Data Zone
Justification of Red List category
This species is suspected to undergo moderately rapid declines on the basis of extensive forest loss and the further impacts of habitat degradation and fragmentation in its range. It is consequently assessed as Near Threatened. Cryptic Forest-falcon remains widespread, if easily overlooked, and is estimated to have a large population size.
Population justification
The species is described as fairly common and easily overlooked (Whittaker 2002). In Bolivia, densities of 1 pair/20-67 ha were observed (Whittaker 2002), which roughly equates to 3-10 mature individuals/km2. Even under the conservative assumption that only 25% of forests within the range are occupied at this density (i.e., c. 400,000 km2; Global Forest Watch 2023), the global population is presumed to be large, likely numbering over 1,000,000 mature individuals.
The species' stronghold appears to be in the Amazon, and it is rarely observed in the Atlantic Forest where the population is likely to be comparatively small (Fjeldsa et al. 2020, eBird 2023).
Trend justification
The population trend has not been investigated, but the species is described as becoming rarer particularly in the Atlantic Forest part of the range, likely as a consequence of forest destruction (Fjeldsa et al. 2020).
Over three generations (19.5 years), 16% of tree cover is lost within the range (Global Forest Watch 2023, using Hansen et al. [2013] data and methods disclosed therein). This value however does not account for habitat degradation and fragmentation, which are likely impacting this strictly forest-dependent species. It is therefore tentatively assumed that population declines exceed the rate of tree cover loss by half, amounting to 24% over three generations. Accounting for uncertainties, population declines are therefore here placed in the band 20-29% over three generations. Notably, the rate of population decline may vary across the range, given that habitat loss and degradation appear more severe in the Atlantic Forest than in the Amazon Basin (B. Phalan in litt. 2023).
This species has a large range in two disjunct areas; in the Atlantic Forest of eastern Brazil and in southern Amazonia from north-east Bolivia north-east to Pará and Maranhao, Brazil. Range in the Atlantic Forest is highly restricted, with records from only a handful of sites (Fjeldsa et al. 2020, eBird 2023, B. Phalen in litt. 2024).
It inhabits the interior of lowland terra firme and várzea forest with dense understory, palms, vines, epiphytes or bamboo (Whittaker 2002, Fjeldså et al. 2020). Due to its elusiveness its ecology and behaviour are not well known but eats reptiles and invertebrates (Whittaker 2002) and also most likely small birds (Fjeldså et al. 2020).
The most severe threat to this species is the loss and degradation of forests within its range (Fjeldsa et al. 2020). The main drivers are expansion of large-scale agricultural developments including animal farming and plantations, logging, mining and road construction.
Conservation Actions Underway
CITES Appendix II.
Conservation Actions Proposed
Accurately quantify the population size. Survey to ascertain the status of the population in the Atlantic Forest. Research the species' ecology and behaviour, particularly its tolerance of habitat loss, degradation and fragmentation. Monitor the population trend. Protect areas of suitable habitat within the range.
Text account compilers
Hermes, C.
Contributors
Pilgrim, J.
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Species factsheet: Cryptic Forest-falcon Micrastur mintoni. Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/cryptic-forest-falcon-micrastur-mintoni 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.