Data Zone
Justification of Red List category
This species is classified as Near Threatened as it is thought to have a small population, which is suspected to be in decline owing to extensive pressure from habitat loss in parts of the range.
Population justification
The global population size has not been quantified, but this species is described as fairly common, though apparently occurring at a low density (Zimmer and Isler 2020).
Assuming that the species occurs at a similar density to a congener in the Peruvian Amazon (T. aethiops: 2 mature individuals/km2; Santini et al. 2018), and that 20% of forests within the range are occupied to account for its low density (i.e., 4,000 km2; Global Forest Watch 2022), the global population may number 8,000 mature individuals.
Trend justification
There are no data on the population trend, but declines are suspected on the basis of the species' specific habitat requirements and ongoing deforestation within the range. Even though vast tracts of undisturbed, pristine habitat remain, logging activities particularly in the western part of the range in proximity to human settlements are extensive (Global Forest Watch 2022).
Over ten years, 6% of tree cover is lost within the known range (Global Forest Watch 2022, using Hansen et al. [2013] data and methods disclosed therein). The species shows a preference for dense riparian forests, which are mostly easily accessible and consequently at a disproportionate risk of loss and degradation. Population declines may therefore exceed the rate of tree cover loss; they are here tentatively placed in the band 1-19% over ten years.
Thamnophilus praecox was known only from the type-specimen until 1991, when it was rediscovered in north-east Ecuador. It is now known from Napo, Sucumbíos and Orellana, Ecuador, as well as from Putumayo and Caquetá, Colombia, but may also occur in adjacent Peru.
It occurs in lower growth and borders of frequently flooded várzea forest, primarily in thickets along small streams. It appears to prefer slow-moving blackwater rivers (Ridgely and Tudor 1994, Zimmer and Isler 2020).
Deforestation is extensive in the western part of the range (particularly in Ecuador) due to the expansion of oil exploration (Stattersfield et al. 1998, Zimmer and Isler 2020). Particularly the species' preferred riparian forests are susceptible to encroachment, conversion and degradation due to their being easily accessible from rivers. Vast areas of pristine habitat however remain in the eastern part of the range (Global Forest Watch 2022).
Conservation Actions Underway
The species is listed as Vulnerable at the national level in Ecuador (Freile et al. 2019).
Conservation Actions Proposed
Conduct surveys in suitable habitat near known sites to determine the full extent of the range. Accurately quantify the population size. Research the species' ecology and behaviour. Monitor the population trend. Monitor rates of habitat loss.
Effectively protect significant areas of suitable forest at key sites, in both strictly protected areas and community led multiple use areas.
Text account compilers
Hermes, C.
Contributors
Butchart, S., Gilroy, J., Greenfield, P., Mahood, S., Ridgely, R.S., Sharpe, C.J. & Wheatley, H.
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Species factsheet: Cocha Antshrike Thamnophilus praecox. Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/cocha-antshrike-thamnophilus-praecox on 22/11/2024.
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 22/11/2024.