Data Zone
Justification of Red List category
This species is experiencing a moderately rapid population decline owing to habitat degradation and loss within its range. It is therefore classified as Near Threatened.
Population justification
The global population size has not been quantified, but the species is usually described as uncommon or fairly common within its relatively small range (Morris and Hawkins 1998, Safford and Hawkins 2020).
Trend justification
The population is suspected to be declining due to ongoing habitat loss, although the trend is not quantified (Safford and Hawkins 2020). Over three generations (11.85 years), an estimated 29% of tree cover has been lost within the range (Global Forest Watch 2021, using Hansen et al. [2013] data and methods disclosed therein). The species may tolerate a low level of degradation and can occupy subdesert as well as forest habitat (Gardner et al. 2016, Safford and Hawkins 2020), and therefore it is thought that population declines would not exceed 30% over three generations.
This species is endemic to Madagascar.
This species occurs in spiny forest and thickets within Southwest Madagascar, and is largely confined to lowlands below 200 m (Safford and Hawkins 2020). It forages in small groups or pairs, and although there is little information available on the diet, it includes primarily invertebrates (Safford and Hawkins 2020).
The main threat to this species is ongoing habitat loss, although the trend is not quantified (Safford and Hawkins 2020). Over three generations (11.85 years), an estimated 29% of tree cover has been lost within the range (Global Forest Watch 2021, using Hansen et al. [2013] data and methods disclosed therein).
Conservation Actions Underway
The species occurs in several protected areas, including Beza-Mahafaly SR, Tsimanampetsotsa NP, and Andohahela NP (Safford and Hawkins 2020).
Conservation Actions Proposed
Produce a robust population estimate. Monitor the population trend. Protect remaining areas of suitable habitat.
Text account compilers
Rotton, H.
Contributors
Butchart, S., Ekstrom, J. & Hawkins, F.
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Species factsheet: Lafresnaye's Vanga Xenopirostris xenopirostris. Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/lafresnayes-vanga-xenopirostris-xenopirostris 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.