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Justification of Red List category

This species has a small population size, and is inferred to be declining owing to habitat loss. It is therefore classified as Vulnerable.

Population justification

Based on observations of 6 territories in <1km (Dowsett-Lemaire and Dowsett 1998b), and assuming that it inhabits 20% of the forest within its range (2,120 km² [Global Forest Watch 2021]), the population is estimated to be c.5,088 individuals, roughly equivalent to 3,392 mature individuals. However, the density estimate was obtained from the species’s stronghold, and it is less common elsewhere. Therefore, the population size is placed in the band 2,500-9,999 mature individuals.

Trend justification
The population is inferred to be declining in line with forest loss and degradation within the species's range. Between 2000-2019, this species's range experienced a 2.6% loss in forest cover (Global Forest Watch 2020). This equates to a loss of 1.7% over 3 generations. Tchoumbou et al. (2020) suggest that overall, the rate of deforestation in Cameroon is higher, at a 1% loss per annum. This would equate to a loss of c.12% over 3 generations for this species. Between 2016-2019, this species's range experienced forest cover loss of 1.1% (Global Forest Watch 2020). Projected forward over 3 generations this equates to a loss of 4.7%. If the rate of deforestation suggested by Tchoumbou et al. (2020) continues (at 1% per annum), that would equate to c.12% over 3 generations. Assuming the population declines at a similar rate, the rate of decline is placed in the band 1-15%.

Malaconotus gladiator occurs at low densities in western Cameroon (Mt Cameroon, Rumpi Hills, Bakossi Mountains, southern slopes of Mt Manenguba [Dowsett-Lemaire and Dowsett 1999], Mt Kupe, Mt Nlonako, Mt Oku, and at four further localities in the Bamenda-Banso Highlands [Njabo and Languy 2000]) and eastern Nigeria (Obudu Plateau). The species must be on the verge of extinction on Mt Oku, as there is almost no forest remaining within its altitudinal range (Dowsett-Lemaire and Dowsett 1998a). It is uncommon on Mt Nlonako and has not been found in the north Bakossi Mountains or the highlands of Banyang Mbo, despite searches (Dowsett-Lemaire and Dowsett 1999, R. Fotso in litt. 1999). However, in 1998, it was found to be locally common in central Bakossi Mountains, with six territories located in <1 km² and this is undoubtedly the most important site for the species (Dowsett-Lemaire and Dowsett 1998b). In 1999 and 2000, it was found on the southern slopes of Mt Manenguba, where it was also fairly common (Dowsett-Lemaire and Dowsett 1999, Dowsett-Lemaire and Dowsett 2000).

This insectivorous species is found in montane forest, both primary and old secondary forest, favouring the edge of natural clearings or gaps (Dowsett-Lemaire and Dowsett 1998a), and forest/grassland mosaic from 950 to 2,300 m. Altitudes vary with locality, for example, in the Bakossi Mountains it is found down to at least 1,100 m, whilst on Mt Manenguba it is mainly found between 1,500 and 2,200 m (Dowsett-Lemaire and Dowsett 1999c, Dowsett-Lemaire and Dowsett 2000b), and on Mt. Cameroon it is reported between 900 and 1,700 m (Hořák et al., unpublished data based on a survey performed between 2011-2015).

There is already considerable loss of habitat in the Bamenda Highlands, where remaining forest is severely threatened by clearance for agriculture, grazing, firewood collection and extraction of timber, whilst forest loss on the Obudu Plateau continues at an alarming rate (P. Hall in litt. 1999). Plans for a 70,000 ha palm oil plantation threaten to significantly fragment large areas of suitable habitat in the southwestern Cameroon if approved (Linder et al. 2011).

Conservation Actions Underway
The Mount Cameroon National Park was created in December 2009, covering c.58,000 ha (WWF 2010). In the Bakossi Mountains, forests are still waiting to be classified, probably partly as forest reserves (open to timber concessions) and partly as protected areas (Dowsett-Lemaire and Dowsett 1998b). On the Obudu Plateau, a small patch of forest has been established as a reserve and it is hoped to extend protection to other forest areas on the plateau (P. Hall in litt. 1999).

Conservation Actions Proposed
Conduct surveys to assess the population size. Carry out regular surveys to monitor population trends. Monitor rates of habitat loss and degradation within the species's range. In Cameroon, conserve montane forest sites through legal protection or community forestry (F. Maisels in litt. 1998). In Nigeria, protect additional areas of forest on the Obudu Plateau (P. Hall in litt. 1999).

25 cm. Large, big headed, grey-and-green forest shrike. Combination of grey cap and nape and green body are diagnostic. Voice Series of monotonous whistles or grating notes, identical to those of Grey-headed Bush Shrike M. blanchoti. Hints Easily detected by distinctive, far-carrying call. Does not associate with other species.

Text account compilers
Clark, J.

Contributors
Benstead, P., Ekstrom, J., Fotso, R., Hall, P., Hořák, D., Maisels, F., Shutes, S., Symes, A., Taylor, J., Westrip, J.R.S. & Whytock, R.

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Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Species factsheet: Green-breasted Bushshrike Malaconotus gladiator. Downloaded from https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/green-breasted-bushshrike-malaconotus-gladiator on 23/11/2024.
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 23/11/2024.