Family: Cisticolidae (Cisticolas and allies)

Authority: (W.L. Sclater, 1931)

Red List Category

Criteria: C2a(ii)

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Justification of Red List category
This species can now be found reliably in parts of the East Usambara plateau, Tanzania. Its low population density and the small area of suitable habitat indicate that its total population is extremely small. Given that much of its habitat is being altered rapidly and is becoming increasingly fragmented, the species is likely to be undergoing a continuing decline, at least in some parts of its global range. Over 90% of its very small global population has been suspected to be confined to one subpopulation (Amani Nature Reserve), and on this basis it is considered Critically Endangered, however recent research suggests that total numbers, while still small, are larger than previously thought, and that Mt Nilo holds a significant proportion of the population. If this is confirmed the species is likely to warrant downlisting.

BirdLife Species Guardian: Norbert Cordeiro

Population size: 50-249 mature individuals

Population trend: decreasing

Extent of occurrence (breeding/resident): 440 km²

Country endemic: yes