generations; Global Forest Watch 2022, using Hansen et al. [2013] data and methods disclosed therein). However, the impacts of habitat degradation and hunting on the population size has not been quantified. It is tentatively suspected that these are causing slow declines at a rate of 1-9% over three generations.
Crypturellus kerriae is a poorly-known species occurring in the southern part of Darién province, Panama, and south through Chocó department to northern Valle del Cauca Colombia. It is seldom recorded and only a small number of occupied sites are known. The species may however be more widespread than currently known with a continuous occurrence between known sites.
It occurs in humid primary forest, where it is often found in hilly and steep terrain, at elevations up to 1,500 m (Robbins et al. 1985, Gomes 2020). It forages for seeds and fruit on the ground, but its ecology remains largely unknown (Gomes 2020).
Even though its tolerance of converted and disturbed habitats is unknown, the species is thought to be threatened by forest loss and degradation throughout its range (Gomes 2020). Tree cover loss is currently however negligible within the range (1% over three generations; Global Forest Watch 2022, using Hansen et al. [2013] data and methods disclosed therein); vast areas of seemingly suitable habitat remain, but road construction, human settlement, timber extraction and mining are causing gradual reductions. It is presumably hunted wherever humans are present.
Conservation Actions Underway
The species occurs in several protected areas across its range, including Darién National Park, Panama, and Utría National Natural Park, Colombia (Renjifo et al. 2014).
25-26.5 cm. Smallish, plain, dark tinamou. Dark brown, with blackish crown, slate-grey sides of neck, whitish throat and inconspicuous fine barring on the upperparts. Female darker with coarser barring on wing-coverts and breast, and grey flanks. Red legs. Similar spp. Little Tinamou C. soui is smaller with greyish legs. Berlepsch's Tinamou C. berlepschi is larger and blackish. Voice Low, faint, mournful, three-note whistle.
Text account compilers
Hermes, C.
Contributors
Angehr, G., Benstead, P., Clay, R.P., Porteous, B., Salaman, P.G.W., Sharpe, C J & Symes, A.
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Species factsheet: Choco Tinamou Crypturellus kerriae. Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/choco-tinamou-crypturellus-kerriae on 23/12/2024.
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 23/12/2024.