Data Zone
Justification of Red List category
This species is restricted to a very small range, and its population size is thought to be moderately small. Currently, the species is not thought to be under imminent risk, as forests within the range remain largely unaffected by human disturbance and habitat loss is very low. The species is therefore evaluated as Near Threatened. The species is however largely unknown; therefore its status may require revision if information on its biology and threats become available.
Population justification
A preliminary population estimate can be derived from a congener with similar habitat requirements, the Ecuadorian Tapaculo (Scytalopus robbinsi); this species occurs at a density of c. 27 mature individuals per km2 in suitable forest (Hermes et al. 2017). Assuming that the Junin Tapaculo occurs at a similar density in forested habitat across its known range (593 km2; Global Forest Watch 2021), the population may number c. 16,000 mature individuals. To account for uncertainty, the population is here placed in the band 10,000-19,999 mature individuals. This value however may need to be revised should more information on this species become available.
The subpopulation structure is currently unknown.
Trend justification
The population trend has not been assessed directly. The species is potentially threatened by deforestation, but tree cover loss within the range has been very low over the past ten years (3%; Global Forest Watch 2021). The species tolerates some secondary and shrubby growth as long as primary forest is nearby (del Hoyo et al. 2020); it is therefore tentatively assessed as stable.
The species is found in the Rio Satipo valley along the East slope of the Andes in Junín, central Peru. Its known range is very small.
Scytalopus gettyae has been recorded in the understorey of temperate humid forest, where it prefers dense, low secondary growth and shrubs, bamboo thickets and ferns adjacent to primary forest (del Hoyo et al. 2020). It ranges from 2,400 to 3,200 m.
The only potential threat known to this species is the loss and degradation of its montane forest habitat (del Hoyo et al. 2020). Forests within the range however remain largely unaffected by human disturbance and logging; forest has been lost at a rate of 4% over the past ten years (Global Forest Watch 2021).
Conservation Actions Underway
No targeted actions are known.
Conservation Actions Proposed
Research to determine the population size and distribution. Monitor the population trend. Investigate its life history and ecological requirements. Assess threats to the species. Protect suitable habitat within the range.
Text account compilers
Hermes, C.
Contributors
Wheatley, H.
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Species factsheet: Junin Tapaculo Scytalopus gettyae. Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/junin-tapaculo-scytalopus-gettyae on 22/12/2024.
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 22/12/2024.