• Summary
• Text account
• Data table and detailed info
• Distribution map
• Reference and further resources

Justification of Red List category
This species has a small, declining population and range, which is also severely fragmented as a result of destruction of subtropical forest. It therefore qualifies as Vulnerable.

Population justification
This species occurs at high densities at some sites (mean 60 individuals/km² at two localities), but it is 'very local', and in further surveys breeding density has been considered to be lower (1.75 males per km²) (Yiqiang Fu 2011; see also Yiqiang Fu et al. 2013). Detailed analysis of records in BirdLife International (2001) concluded that 'its total population may be rather small' i.e. 2,500-9,999 individuals. This equates to 1,667-6,666 mature individuals, rounded here to 1,500-7,000 mature individuals.

Trend justification
The population is suspected to be declining at a moderate rate, in line with rates of habitat loss and degradation within the species's range.

Liocichla omeiensis is endemic to China, where it is known from mountain ranges in south-central Sichuan, and has more recently been found in extreme north-east Yunnan. It has been found to be locally common at some localities (e.g. Emei, Laojun and Wawu mountains [S. Francis in litt. 2016]) in the Liaoliangshan and Daxiangling ranges. However, the latest research shows that its geographic range is probably declining (Fu Yiqiang in litt. 2012).

It is found in pairs or small groups in the undergrowth of subtropical and temperate montane broadleaved forest and in secondary forest, scrub and bamboo during the breeding season (at 1,400-2,400 m) and vegetation dominated by herbs and scrub in the winter (generally from 500-1,400 m) (Yiqiang Fu et al. 2013). Breeding may take place from late April through to late August (Yi-Qiang Fu et al. 2011). Its diet includes fruit and invertebrates.

The main threat is the loss and fragmentation of forest within its range, much of which has already been cleared or degraded, through logging and conversion to agriculture. Remaining areas of forest are under some pressure from localised wood cutting and logging, although there has been a recent ban on large scale commercial logging in this part of China, and the species is tolerant of logged forest habitats, surviving in secondary growth and bamboo. Disturbance from people collecting bamboo shoots and other forest products, and from grazing livestock and trapping for export as cage-birds may be minor threats (Jie Wang in litt. 2007). An emerging threat may come from reforestation schemes whereby new laws allow small-holders to clear native hillside scrub to grow commercial plant species (fruit/medicine trees or bushes) (S. Francis in litt. 2016).

Conservation Actions Underway
CITES Appendix II. It is a protected species in Sichuan. Since 1999, the export of wild birds from China has been banned, but this legislation may be difficult to enforce. It occurs in or near several protected areas, including the Emei Shan Protected Scenic Site, and Mabian Dafengding, Mamize, Heizhugou and Laojun Shan nature reserves. Emei Shan is a sacred mountain and has therefore only been subject to limited forest clearance. Laojunshan, Mamize and Heizhugou nature reserves have received support to train and equip staff and to encourage alternative livelihoods and sustainable management practices amongst local communities through the Sichuan Forest Biodiversity Project, a collaboration between the Sichuan Forest Department, Chester Zoo and Liverpool John Moores University (S. Dowell in litt. 2007, Jie Wang in litt. 2007).

Conservation Actions Proposed
Conduct further surveys and ecological studies of this and other threatened species in its habitat, to clarify its population, distribution and habitat requirements, with the aim of producing management recommendations for forests where it occurs. Promote the protection of wild bamboo particularly in tourist development sites (S. Francis in litt. 2016). Support recommendations to establish a network of at least four protected areas for the Sichuan Partridge Arborophila rufipectus, including an extension to Mabian Dafengding Nature Reserve, as this will also protect habitat for this species. Support proposals to upgrade Laojunshan and Mamize nature reserves to national status. Jointly manage Mabian Dafengding Nature Reserve with Meigu Dafengding Reserve. Gazette Emei Shan Protected Scenic Site as a nature reserve, control tourism and strengthen research work. List it as a protected species in China.

20.5 cm. Grey-and-olive babbler with prominent red wing-patches. Male has extensive orange-red on undertail-coverts and tip of tail which is yellow on females. Mostly grey sides of head. Voice Song is slightly descending, musical, whistled w'yii-i w'yii-u w'yiiwi w'yii-u.

Text account compilers
Khwaja, N., Benstead, P., Westrip, J., Gilroy, J., Derhé, M.

Contributors
Wang, J., Yiqiang, F., Dowell, S., Francis, S.

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Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Species factsheet: Emei Shan Liocichla Liocichla omeiensis. Downloaded from https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/emei-shan-liocichla-liocichla-omeiensis 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.