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

Justification of Red List category
This species has an extremely large range, and hence does not approach the thresholds for Vulnerable under the range size criterion (Extent of Occurrence <20,000 km² combined with a declining or fluctuating range size, habitat extent/quality, or population size and a small number of locations or severe fragmentation). Despite the fact that the population trend appears to be decreasing, the decline is not believed to be sufficiently rapid to approach the thresholds for Vulnerable under the population trend criterion (>30% decline over ten years or three generations). The population size may be moderately small to large, but it is not believed to approach the thresholds for Vulnerable under the population size criterion (<10,000 mature individuals with a continuing decline estimated to be >10% in ten years or three generations, or with a specified population structure). For these reasons the species is evaluated as Least Concern.

Population justification
The species is described as uncommon to locally common (Stotz et al. 1996, Short and Kirwan 2020). In Colombia, densities of 4.6-8.8 individuals/km² could be observed (Renjifo et al. 2014 and references therein), though this may be an overestimate (E. Botero-Delgadillo in litt. 2023). Assuming that these densities are representative for the entire range, and assuming that only 25% of forests within the range are occupied to account for the species' apparent rarity and localised occurrence (i.e., 8,000-13,000 km²; Global Forest Watch 2022), the global population may number c.36,800-114,400 individuals. This roughly equates to 25,000-77,000 mature individuals.

Trend justification
The population trend has not been investigated, but it is feared that the species is undergoing a decline as a consequence of habitat loss and fragmentation. It is reportedly rarer in secondary forests and plantations than in mature forests (Renjifo et al. 2014).
Over three generations (16.9 years), 2% of tree cover is lost within the range (Global Forest Watch 2022, using Hansen et al. [2013] data and methods disclosed therein). Rates of forest loss can however be locally higher, and habitat continues to be degraded and fragmented (Short and Kirwan 2020). Moreover, similar to its congener A. laminirostris, it may depend on tall trees and standing deadwood for nesting sites (per Short and Sharpe 2020) so that the population is disproportionately affected by habitat loss and selective logging. Nevertheless, most deforestation is happening below the species' altitudinal range, and high-elevation forests currently appear at low risk (Short and Kirwan 2020, Global Forest Watch 2022).
It cannot be ruled out that the species is locally hunted, though its impact, if at all, is unlikely to be major (per Renjifo et al. 2014). Consequently, a slow population decline is suspected, which is here tentatively placed in the band 1-19% over three generations.

Andigena hypoglauca occurs in montane Andean forests from central Colombia through Ecuador to southern Peru. 

It occurs in wet montane and cloud forest, but also in stunted forest near the tree-line, forest edge and mature secondary forest, mostly at 2,000-3,650 m, but occasionally to 1,390 m and up to 4,270 m (Short and Kirwan 2020).

The main threat to this species is the logging and fragmentation of high Andean forests for conversion for agriculture, livestock grazing, mining and firewood collection (Renjifo et al. 2014, Short and Kirwan 2020). Most deforestation is however currently focussed on areas below the species' altitudinal range; tree cover loss within the range is low (Global Forest Watch 2022). Rates of logging may however be locally high, e.g. in northern Peru (Barnes et al. 1995, Dinerstein et al. 1995, Stattersfield et al. 1998, Global Forest Watch 2022). The species may also locally be hunted, but likely at a very low rate (Renjifo et al. 2014).

Conservation Actions Underway
The species occurs within several protected areas across its range, including Nevados, Puracé and Nevado del Huila National Parks in Colombia, and Cajas and Podocarpus National Parks in Ecuador. It is listed as Vulnerable at the national level in Colombia and Ecuador (Renjifo et al. 2014, Freile et al. 2019) and as Near Threatened in Peru (SERFOR 2018).

Conservation Actions Proposed
Survey potentially suitable habitat between known sites to locate additional populations. Accurately quantify the population size. Study its ecology and its ability to persist in fragmented populations and in degraded and fragmented habitats. Monitor the population trend. Quantify the extent and impact of hunting. Protect areas of suitable habitat within the range. Raise awareness for the species and its habitat.

Text account compilers
Hermes, C.

Contributors
Benstead, P., Botero-Delgadillo, E., Capper, D., Sharpe, C.J. & Symes, A.

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Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Species factsheet: Grey-breasted Mountain-toucan Andigena hypoglauca. Downloaded from https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/grey-breasted-mountain-toucan-andigena-hypoglauca 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.