Data Zone
Justification of Red List category
This species has a moderately small range, within which its area of occupancy is highly uncertain, and may fall beneath the threshold for listing as threatened, but is considered more likely to exceed it. The number of locations is also uncertain, and may approach the threshold for listing as threatened. Its habitat quality is inferred to be declining due to uncontrolled fires and its area of habitat is projected to decline as a result of climate change. It is consequently classified as Near Threatened.
Population justification
This species is described as 'relatively common in its area of occurrence' (Almeida and Raposo 1999, Machado et al. 2018). Based on the first quartile and median population densities of other hummingbird species in similar habitats, the area of the species's mapped range and assuming 10-14% of the range is occupied, the population is tentatively suspected to fall within the range 35,000 - 100,000 mature individuals.
Trend justification
The species's quality of habitat is declining as a result of fires and coal exploration (Machado et al. 2018). A projection of the impact of climate change on the species's range predicted that the area of the species's range would undergo a reduction of 80-90% by 2045-2060 (Marini et al. 2009). The population size is therefore suspected to be declining.
Augastes lumachella is restricted to Bahia, north-east Brazil, where it is restricted to high elevations in the northern Espinhaço range, on Chapada Diamantina and in the area of Boqueirão da Onça (Vasconcelos et al. 2008, de Souza et al. 2009, Pacifico and Almeda 2019).
It occurs above 750m (de Souza et al. 2009) in areas of arid and semi-arid montane scrub (campo rupestre) that are rich in cacti, bromeliads, Velloziaceae and orchids. It constructs nests out of cactus spikes in tree forks a metre from the ground (Machado et al. 2003). It feeds on flower nectar and insects (Almeida and Raposo 1999).
Much of its range was colonised when diamonds and gold were found in the region in the 19th century, and small operations persist. Quartz crystals and manganese are also mined. The current principal threats are uncontrolled fires, coal mining developments, unsustainable tourism, conversion of habitat to pasture for cattle ranching and urban expansion (Vasconcelos et al. 2008, Machado et al. 2018). A projection of the impact of climate change on the species's range predicted that the area of the species's range would undergo a reduction of 80-90% by 2045-2060 (Marini et al. 2009).
Conservation Actions Underway
CITES Appendix II. Listed as Endangered on the Brazil National Red List (Machado et al. 2018). The species is included in the National Action Plan for the Conservation of Birds of the Caatinga (ICMBio 2015). Occurs at Cachoeira do Ferro Doido National Monument, Chapada Diamantina National Park, Sete Passagens State Park, Morro do Chapéu State Park and Mucugê Municipal Park. The Sempre-Viva Project at the Mucugê Municipal Park is working to conserve the habitat within the protected area and carries out environmental education for schools (Machado et al. 2018, Guia Mucugê undated).
Text account compilers
Wheatley, H.
Contributors
Benstead, P., Capper, D., Luiz, É.R., Machado, C., Sharpe, C.J., Symes, A. & Whitney, B.
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Species factsheet: Hooded Visorbearer Augastes lumachella. Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/hooded-visorbearer-augastes-lumachella on 25/11/2024.
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 25/11/2024.