Data Zone
Justification of Red List category
This species has a very 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 small, 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 population is tentatively suspected to number 2,500-9,999 mature individuals based on an assessment of known records, descriptions of abundance and an assumption that only a proportion of its range is occupied.
Based on observational records (eBird 2021), the species is tentatively assessed as forming three subpopulations. The largest subpopulation likely contains more than 1,000 mature individuals, but it may approach this number.
Trend justification
This population is suspected to be in slow decline owing to ongoing habitat loss and degradation (del Hoyo et al. 2003).
Asthenes huancavelicae occurs in the Andes of west and central Peru (locally in Ancash; an undescribed taxon which may represent a separate species), as well as Huancavelica, Huanuco and Ayacucho.
It inhabits arid valleys with scattered thorny bush, cacti and trees and shrubs, including Schinus molle, Carica, Tecoma and Spartium (BirdLife International 2000; Schulenberg 2020). It avoids disturbed habitats (Fjeldså and Krabbe 1990; Schulenberg 2020).
Its habitat is thought to be declining as a result of burning and grazing and there may be indirect habitat damage caused by a change in humidity resulting from deforestation of adjacent areas (BirdLife International 2000). Nevertheless, habitat loss is suspected to be slow (Collar et al. 1992; Schulenberg 2020).
Conservation Actions Underway
No targeted actions are known.
Conservation Actions Proposed
Conduct surveys to estimate the population size and trend. Monitor the population trend. Research potential threats to get a better understanding of their impacts on the species. Monitor rates of habitat loss.
Text account compilers
Hermes, C.
Contributors
Butchart, S., Ekstrom, J., Taylor, J. & Westrip, J.R.S.
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Species factsheet: Huancavelica Canastero Asthenes huancavelicae. Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/huancavelica-canastero-asthenes-huancavelicae 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.