Data Zone
Justification of Red List category
This species has a large range which exceeds threatened thresholds under the range size criterion. The population size has not been quantified, but it is not believed to approach the thresholds for Vulnerable under the population size criterion. Despite the fact that the population trend appears to be decreasing, the decline is not believed to be sufficiently rapid to approach threatened thresholds under the population trend criterion.
For these reasons the species is evaluated as Least Concern.
Population justification
The global population size has not been quantified, but the species was reported to be locally common to rare in the 1990s, and currently fairly common within its narrow range (Kirwan et al. 2022, J. Bradley in litt. 2024).
Trend justification
Little is known about the actual demographics of the species' population, but its habitat is undergoing destruction and degradation due to increasing human pressure and subsequent conversion to agriculture, moorland fires and overgrazing from intensive livestock farming (Turner et al. 2020). As the species is dependent on such moorland, it is therefore suspected that the species' population is experiencing a decline in line with the loss of its habitat. Due to lack of information on this species' population size and demography, the rate of decline has not been quantified.
Scleroptila elgonensis occupies a restricted and fragmented range in central Kenya and eastern Uganda, occurring on Mount Elgon, Aberdare Mountain Range, Mount Kenya and Mau Narok, although no recent records from the latter region have been found to confirm its continued presence there (Kirwan et al. 2022, eBird 2023, Kenya Bird Map 2023). It is believed that the total area actually occupied by the species is no more than 1,450km2 (J. Bradley in litt. 2024).
It is found in pairs or family parties and in montane Erica spp. moorland and short sward grassland between 1,800 m and 4,000 m; it is considered common above 3,000 m on Mt. Elgon, in areas subject to high levels of rainfall (del Hoyo et al. 1994, Zimmerman et al. 1996, Kirwan et al. 2022). Its diet is believed to comprise bulbs and roots, foraged in damp areas of grass or sedge, but may also feed on leftover wheat grains in fields (Kirwan et al. 2022).
Although protected areas cover much of its range, including National Parks, its high altitude moorland and grassland habitats are nevertheless under pressure from the impacts associated with the increasing human population in the region. The main threats are moorland burning, overgrazing and conversion of land for agricultural purposes, noted in the UNESCO Biosphere reserve of Mount Elgon Forest Ecosystem (del Hoyo et al. 1994, Turner et al. 2020) but apparent also in Mau Narok. It may also be hunted for food in Uganda (del Hoyo et al. 1994), though it is unclear if this is at levels that could impact its population.
Conservation and research actions underway
This species occurs in three National Parks (Mount Elgon, Mount Kenya and Aberdare) and one UNESCO Biosphere Reserve (Mount Elgon Forest Ecosystem).
Conservation and research actions proposed
Conduct surveys to determine its population size, and further assess its distribution, habitat requirements, and the scope and severity of the threats it faces. Establish a regular monitoring scheme in order to determine the species' population trend. Ensure effective protection and management of protected areas of suitable habitat within its range.
c. 32cm. A medium-sized francolin with a white throat, dark rufous-brown upperparts and rufous underparts with full black spots. Similar spp. S. psilolaema has paler buff underparts with a few chestnut markings, is paler on the upperparts and has a white throat with dense dark brown to black speckles.
Text account compilers
Rutherford, C.A.
Contributors
Bradley, J., Symes, A. & Taylor, J.
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Species factsheet: Elgon Francolin Scleroptila elgonensis. Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/elgon-francolin-scleroptila-elgonensis on 22/12/2024.
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 22/12/2024.