Justification of Red List category
Although this species has a relatively small range, it is does not meet or approach the thresholds for Vulnerable under the range size criterion (Extent of Occurrence <20,000 km2 or Area of Occupancy <2,000 km2 combined with a declining or fluctuating range size, habitat extent/quality, or population size and a small number of locations or severe fragmentation); and while the species has likely been extirpated from areas of its historic range there is now no indication that forest loss is causing a continuing decline. The population size has not been accurately quantified, 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 global population size has not been quantified, but the species is described as locally common (del Hoyo et al. 2007, Allen 2020).
Trend justification
The population trend of this species is uncertain but it is suspected to be declining slowly in response to ongoing forest loss and degradation. Remote sensing data (Global Forest Watch 2021, using Hansen et al. [2013] data and methods disclosed therein) indicate that this is currently occurring at a rate of 2.5-3.0% over three generations. The impact of this on the species' population is unknown as it is known to be tolerant of some habitat degradation but is likely to be declining locally where there is total forest clearance. Much of the species' range lies outside protected areas, and habitat loss and degradation is suspected to continue.
Zosterornis striatus is endemic to Luzon, Philippines, where there are records from Lamao, Bataan, Mt Mariveles, Cape Engaño, Cagayan, Mt Cagua, Penablanca, Cagayan, Minuma, Siagot, Los Dos Cuernos, Mt Cetaceo, San Mariano ("Molino"), Isabela, Dilalongan, Aurora and Angat Dam (see Dickinson et al. 1991, eBird 2021).
This species occurs in broadleaved evergreen forest, logged forest and secondary growth. It also persists in heavily degraded forest and overgrown clearings. It is primarily a bird of forest floor and understorey, although it is sometimes also found in the middle and upper storeys. It mainly occupies forest below 500 m, although in the Sierra Madre it is locally common up to 1,000 m (Allen 2020).
This species is affected by the clearance of forest habitats as a result of logging, agricultural conversion and mining activities occurring within the range. Currently, this is occurring at a relatively slow rate and is not suspected to be causing rapid declines, especially considering the species' ability to persist in degraded habitats.
Conservation Actions Underway
No targeted conservation actions are known for this species, although forest in much of its range is remote and unlikely to be under imminent threat.
Conservation Actions Proposed
Monitor population trends and rates of habitat loss throughout its range. Campaign for the protection of remaining areas of lowland forest on Luzon.
Text account compilers
Berryman, A.
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Species factsheet: Luzon Striped Babbler Zosterornis striatus. Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/luzon-striped-babbler-zosterornis-striatus on 14/12/2024.
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 14/12/2024.